. NEW DELHI: An X user tagged Shashi Tharoor while joking that if the Congress MP came across a viral post comparing rasgulla to idli, it would result in an ‘eloquent linguistic assassination.’What followed was exactly that, as Tharoor delivered a detailed and humorous defence of the iconic South Indian dish in his trademark style.The viral post had claimed, ‘Rasgulla is nothing but a idli dipped in sugar syrup’ and called it the ‘most overrated desert’.Responding to it, Tharoor wrote, “Indeed! To conflate a Rasgulla with an Idli is not just a culinary error; it is a profound cosmological misunderstanding.”Explaining why the comparison made little sense, Tharoor said the two foods belonged to entirely different culinary categories.”To begin with, the comparison is practically a biological impossibility. She is comparing chhena (the delicate, squeaky, pristine curd of milk) with a meticulously fermented batter of parboiled rice and black gram (urad dal). Their compositions are from entirely different kingdoms,” he wrote.”One is an airy, spongy lattice designed to trap light sugar syrup; the other is a dense, wholesome, steamed matrix of complex carbohydrates and proteins. Their taste, consistency, structural integrity, and existential purpose share absolutely nothing in common,” he added.Tharoor then described the idli as ‘one of the greatest engineering marvels of the culinary world’ and praised the science behind its preparation.”The Idli is not a mere ‘bland cake.’ It is a masterclass in biotechnology. To achieve the perfect Idli is to balance the delicate microflora of wild fermentation over a cold night, resulting in a steamed cloud that is a triumph of gut health, lightness, and nutritional balance,” he wrote.Calling idli a ‘savoury monolith of South Indian culinary genius’, Tharoor said it was perfectly suited to absorb flavours of sambar, molaga-podi and ghee.”To suggest an Idli would even consent to being drowned in sugar syrup is to fundamentally misunderstand its dignity,” he remarked.He concluded the post by saying people were free to criticise rasgullas on their own merits, but should leave idlis out of the debate.”If this lady finds Rasgullas overrated, argue that on the merits of their sponginess or sweetness. But please, leave the noble, perfectly fermented, steamed majesty of the Idli out of your dessert-table polemics, ma’am!” Tharoor wrote.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy PM Modi Visited Afsluitdijk Dam In Netherlands: The Dutch Model India NeedsBhojshala Row Intensifies As Congress MP Digvijaya Singh Calls High Court Verdict “Vague”‘Lack Of Understanding About India’: MEA Hits Back At Dutch PM’s Remarks On MinoritiesIndia-Bound LPG Carrier Reaches Gujarat Safely After Crossing Strait Of HormuzIndia’s First Captagon Seizure: NCB Busts Rs 182 Cr Int’l Drug Network, Syrian National ArrestedBhagwant Mann’s Remarks On PM Modi’s Foreign Visits Trigger BJP CounterattackRajinikanth Breaks Silence On Vijay Government, Rejects Political Speculation Over Stalin MeetingKolkata Man Arrested For Sending ‘Al Qaeda’ Suicide Bomb Threat Email Against Suvendu AdhikariCNG Prices Hiked Again In Delhi-NCR As Global Oil Surge Pushes Delhi Rate Beyond Rs 80/kgCBSE Makes 3 Languages Mandatory For Class 9 & 10 Students | Full Explained123PhotostoriesOats vs Poha (flattened rice): Which breakfast is better for weight loss and energy?5 common signs that your dog is in pain (and what to do about it)There are only 2 countries starting with ‘Z’ and why travellers should explore themFrom Siddharth Nigam to Avika Gor: How your favourite Indian child actors look now and what they’re doing9 quiet emotional and spiritual shifts that make people distant5 smart and pocket-friendly tips to grow a grocery-saving kitchen garden for under ₹1,000Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal’s Vihaan, Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor’s Raha: Celebrity babies with beautiful Sanskrit namesTyson Fury daughter Venezuela marries Noah Price at 16:Who is her husband, wedding details, parents’ reactionWatermelon Adulteration: 5 summer fruit alternatives to watermelon for hydrationFatty liver is rising fast in India, but most people ignore these silent warning signs until it’s serious123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleTS EAPCET Result 2026
NEW DELHI: An X user tagged Shashi Tharoor while joking that if the Congress MP came across a viral post comparing rasgulla to idli, it would result in an ‘eloquent linguistic assassination.‘What followed was exactly that, as Tharoor delivered a detailed and humorous defence of the iconic South Indian dish in his trademark style.The viral post had claimed, ‘Rasgulla is nothing but a idli dipped in sugar syrup’ and called it the ‘most overrated desert’.Responding to it, Tharoor wrote, “Indeed! To conflate a Rasgulla with an Idli is not just a culinary error; it is a profound cosmological misunderstanding.”Explaining why the comparison made little sense, Tharoor said the two foods belonged to entirely different culinary categories.“To begin with, the comparison is practically a biological impossibility. She is comparing chhena (the delicate, squeaky, pristine curd of milk) with a meticulously fermented batter of parboiled rice and black gram (urad dal). Their compositions are from entirely different kingdoms,” he wrote.“One is an airy, spongy lattice designed to trap light sugar syrup; the other is a dense, wholesome, steamed matrix of complex carbohydrates and proteins. Their taste, consistency, structural integrity, and existential purpose share absolutely nothing in common,” he added.Tharoor then described the idli as ‘one of the greatest engineering marvels of the culinary world’ and praised the science behind its preparation.“The Idli is not a mere ‘bland cake.’ It is a masterclass in biotechnology. To achieve the perfect Idli is to balance the delicate microflora of wild fermentation over a cold night, resulting in a steamed cloud that is a triumph of gut health, lightness, and nutritional balance,” he wrote.Calling idli a ‘savoury monolith of South Indian culinary genius’, Tharoor said it was perfectly suited to absorb flavours of sambar, molaga-podi and ghee.“To suggest an Idli would even consent to being drowned in sugar syrup is to fundamentally misunderstand its dignity,” he remarked.He concluded the post by saying people were free to criticise rasgullas on their own merits, but should leave idlis out of the debate.“If this lady finds Rasgullas overrated, argue that on the merits of their sponginess or sweetness. But please, leave the noble, perfectly fermented, steamed majesty of the Idli out of your dessert-table polemics, ma’am!” Tharoor wrote.
