Google Doodle Celebrates Idli: Know the Story Behind South India’s Famous Breakfast Dish

Google has dedicated today’s Doodle (October 11, 2025) to one of India’s most loved dishes, the idli. The special Doodle highlights the cultural importance of this popular South Indian breakfast and its journey through history.

The Doodle is designed to resemble a banana leaf, traditionally used as a plate in South Indian meals. The word Google has been creatively illustrated using food items closely linked with idli and its accompaniments. The first ‘G’ is made of rice grains, while the first ‘O’ shows a bowl of upma. The second ‘O’ represents an idli maker tray with its moulds, and the second ‘G’ features three soft idlis. The ‘L’ is formed using three idlis and one medu vada, while the ‘E’ combines bowls of chutney and sambar along with a piece of dosa or uttapam.

The Origin of Idli

Food historians believe that the roots of idli can be traced back to Indonesia, known for its long tradition of fermented foods. The idea of steaming fermented batter is said to have travelled to South India between 800 and 1200 CE. Early references to idli like dishes appear in ancient texts.

A Kannada work from 920 AD mentions Iddalige, a dish made from urad dal batter. Later, the Sanskrit text Manasollasa (1130 AD) refers to Iddarika, describing a similar preparation. By the 17th century, Tamil literature used the term Itali to refer to the dish now widely known as idli.

Why Idli is Special

Idli is made from a fermented mixture of rice and urad dal. The fermentation enhances its nutritional content and adds a slight tangy flavour. Served with coconut chutney, spicy sambar, or ghee, it is a dish enjoyed across generations.

Light, nutritious, and easy to digest, idli remains a staple in Indian households and has gained popularity across the world. The steaming process makes it low in fat, while the combination of rice and lentils offers a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.

By dedicating today’s Doodle to idli, Google has recognised not just a dish, but an important part of India’s cultural identity. The Doodle celebrates how food connects people, traditions, and history across regions and generations.