Steamed Idli, Made from Fermented Rice and Lentils, Paired with a Spiced Soup

India, a vast South Asian nation home to 1.2 billion people, is a tapestry of diverse ethnicities, languages, and religions. While bustling with activity during the day, the 90 minutes before sunrise are known as "Brahmamuhurta," a tranquil period for walks and bathing, cherished by the Indian people. It's said that in India, breakfast is a time for elaborate, carefully prepared meals.

Given India's vast geography, its climate and food cultures vary significantly by region. While wheat is the staple in the north, rice, like in Japan, is the staple in the south. This time, World Breakfast All Day will feature South Indian breakfasts.


The menu includes traditional dishes such as "Idli," a steamed staple made from fermented rice and lentils, and "Vada," savory lentil doughnuts, all enjoyed with "Sambar," a spiced soup, and "Chutney," a coconut-based relish. The meal is accompanied by "Thoran," a stir-fry of beets with coconut. Paired with "Naranjaveḷḷam," a lemon drink, it feels like it could truly banish the heat.

Other offerings include "Payasam," a rice pudding dessert, and masala chai infused with spices. Cooking classes and workshops related to India are also planned during the period.

These dishes, featuring authentic Indian spices, seem capable of warming the body chilled by air conditioning. The breakfasts, honed by India's long history, offer hints for navigating the summer heat, even for us living in modern Japan.