MY FAVORITE FOOD IS TAMIL FOOD! Making Idiyappam with Rajiv Surendra - String Hoppers

[@carla.c]

I'm just about to watch but, I have a couple of video suggestion before I forget. Can we get grocery shopping or farmer's market shopping with Rajiv or a personal grooming/hygiene video.

[@Breckin4587]

Agreed.

[@CaptainKirk637]

Me too! But I do not think Rajiv really reads most of the comments!!

[@tammyjohnson7401]

He has done a hygiene video. Farmers would be nice.

[@community1854]

Sri Lanka Delight from California online. You can get the perfect mix no need to mess with flour. You just get idiappam instantly. They shop anywhere in the US!

[@gabhizinhaa]

Honestly, this is wholesomeness in a nutshell. What a treat. We’re so lucky!

[@janabradbury-brune]

Sweet story of your mom. Thanks for sharing. Helps to honor her with stories.

[@pinkhana100]

It’s so nice to see other people like me, talking about the foods that we grew up with (as a Tamil Canadian myself). Sri Lankan cuisine is not talked about as much as Indian cuisine, which is quite sad. Even though both cuisines are similar, there are a lot of distinctions. This whole video was so relatable (especially about your aunt haha) and watching your process made me feel not as intimidated about making iddiyapam. Thank you for showing another one of our dishes and amazing video, as always 💛

[@mgsa5722]

Indian cuisine has Tandoori food which is liked more in western countries, its mostly North Indian food which has become popular in the west

[@bfranklin1052]

Wonderful, Rajiv! Thank you so much for the introduction to these Tamil foods and your mother's kitchen. And also to your aunt! I love your delightful stories and spending time with you in your kitchen and all the places you take us. You are a treasure!

[@popicelolly]

Malaysian Indian here, we eat a lot of this too. We eat it the savoury way with curries and the sweet way with brown sugar and freshly grated coconut. So good!

[@ssssssssssama]

Same in Tamilnadu as well

[@savitriwijesinghe3282]

As Iam Sri Lankan i really appreciate your video of Idiyappam as its one of our breakfast and dinner staples. I can never get the mixture right but after watching u i really must try. I too eat with sothi, fried potatoes and pol sambol.❤❤❤ Luv yr mother's photos. ❤❤❤

[@lindajanke6194]

What a wonderful video! Thank you for visiting with us while you cooked. It is officially my birthday as it is one minute after midnight. I'm happy to spend the first few minutes of my 75th birthday with my friend, Rajiv!

[@rajivsurendra]

Happy 75th Birthday! 🎉

[@Meme-dp9gn]

Happy belated birthday birthday Linda ❤

[@fatherofchickens7951]

I feel like I’ve gone to church after watching one of your videos 🥰

[@logical1291]

Your mom must be so proud of you. ♥️

[@No.Lola777]

I’m sorry but merely 20 seconds in and omg those plates are just perfection. Ty for bringing beauty to our world Rajiv✨

[@ednatucker5445]

Hi Rajiv...Kudos to mom for keeping a family staple meal (Idiyappam) good and healthy! Enjoying learning the different types of ethnic food...quite educational! Yes, you've mastered your "jewel box" kitchen! Love it!

[@biddydibdab9180]

Huge kitchens mean more time wasted travelling to get what you need. Love your kitchen. Top quality in a small space.

[@annabizaro-doo-dah]

😂nope. Living in London with a family I *dream* of having me an American kitchen.... but definitely not a New York one😬

[@linaD08]

So wonderful to learn about Tamil food!! And your traditions too! Thank you Rajiv!!

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

Your Mom gave you that beautiful gift of sharing her love, time, dedication and heritage with her family. ❤

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

I love your yellow moldings. Lovely burst of sunshine in your kitchenette 💛

[@lindsayosterhoff2459]

Some people were just meant to teach. This has such a relaxing but super informative Bob Ross vibe to it. I just discovered this channel. I can't wait to watch more videos.

It's such a great video. It felt like we were sitting on a stool in your kitchen, watching you cook and listening to you recount your memories. The photos were a treat! Rajiv is everyone's friend 😊

[@annierampersad3982]

Hi Rajiv. I have a small kitchen, and yes, I can prepare a lot of food for a family get-together. I have the counter space necessary because I don't have a lot of kitchen gadgets. Thanks for sharing your delicious Tamil recipe 😋

[@yettawat1564]

I'm just looked online am so excited to find a very well-reviewed family-owned restaurant here in LA that makes Sri Lankan food, including Idiyappam! I can't wait to try it. By the way it's so fun to see your gorgeous tea kettle up close and personal in this video. 😅

[@KathyHasRamen]

If you get the chance to visit Apey Kade, go without hesitation! So good ❤

[@BorneoButterfly]

With love from Malaysia, am 68, grandma and so love your postings in all you do and adventures. Gives me hope about the world in its current madness.

[@Tensines]

Same from Spain ,69

[@carla.c]

16:00 your Mom's so pretty. Love seeing the photos.

