Congress MP Shashi Tharoor appears to have found an unlikely mission on social media—defending the honour of the humble idli.
What began last month with his now-viral dismissal of an idli-rasgulla comparison as a “profound cosmological misunderstanding” has evolved into a series of witty interventions whenever internet users attempt unconventional twists on the beloved South Indian dish.
The Latest Idli Controversy
The newest debate began when a social media user shared photographs of idlis sliced into neat triangular pieces, resembling bread slices or pizza wedges. The user jokingly asked followers to rate his “idli-cutting skills.”
The unusual presentation quickly caught attention, but it was Tharoor’s response that stole the show.
Drawing on his trademark humour, the MP quipped that this is what happens when a software engineer enters the kitchen and starts “partitioning the data.”
He went on to joke that it’s called an “idli,” not an “id-slice,” adding that nobody eats idlis this way—unless they mistake it for pizza.
The witty remark quickly went viral, with users praising his ability to turn even food debates into clever social commentary.
Earlier Debate: Idli With Chai
Just days before the sliced-idli discussion, another social media user sparked debate by sharing a plate of idli alongside a cup of chai and declaring it the perfect food combination.
While many expected Tharoor to comment on the unusual pairing, he instead focused on the idli itself.
The MP observed that the idli looked denser than ideal and lacked the soft, fluffy texture he associates with a truly great idli.
According to him, a perfect idli should be light, snowy white, and airy—not chewy or rubbery.
His detailed assessment amused food lovers and sparked fresh conversations about what actually qualifies as an “A-grade idli.”
Not Every Idli Post Gets Criticism
Interestingly, Tharoor’s growing reputation as social media’s self-appointed idli guardian doesn’t mean he disapproves of every idli-related post.
Following the sliced-idli discussion, another user shared a poetic tribute to the South Indian delicacy inspired by the writing style of legendary English poet William Wordsworth.
This time, instead of a witty correction, Tharoor responded with a single word: “Brilliant.”
Internet’s Favourite Idli Reviewer
What started as a casual observation about an idli-rasgulla comparison has now become an ongoing internet phenomenon.
Social media users seem increasingly eager to test the limits of Tharoor’s idli tolerance—whether by presenting unusual recipes, unconventional pairings, or creative tributes to the iconic dish.
And judging by his responses, the Thiruvananthapuram MP appears more than willing to continue defending one of South India’s most cherished foods from what he might consider culinary misadventures.
For now, one thing is certain: if your idli experiment goes viral online, don’t be surprised if Shashi Tharoor has an opinion about it.