The Royal Chew: Why Premium Banarasi Paan is a Global Delicacy, Proudly Made in India
Across the vibrant streets of Varanasi and beyond, the sight of a paanwala deftly folding a fresh betel leaf is more than a familiar one — it’s a symbol of Indian tradition and hospitality. Paan, often seen as a simple mouth freshener, is actually a cultural expression — an intricate blend of flavor, fragrance, and artistry. Among all regional varieties, Banarasi Paan stands supreme. It’s a premium delicacy that beautifully captures India’s craftsmanship and heritage, making it a sought-after product for global markets.
Today, this centuries-old Indian art form is being reimagined for the world by innovative, organized brands that combine hygiene, authenticity, and export readiness. Two such leaders — Mast Banarasi Paan and Paan Aroma — are redefining what it means to savor tradition, Proudly Made in India.
The Legacy of Banarasi Paan
Banarasi Paan is not just a treat — it’s a ritual. Every element, from the leaf to the filling, is carefully selected to create a symphony of textures and flavors.
The Art of Preparation:
Betel Leaf: Tender, aromatic, and freshly picked from the finest farms.
Chuna & Katha: A thin layer of calcium hydroxide and catechu gives it the perfect balance of sharpness.
Filling: A rich medley of gulkand (rose petal preserve), saunf (fennel seeds), crushed dry fruits, coconut flakes, and sometimes a touch of silver leaf (varq).
Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and refreshing — a mouthful of heritage in every bite.
Each paan is folded with precision and served with pride — an experience that’s both sensory and soulful. For global buyers, Premium Banarasi Paan represents a unique fusion of taste, tradition, and export potential.
Leading the Charge: Two Icons of Premium Banarasi Paan
🌿 Mast Banarasi Paan — The Modern Twist to Traditional Paan
Basic Overview
Founder(s): Mr. Panchanand Thakur (also cited as Mr. Naveen Tiwari)
Founded: 2012 (or 2014 in some sources)
Headquarters: Delhi/Ghaziabad, India
Industry: Confectionery, Packaged Paan, Traditional Mouth Fresheners
Tagline: “The Modern Twist to Traditional Paan”
Founding Story
Born from the idea of modernizing the traditional paan experience, Mast Banarasi Paan sought to bring hygiene, consistency, and innovation to an unorganized market. Its founder envisioned a brand that would make paan a safe, stylish, and exportable indulgence — free from tobacco and rooted in Indian culture.
Starting from a single outlet, the brand grew rapidly by introducing new-age flavors and a café-style experience, making paan relevant for modern consumers.
Growth & Expansion
Over 400+ franchise outlets across India.
Strong domestic presence with online delivery and packaged offerings.
Recognized as a leading Exporter and Supplier of flavored and chocolate paans.
Quality and Certifications
FSSAI certified, with an emphasis on hygiene and freshness.
Working toward ISO 22000:2005 certification for food safety.
100% tobacco-free, using premium gulkand, nuts, and betel leaves.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Mast Banarasi Paan combines automation and craftsmanship — ensuring every paan retains traditional authenticity while meeting export hygiene standards. Vacuum-sealed packaging maintains freshness, making it ideal for export.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Supports local betel leaf farmers and small suppliers.
Promotes a tobacco-free paan culture to protect public health.
Financials & Market Presence
Annual Turnover: ₹0.5 – ₹2.5 crore (approx., standalone)
Network Turnover: Significantly higher through franchises
Employee Strength: 51 – 100 direct employees, plus franchise workforce
Export Reach: Targeting Indian diaspora markets (Middle East, USA, Southeast Asia)
Ratings & Customer Feedback
Google Rating: ~ 4.4 / 5 (across various outlets)
Tripadvisor: 5.0 / 5 (based on 1 review)
Magicpin: 4.3 / 5 (based on 34 ratings and reviews)
Customer Feedback Highlights:
Customers frequently mention the variety of unique paan flavors, especially tobacco-free and chocolate paan options.
Many compliment the cleanliness and modern setup of the stores, saying they feel hygienic and welcoming.
Staff are often praised as polite, friendly, and attentive, with prompt service.
Some reviewers mention that the paan is very sweet — though most find the sweetness balanced and enjoyable.
