Erode idli market evades taste buds of foodies beyond borders

From plate idli to jalebi, mint and tender coconut idlis, varieties of the savoury rice cake made in Erode idli market has gained popularity worldwide. From Erode bus stand to Singapore, these hot idlis have enlivened the taste buds of foodies and are being much sought after by foreign nationals too

Erode (Tamil Nadu):It is surprising to see that Idlis from more than 15 shops located in the 'Idli Sandhai' (idli market) at Karungalpalayam in the Erode district has gained popularity worldwide. From Erode bus stand to Singapore, these hot idlis are being much sought after by foreign nationals too.

In the good old days, merchants of this market used to make idlis and sell them door-to-door. Later, they set up shop in front of their house and began selling them.

As their business flourished, the public in the surrounding areas gradually flocked to the shops to buy hot idlis both in the morning and at night. The popularity of these idlis went to such an extent that tourists and traders from Malaysia, Singapore and other countries, savour them.

Some of these tourists having returned to their hometown had even contacted these Erode merchants for idli recipes. Also, from local weddings to other events, people do pre-order and buy these idlis from the Karungalpalayam market.

The market has now become so popular, that the merchants are experimenting with varieties like jalebi idli, mint idli, heart-shaped idli, etc. The shops are open from 3 am to 11am and from 5pm to 10pm daily.

Initially began as a small business, the idli market has been operating for three generations now.