[@loquatly]

I agree, was totally stunned by Mom! So gorgeous

[@janelte]

She is a very beautiful woman!

[@berlinorama]

This was fascinating! There used to be a Sri Lankan Tamil restaurant around the corner from my house and they did an amazing Sunday brunch, at which idiyappam was always served. I miss that place a lot.

[@eagledice2008]

I don't even know what Rajiv is making probably will never cook Tamil food but its Rajiv so I'm watching because Rajiv is my therapy

[@lalymathew4834]

My favorite too, where do you get that bamboo mats ?

[@saggiteightyfour8367]

* You can zap the flour in the microwave as well, if it's not already steamed. * You can add hot water and zap in the microwave again for softer, more fluffy iddiyappam. * The string hopper squeezer's ( iddiyappam uram) maximum efficiency is approx 75% to 10% full. There is no need to fill it up completely or empty it completely. I wear heels when I make iddiyappam, the countertop then becomes the perfect ergonomic height for making string hoppers. * These days, they also have the automatic and semi automatic machines. They are bulky, but if you make them often, the investment is worth it. * There is no quick way to steam a large batch, you might need 3 or 4 steamers going at once. * They freeze and reheat very well. You can wrap individual portion ( 2 or 3 of them) and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in microwave. * Here in Australia, you can bulk buy them, often from individual sellers on Fb marketplace. Rajiv's recipe is EXACTLY how we make it. We also use wooden ural with this shape and hole size ( that's super important) and the woven thatthus. ( Please do not buy the plastic ones. )

[@m.maclellan7147]

I'm pretty sure Rajiv doesn't use a microwave.

[@saggiteightyfour8367]

@m.maclellan7147 Most ppl these days also just mix idli mix and yoghurt and zap in microwave.

[@sukispencer9804]

Sri Lankan here 👋 Been eating indiyappam all my life but this is the first time I’m seeing really how and what it is made of. What a treat! Thank you and God bless your mama!

[@community1854]

OMG so Sri Lankan. Packing such precious things from global hubs in your suit cases. Crazy idea but true. The pleasure of doing this is as if you got something that the others in the world don’t get! Thanks for the insights!

[@sarahp1383]

So happy to hear that you like Tamil food. I have just had a dinner of soft fluffy idlis with drumstick and okra sambar. Soooo good .❤ Nool -pittu as we Malayalis call iddiyappam , are also a personal favourite. Thank you for this video.

[@kadambariprasad208]

Omg every time I see Rajiv do anything, I want to hang out with him every weekend and learn something new! I am Tamil and don’t know to make idiyappam :P this was amazing to watch and I’m going to try and surprise my mom ❤

[@wms5253]

Great you haven’t forgotten your culture. Thanks for sharing 👌

[@heathersmith8731]

I’m 38, my daughter is 12. We’ve been watching your videos for years. We love antiques, music and art. I recently discovered you were “Kevin” because of the video you posted. I was like “whhhaaat?!” Called my daughter over… showed her a clip of “Kevin” (I introduced her to films from my time so she knew your character) she was like, he’s freaking hilarious, and looked at me like, what’s your point? I pulled up one of your videos and she didn’t get it for a bit, but then her jaw dropped “OMG, Rajiv is Kevin?!!” 😂 We love your videos, I’m Republican mutt btw, so don’t believe the media, let’s come together ❤ More cooking videos please! Especially ones that showcase your collection of antique glass and cookware 🥰

[@KiffG]

Thank you Rajiv for sharing, I get so much joy watching you share the things that bring you joy! God bless❣️

[@savitriseegobin3818]

I love how you take care of yourself.❤

[@lindajanke6194]

And us!

[@angelahagood3639]

Another fabulous episode! I’m in awe of just how beautifully the assorted brushes are displayed on the back of your sink! How completely intentional! Love the stories and memories! I’m sixty-two and I remember little things my mother and grandmother said and did while in the kitchen. Those a precious, precious memories. I bet your kitchen smells divine!

[@marianindrani2863]

I'm a Malaysian Indian..we eat spring hoppers with shredded fresh coconut and brown sugar, or cows milk with brown sugar...or sometimes with sothi

[@gerby1935]

Great stories, and your mother brought you up well. I watched mainly for the story and enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

[@shangrila73eldorado]

You can get string hoppers in Staten Island. Large Sri Lankan community in this borough.

[@suhaskhamgaonkar6322]

I’m re-settling myself back in the U.S. after some years being overseas (where I watched your videos) and this time I’m doing it in Brooklyn! Since steadily downsizing over last nine+ years and moving six times (including internationally) during these years, I found it very tiresome and daunting to yet again restart a home in NYC. But it’s amazing to discover how much one can pack into a tiny kitchen in a big city like NY. Plus everything is hand picked and has meaning to it in your kitchen. That’s what’s inspiring me about you, Rajiv. I have stories like you, accumulated over time. Thank you for rekindling my zest to rebuild a home. I’ve done it over and over again in various countries, cities… there’s been a common thread all throughout my setting up a home and that is - creating a space with a sense of deep love, nurturing and warmth special to me. ❤ So I’m very grateful to you for rekindling this love and nurturing of making a home.

