A tempting assortment of a dozen delectable and sumptuous baby idlis smeared with two to four types of Podi(s) / gunpowders mixed with ghee, served with red, green and white chutneys and  a bowl of aromatic sambar accompanied with a cup of south Indian filter coffee is an irresistible brunch option that will take you to the seventh heaven if you are a lover of south Indian food. Podi(s)/ Gunpowders are marvelous mixtures of  ground dry spices and ingredients which have the potential to create magic in just every south Indian dish, be it idli, dosa, upma, rice bath or anything we would love to add it to.

Driven by hunger pangs, I decided to visit one of my favourite eateries i.e. the Sagar Ratna Pure Vegetarian authentic south Indian restaurant, a branch of the Sagar Ratna chain of casual dining restaurants nationwide, to fill up my stomach which was only a few hundred metres from the Guwahati Railway station at Paltan Bazaar. It is a decent, neat and clean place where you can always sit alone quietly or with your family comfortably and enjoy your food. In spite of being amidst chaotic surroundings at Paltan Bazaar, the ambience in this place is quiet, cosy, & hygienic and the service is really laudable.

In Guwahati, there are very few places where you would get authentic South Indian food and this is the only one humble place where you would get this rather exotic assorted Podi Idli platter, which comprises of a plate of 12 baby idlis smeared with an assortment of Podis of your choice in the menu.

1. Til Chutney Podi (Nugulu Podi)– A tempting mix of Sesame seeds, Coriander and garlic.
2. Coriander Podi (Nalla Karam Podi)– A unique and spicy blend of Coriander seeds, curry leaves, garlic and red chilly.
3. Toor Dal Podi (Kandi Papu Podi)– A mix of lentils comprising toor dal ( split pigeon peas), chana dal (split chickpeas or Bengal gram), urad dal (split and skinned Black gram) and red chilly.
4. Bitter Gourd Podi (Kakarkaya Karam Podi)-  A delicious and healthy mix of Bitter gourd, roasted dal, tamarind and cumin.

It is a delicious and healthy breakfast and snack option for the south Indian food  lovers. For me it was an out of the world experience to enjoy the taste of this wonderful dish.

The taste of the idlis, chutneys or podis were all near perfect. However, they could have provided all the four types of podis available with them in this assorted idli platter instead of just one or two podis of your choice which they insist upon.  A plate of assorted podi idlis had cost me Rs 130 with GST. Although the price was a bit higher yet it was worth spending given its taste, preparation and service and the unavailability of the dish anywhere else in the city. A must try to satiate your cravings for south Indian flavours while in Guwahati.