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Google Doodle Honors Idli, the Beloved South Indian Staple
11 Oct
Summary
- Google Doodle features iconic South Indian dishes like idli, medu vada, sambar, and chutney
- Idli has been mentioned in ancient texts dating back to the 10th and 12th centuries
- Idli is traditionally served with sambar and coconut chutney
On October 11th, 2025, Google Doodle paid tribute to one of India's most beloved foods: the idli. The Doodle, designed to resemble a banana leaf, features various elements of South Indian cuisine associated with the iconic steamed rice cake.
The letter 'G' is formed by a pile of white granular food, possibly representing semolina or rice grains. The first 'O' is a small bowl holding a white preparation, likely upma. The second 'O' depicts an idli maker tray, showcasing the moulds where the steamed cakes are cooked. The second 'G' is constructed using three round, white pieces of idli, the staple dish. The 'L' is made up of three idlis and one medu vada, a savory, doughnut-shaped fritter.
The middle bar is a bowl of sambar, a lentil and vegetable stew, while the curve represents a piece of dosa or uttapam, another popular crepe-like dish. These elements highlight the rich culinary traditions and cultural significance of idli across South India.
Historical references to idli date back to the 10th century, with the Kannada work of 920 AD mentioning "Iddalige," indicating a dish made from urad dal batter. The Sanskrit text Manasollasa (1130 AD) also refers to "Iddarika," describing a similar preparation. In the 17th century, Tamil literature used the term "Itali" for idli, further solidifying its place in the region's culinary heritage.
