Idli or dosa? Shashi Tharoor defends idlis with his signature eloquence, Swiggy delivers the perfect response

Breakfast debates just got a lot fancier. What started as a casual complaint about “always idli and dosa” on X quickly turned into a full-blown culinary showdown, catching the attention of none other than Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Known for his unmatched command of English, Tharoor didn’t just weigh in—he delivered an epic ode to idlis, turning a casual food gripe into a poetic celebration of South Indian cuisine.

The viral chain began when a user lamented the monotony of South Indian breakfast, prompting another to joke that while dosa deserves respect, idlis taste like “steamed regret.” Tharoor couldn’t let the insult slide. In his signature eloquent style, he described a great idli as a delicate, ethereal creation—a cloud-like morsel that melts on the tongue, a culinary masterpiece comparable to a Beethoven symphony or a Tendulkar century. To dismiss it, he argued, is to ignore the finest achievements of human culture.



Seizing the moment, Swiggy decided to join the conversation. The food delivery giant sent idlis straight to Tharoor and posted about it in elegant Hindi. Translated to English, their message read: “We are delighted to serve Shri Tharoor Ji the region’s finest idlis. We hope our efforts have satisfied his taste buds and brought him supreme bliss.” Their playful, respectful nod to the MP’s poetic flair made the internet smile even wider.

Internet reacts

Netizens had a field day responding to Tharoor’s idli ode. Many got creative, comparing idlis’ companions to celestial delights—pohe as the gentle morning sun, samosas as perfectly crisp triangles filled with spice and rebellion, and medu vadas as edible architecture. Several joked about Tharoor’s eloquence, wondering if even ChatGPT would need a subscription to keep up. Others pointed out that the perfect idli he described is rare to find nowadays, whether in restaurants or at home.


Many shared fond memories of fluffy, ghee-brushed idlis lovingly made by their mothers, praising the classic combo of idli with sambar and chutney as unmatched in taste and health benefits. Some even called the thread a love letter disguised as food writing, marvelling at how breakfast could be elevated to the level of Beethoven and Tendulkar in the same breath, while also making readers feel underqualified in English.