Why Global Buyers Trust It
India’s largest organized paan franchise network
Strong quality control and hygienic manufacturing
Export-ready packaging and compliance documentation
Modern flavors blended with authentic craftsmanship
🍃 Paan Aroma — The Authentic Taste of Varanasi
Basic Overview
Founder(s): Miss Priyanka Gautam (CEO) & Mr. Abhishek Gautam (Operations Head)
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Delhi/Gurugram, India
Tagline: “The Authentic Taste of Varanasi”
Industry: Flavored Paan, Traditional Indian Confectionery, Franchise Retail
Founding Story
Established in 2018, Paan Aroma was created to preserve and popularize the original Banarasi taste in a clean, hygienic, and accessible way. The brand’s leadership, spearheaded by Priyanka Gautam, adopted a franchise model to bring authentic paan to customers across India — and soon, to international markets.
Their mission: to serve the real taste of Varanasi in a modern, safe format without losing the essence of tradition.
Growth & Expansion
Rapid expansion through franchise outlets since 2019.
Branded as India’s “No. 1 Retail Chain of Real Taste of Banarasi Paan.”
Diversified into beverages, rewari, and snacks.
Quality and Certifications
FSSAI certified with strict adherence to hygiene standards.
Uses freshest ingredients, handcrafted for flavor consistency.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Centralized quality control for uniform taste across franchises.
Employs a mix of traditional flavor expertise and modern packaging.
Export-ready with long shelf-life paan mixes and confectionery products.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Promotes local ingredient sourcing and supports small suppliers.
Empowers entrepreneurs through affordable franchise options.
Financials & Market Presence
Turnover: Multi-crore network revenue (estimated)
Employee Strength: Growing with franchise network
Export Readiness: Poised for international distribution to diaspora-rich countries
Ratings & Customer Feedback
Ranchi: 4.4 / 5 (169 reviews)
Warangal: 4.7 / 5 (3 reviews)
Ratnagiri: Previously had favorable reviews (before closure) praising fire paan, iced paan, and chocolate paan varieties.
Customer Feedback Highlights:
Many customers praise flavor variety, especially fire paan, iced paan, and newer experimental varieties.
Patrons frequently mention the cleanliness and modern, comfortable interiors in shops.
Employees are often complimented for being friendly, helpful, and efficient.
Some reviewers feel the paan is slightly sweet, but most appreciate the authenticity and taste balance.
Why Global Buyers Trust It
Authentic Banarasi flavor, hygienic preparation
Proven scalable business model
Strong packaging and shelf-life innovation
Focus on premium, tobacco-free ingredients
Quick Reference Table: Brands at a Glance
| Feature | Mast Banarasi Paan | Paan Aroma |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012/2014 | 2018 |
| Founder(s) | Mr. Panchanand Thakur / Naveen Tiwari | Miss Priyanka Gautam / Mr. Abhishek Gautam |
| HQ | Delhi / Ghaziabad | Delhi / Gurugram |
| Employees | 51–100 + franchise staff | Growing franchise workforce |
| Certifications | FSSAI, ISO (in progress) | FSSAI |
| Annual Turnover | ₹0.5–₹2.5 crore (standalone) | Multi-crore (network estimate) |
| Export Reach | Targeting diaspora in global markets | Export-ready |
| Product Range | Packaged, flavored, and chocolate paan | Authentic Banarasi paan, rewari, snacks |
| Key Strength | India’s largest franchise network | Real taste, scalable franchise system |
| Ratings Summary | ~4.4/5 Google, 5.0/5 Tripadvisor, 4.3/5 Magicpin | 4.4/5 Ranchi, 4.7/5 Warangal, praised flavor variety & hygiene |
Conclusion: Banarasi Paan — India’s Heritage for Global Taste
Premium Banarasi Paan is more than a confection — it’s a cultural experience wrapped in a betel leaf. As global consumers seek authentic, story-rich products, India’s paan industry offers a niche yet promising category rooted in craftsmanship and flavor.
Brands like Mast Banarasi Paan and Paan Aroma are leading this transformation — making India’s age-old tradition global through modern packaging, hygiene, and export standards.
Why it matters for importers:
Authentic, high-demand Indian heritage product
Tobacco-free and hygienically packaged for global compliance
Strong domestic base and scalable export model
When you choose to import or distribute Premium Banarasi Paan, you’re not just selling a product — you’re offering a taste of India’s heritage, its artistry, and its timeless hospitality.
That’s what makes it truly — and proudly — Made in India.
If you like, I can also provide a separate Ratings & Testimonials section with curated quotes for each brand (to highlight credibility) and prepare a short intro + meta description.



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