The smell draws you in, reminding you of  forgotten train journeys and long distance bus trips.

The rising steam from the white and fluffy rounds makes your hands itch,
eager to finish it off

But..

Wait. This must be done in style.
Aha! Now it's 'makeup' time.
In a while, it'll be  good to eat.

Voila!
From white see it turn red,
thanks to being doused
with grandma's special
coarsely ground powder mix,
a lethal combination,
sure to send your
tastebuds into a frolicking mode.

I am searching the dictionary
to find words to describe
the collaboration of
of roasted lentils and a mix of spices,
ground into a powder,
a.k.a the Iddli chilli powder,
mixed with little oil
and smeared onto
soft as jasmine iddlis.

Wait ...some more, for it to soak.


Bite into perfect rounds partnering
with cold curd or hot coffee.

You're back in the running,
with joie de vivre,
in your friends circle.

Fermented and steamed,
these dainty Iddlis have a humble request.

A selfie and many 'likes'.

Your tummy growls its support.