US Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris' favourite food is idli "with a really good sambar".
Cover Photo: @kamalaharris/Instagram & Pixabay
Where to sate your craving for the traditional South Indian steamed rice cake made of fermented rice and lentils

1. MTR1924

The 'MTR' in the name stands for Mavalli Tiffin Room, in reference to its origins in Bangalore where it was established in, you guessed it, 1924. Fun fact: The restaurant's initial name was 'Brahmin Coffee Club' where patrons came to enjoy coffee and idli.

Today, the restaurant serves up hearty South Indian cuisine including Rava Idli and Thatte Idli (a flatter, spongier version that's said to be the equivalent of two regular-sized idlis) that have become hot favourites.

MTR1924 | 69, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2276 4924

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2. Mr. Naan & Mrs. Idly

From bite-sized mini idli to big idli drenched in ghee, Mr. Naan & Mrs. Idly offers its own take on the traditional vegetarian South Indian breakfast as well other mouthwatering delights like biryani, the Mumbai vada pav, and Thali rice sets. Dine-ins, takeaways and deliveries are available during the CMCO period.    

Mr. Naan & Mrs. Idly | 190, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur | 019-2617070

 

3. Idli Only Cafe

You might have seen this modest-looking cafe in Bangsar more than once, but did you know that you can get around 16 different types of idli, from spicy savoury delights to sweet coconut versions, which are made free of additives and food colouring?

Idli Only Cafe | 64, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur | 012-914 1400

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4. Saravanaa Bhavan

Here's another South Indian vegetarian spot we love: Saravanaa Bhavan's idli, dosa, pani puri and more are hugely popular in Malaysia as well as at its branches across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Sweden and Singapore.

Saravanaa Bhavan | 52, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2287 1228

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5. Asian Rice Pot

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Above Photo: Pixabay

This writer's go-to GrabFood dinners during the MCO were from Asian Rice Pot, especially its biryani rice meals, chicken peratal and, of course, piping hot idli served with chutney. Note: Asian Rice Pot's idli is sometimes unavailable for GrabFood orders, so be sure to check with the restaurant first. 

Asian Rice Pot | 11, Jalan SS5A/11, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-7874 6911

6. Betel Leaf

Explore Betel Leaf's Chettinad cuisine made with spices imported from India and ingredients grown in the restaurant's farm in Negeri Sembilan. The idli here are served after 4pm, in a plate of two pieces or mini-idli served in a plate of 14 pieces.

Betel Leaf | 77A, Leboh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2032 5932

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