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Shashi Tharoor explained in his post that a good, soft idli would dissolve in chai and ruin it, whereas a ‘dunkable’ idli would be too rubbery for his taste and not worth eating
Besides rejecting the combo, Tharoor also humorously criticised the appearance of the idli
Every now and then, people come up with unusual food combinations. While some get a thumbs up, others leave everyone scratching their heads.
The latest combination to spark discussion is idli and chai, a pairing that many food lovers simply could not get behind. Among those who joined the conversation was Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who once again stepped in to defend the humble South Indian dish.
The politician reacted to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) in which a woman stated that idlis and chai are the “best combination to ever exist,” accompanied by a picture of her holding an idli over a cup of chai. “Oh, I see what you’re doing here! Aside from provoking me, that is,” Tharoor wrote in reply to the post.
His criticism was not limited to the chai-idli combination. The politician also took issue with the appearance of the idli itself. “I have to be honest: that idli looks a bit too solid and dense for my liking. And the discolouration in the pic is not very appetising. There’s something about a perfectly soft, snowy-white, fluffy idli that just can’t be beaten. This one looks likely to be chewy and rubbery. Not an A-grade idli,” he shared.
While admitting that he is a “massive chai fan”, Tharoor explained that he prefers to keep his tea and food separate. He said, “I’ve always been a firm believer in the ‘separate but equal’ policy: I prefer my chai alongside or after eating, rather than dunking anything in it.”
He also argued that a truly good idli would even survive being dipped into tea. “Anyway, a truly good, soft idli would probably just dissolve in the hot chai and ruin it, whereas a ‘dunkable’ idli would be too rubbery for my taste and not worth eating,” he added.
Summing up his position, Tharoor concluded, “I say keep the chai in the cup and the idli on the plate—they’re both better off that way!”
Internet Reacts To Shashi Tharoor’s Post
The post quickly gained attention on the platform, drawing a range of reactions from people.
One user said, “South Indians can tolerate many things, but disrespecting idli and dosa isn’t one of them.”
Oh, I see what you’re doing here! Aside from provoking me, that is.I have to be honest: that idli looks a bit too solid and dense for my liking. And the discolouration in the pic is not very appetising. There’s something about a perfectly soft, snowy-white, fluffy idli that… https://t.co/O9GsGAGPa6
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 7, 2026
“Chai and Idli, two of my favourite things, but dunking idli in chai is sacrilegious. A nice fluffy idli with some coconut chutney with chai on the side, now we are talking,” another user mentioned.
Another person wrote, “As an ardent idli aficionado, I personally feel it is disturbing and kind of blasphemous.”
“I was able to understand Shashi Tharoor’s English,” someone joked after understanding Tharoor’s post, which had no difficult words.
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