The dish that holds a special place in every Indian kitchen and has found its way around the globe is the fluffy Idli. But, the world of Idlis is much wider and tastier than most people realise.
Cucumber Idli uses grated cucumber to add a light, juicy bite – perfect for hot days when you want food that is soothing yet scrumptious. Ragi Idli brings health to the forefront with its earthy taste and nutrient-rich finger millet base.
So, keep scrolling because we are about to serve up some lip-smacking Idlis you have never even dreamed of.
The Unique Idlis
Kanchipuram Idli
Kanchipuram Idli is steeped in tradition and seasoned with crushed peppercorns, cumin, ginger and even a little dollop of ghee for good measure.
The flavours are deep, layered and beautifully balanced. Back in the day, temple cooks would steam these idlis in mantharai (mountain ebony) leaves, which added a subtle earthy fragrance that was just impossible to replicate.
This Idli is a prasadam given at the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram. And, what is prasadam? Well, it is food that has been offered to the Lord and is then given to devotees as a sacred blessing.
You do not just eat this dish; you experience it. Each bite is a reminder of centuries-old traditions that have been passed down, one idli at a time.
Cucumber Idli
Cucumber in Idli? Now, that might make you raise an eyebrow, but this is one culinary curveball you will be glad you caught. If you thought cucumber only belonged in salads or raitas, boy, are you in for a surprise!
Cucumber Idli – or ‘Southekayi Kadubu’ as the locals in Karnataka call it – is a refreshing twist to your regular breakfast fare. It is everything you need when the heat turns relentless and your appetite goes into hiding.
Grated cucumber is mixed right into the idli batter, lending it a subtle sweetness and a moist, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
It is the perfect pick when you want something light but not plain, refreshing but not boring.
Pair it with a mildly spiced chutney and you have got yourself a plateful of happiness. If you are tired of the same old idlis, this one is definitely a must-try.
Masala Idli
Masala Idli is an unapologetically colourful dish which spices up every gathering. Here, idlis are chopped into bite-sized cubes and stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, curry leaves and a wild mix of spices. Trust us, it is a straight-up party on a plate!
It is spicy and crunchy at the edges yet soft in the middle – a beautiful mess you cannot get enough of.
It has got that ‘can’t-stop-won’t-stop’ factor where you tell yourself you will have just a spoonful and the next thing you know, the whole bowl is gone.
Thatte Idli
Straight from the buzzing streets of Karnataka, savour the fluffy goodness of Thatte Idli or Plate Idli. Unlike the tiny idlis most of you are used to, Thatte Idli is a big, bold, thick version.
Imagine holding an idli almost the size of your palm! Pretty amazing, huh? Bite into one and you will know why locals swear by it. It is hearty, filling and great when you need something to keep you going through a busy day.
It is like a meal in itself, perfect when you want something filling but not heavy. You can pair it with spicy Sambar and coconut chutney.
Honestly, once you get a taste of Thatte Idli with a strong tea on the side – you will be hooked forever!
Ragi Idli
If your heart has been calling for something nourishing without skimping on taste, you have to try Ragi Idli.
Made from finger millet flour (ragi), these idlis are packed to the brim with fibre, calcium and iron, making them the best choice for the health-conscious crowd.
Now, before you think, ‘Oh no, healthy equals boring,’ hear us out. Ragi Idlis are nutty, slightly earthy in flavour and pair wonderfully with spicy chutneys.
They have a beautiful brown hue that looks rustic and inviting. On mornings when you want to fuel yourself, Ragi Idlis are a godsend. Also, they are gluten-free!
It is the kind of small, smart swap that makes you feel like you are winning at life – deliciously and nutritiously. Ragi Idli proves that healthy food can, in fact, be a comforting experience.
Idli Tikka
Whoever thought of Idli Tikka deserves a standing ovation. No, seriously. They took idli, marinated it in spicy yoghurt and masala, skewered it up like paneer tikka and grilled it to smoky perfection.
Yes, Idli Tikka is exactly as mouth-watering as it sounds. The outer layer gets a slight char, locking in a smoky flavour, while the inside remains pillowy and soft.
It is the ultimate Indian fusion dish – part South Indian comfort, part North Indian zest. Idli Tikka will completely change the way you look at idlis.
If you are the kind who loves twisting classics into something edgy and exciting, you do not want to miss Idli Tikka. Once you have tasted Idli Tikka, you will wonder why you did not discover it sooner!
Chilli Idli
Now, for all the adventurous souls and street food lovers out there, Chilli Idli is where things get really interesting. This Indo-Chinese dish is fiery, feisty and flat-out fabulous.
Chilli Idli takes cubes of idli, deep-fried or shallow fries them until crispy-edged and then tosses them with bell peppers, onions, green chillies, soy sauce and sometimes even a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Sounds heavenly? It absolutely is.
It feels like fireworks going off in your mouth, in the best way possible. A mouthwatering combination of crisp, spicy, savoury goodness you simply cannot stop nibbling.
If you ever thought of idli as ‘bland breakfast food,’ a mouthful of Chilli Idli shows you how wrong you were. However, one plate is never enough. You might notice yourself reaching for seconds… and thirds.
So, there you have it – seven amazing varieties of idli that prove the South Indian classic is so much more than just a breakfast dish. Each type carries its own story, its own flavour profile and its own charm.
Maybe, just maybe, it is time for you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. So which one are you going to try first? Let us know, we will be happy to hear from you!
