Google Doodle celebrates idli, honoring South Indian dish's global appeal
What's the story
Google has released a special Doodle to celebrate the cultural and culinary significance of idli, a popular South Indian dish. The artwork depicts the entire process of making an idli, from ingredients to serving. It highlights the dish's status as a nutritious, vegan, and gluten-free superfood enjoyed all over the world. Officially, World Idli Day is celebrated on March 30. However, Google's tribute on October 11 celebrates idli's ability to unite people across regions and generations.
Artistic representation
Idli-making process
The Google Doodle creatively depicts the entire idli-making process, from rice grains and batter to steaming the soft, fluffy rice cakes. It also shows them being served with traditional accompaniments like coconut chutney and sambar. The colorful artwork pays homage to this beloved dish's cultural significance in India and beyond.
International recognition
Tribute to India's rich food heritage
Despite its simplicity, idli has won hearts from Chennai to Chicago. The time-consuming process of soaking, fermenting, and steaming is a testament to India's rich food heritage. Google's tribute isn't just about celebrating a dish but also highlighting this culinary legacy for the world to savor. The doodle also highlights the versatility of idlis with variations like ragi idli, oats idli, quinoa idli, among others.
Culinary history
Where did idlis originate from?
The exact origin of idlis is still a mystery, with several theories surrounding its creation. Some believe it came from Indonesia, while others attribute its invention to Arab traders who settled on the South Indian coast. Food historian Kurush Dalal notes that rice has only been grown in South India for about 3,000 years. This suggests that idlis can't be older than that as they're made from rice.