Did you know that March 30th is celebrated as 'World Idli Day'?!
Idli (Rice cake) is the staple dish in South Indian households. It is one such dish which is simple, tasty and healthy. Many varieties of idlis are made in different parts of India. Especially in South India there are some best places that're most famous for their idlis.
Idli is said to be originated in Karnataka as the recipe is mentioned in the ancient Kannada works. Some records suggest that idli is also mentioned in many Tamil works. However, the traditional variety of idli was made using Urad Dal (black gram). In modern idlis, uncooked rice or even rava (a form of semolina) is added to form different types of idlis.
So let us go on a idli trial?
Tatte Idli in Tumkur
Tatte Idli (Plate Idli) is big and is a size of a small plate. Tumkur and Bidadi in Karnataka are very famous for Tatte idlis. People who travel across make sure they stop over to have these yummy idlis.
Photo Courtesy: Girionthenet
Ramassery Idli
Ramassery is a village in Palakkad which is popular for a unique variety of idli. Interestingly, the traditional recipe of Ramassery idli originated from Kanchipuram. It became famous because of the migrated who people made it a business in Palakkad. Today, only few families have the skill of making the traditional Ramassery idli.
Photo Courtesy: Mullookkaaran
Rava Idli in Bangalore (MTR)
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) is said to be the inventor of Rava idli. This idli is made out of semolina. Rava Idli is eaten with saagu (a kind of gravy) and coconut chutney. If you haven't tried Rava Idli in MTR yet, then it's high time you saviour it!
Photo Courtesy: Sarvagnya
Sanna Idli in Goa
Sanna Idli is very famous in the places of Konkan Coast in Karnataka and Goa. It is a spongy white rice cake which is eaten with mutton curries and other gravies. It is also famous dish in Mangalore Catholic cuisine. Sannas are also known as Hittli that also have a sweet version.
Photo Courtesy: Kensplanet
Kanchipuram idli
Kanchipuram idlis are a little different from the original idlis. They're spicy as they contain pepper, jeera , ginger,etc. So when you visit Kanchipuram don't just do saree shopping but do taste these yummy idlis.
Mallige Idli in Mysore
Mallige Idli is literally translated to 'Jasmin Idli'. That just means that they have a good smell. It is similar to Khushboo idlis that're made in Tamil Nadu. Mysore is known as the best place for tasting 'Mallige Idli'.
Photo Courtesy: Ritesh Shete
Muday Idli – Mangalore
Muday Idli is a typical Mangalore cuisine. Here the batter is poured into woven jackfruit leaves and steamed. Muday idli is cylindrical in shape and is a famous type of idli in Karnataka.
Photo Courtesy: Prashanthns
Enduri Pitha
Enduri Pitha is a distant form of idli which is made in Odisha. It is mainly a festival food, made during Prathamashtami.
Photo Courtesy: Swetabiswal
Mallige Idli in Madurai
Don't forget to try Mallige idli in Madurai. It is one of the places to taste Mallige idli/Khushboo idli in Tamil Nadu.
Photo Courtesy: Manfred Sommer