[@fionaappplebottomjeans]

Watching this video made me tear up. I love the way you speak about Tamil food. I'm Sri Lankan too & it's so nice to hear someone be so proud of our culture

[@Rainbowdancefactory]

Be Proud! This heritage and love surpasses all understanding- hope you can still live it👍👍🙏🙏🙏

[@brendadyson5316]

Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!!!

[@diaryoflola]

This video reminded me of my solo travel to Varkala in Kerala and had Idiyappam with Kadala curry and was hooked to it for the next few months. So comforting, nutritious and simple. Will try making these hoppers soon. Thanks for the recipe. 💛🧡

[@Erecura]

You're so lovely Rajiv. I went vegan 10 years ago and it was then that I discovered Indian cuisine because of how naturally vegan many of the delicious popular dishes are. I truly love many South Indian cuisine, especially idli. I will try this for sure

[@catherineevanoffour12]

I just love you! I am so jealous that I don't get to try this...! lol So I'm going to make some baby food I was fed as an infant in 1963. I call it eggs and bread. You break an egg into salted boiling water then let it come to a full boil then drain most of the water leaving enough water to melt the butter and also to soak into the bread that is waiting in a bowl for the boiled egg water w/butter to be poured over it. Mixed together rather well or to your liking. then eaten. yum

[@susanrombak7959]

Fascinating cuisine. What a treat to watch and learn, thanks Rajiv! ✌🏽

[@patricianadarajah6833]

Yay! I had asked you for string hoppers ! My favourite too and not easy to make. Same recipe as my mother in law

[@sinister0vampira]

Rajiv, I am in awe of you! You’re truly one of a kind!

[@brendadyson5316]

Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!!!

[@adey1782]

For those in Manhattan, you can find pretty much any ingredient from around the world at Kalustyan’s (123 Lexington Ave).. I’m not sure how they keep track of all their inventory, but I’m always amazed at what I’m able to find there 👍🏽 (PS: Rajiv, I think you would love Ethiopian food..)

[@inannamystyrica3762]

As a person who is allergic to wheat and dairy (and eggs and...), i LOVE that i have options. This is new and going into my recipe file!

[@rshva]

How can you more than like a video 😭 love love love The kozhukattai, maasila 🎵, the aunty, sodhi ....so many small things made it so wholesome

[@mrspaulsen1717]

I’m feeling so blessed that you shared this recipe with us! I live in the northern prairie of the United States and I am so grateful to see this...

[@cristie2501]

Yum! I had a Sri Lankan boyfriend in my 20’s and I lived with his family. I loved the food. I had forgotten all about this dish. I want to make it now 🤗

[@raasprasad2575]

Such a nostalgic trip down memory lane… remembering my Ammamma making iddiappam and chodi and poriyal … ❤ your channel and content.

[@janetsumali276]

You are always such a pleasure to watch Rajiv. Such wholesome and interesting content. I am an avid follower of your channel. May it continue to grow. Love from Toronto.

[@yettawat1564]

The family photos you shared here are so cool!

[@Deepa0309]

It feels like I am in the kitchen...so lovely to see you in the kitchen... I try to incorporate all this into the maids I get for help in the kitchen and after a few days ...i am alone in the kitchen again without any help.😊 From india.

[@elizab.7428]

Your mom is beaming at you for sharing this video with us and acknowledging your love for her cooking and making this Tamil food for you and your family. 🇱🇰 🥣 🥔

[@yiyisun4607]

Rajiv you are so fun to watch, entertaining, funny, and educational!

[@marybazargani6929]

I really love watching you in your beautiful kitchen. You have such wonderful things you are actually use like that flow blue plate and copper kettle. Thanks for this great introduction to tamil food.

[@CoIorful]

Amazing video! Rajiv's perceptiveness and attention to detail is unmatched.

[@Kim-qt7yn]

A beautiful meal from your small but mighty kitchen Rajiv- wish I were a dinner guest!

[@lifeisabeach888]

Slow food is the best. Your entire body language oozes love for preparing food from scratch. Thanks for the tutorial. The mouthwatering plating was the Grand Finale!

[@lynylyn316]

One of my fav Sri Lankan spots is on Staten Island! They have string hopper kottu. It’s called Lakruwana. I believe they have a little museum of all Sri Lankan art.

[@elezaish]

My fave!! Idiyappam! We have it either with coconut milk based chicken/mutton curry for savory breakfast ..or grated coconut n mashed banana for a non-savory breakfast..

[@suhaskhamgaonkar6322]

Rajiv, you inspire me to be supremely productive in a tiny NYC kitchen! ❤ love your aunt’s no-waste mindfulness. My mum, a hard-working doctor in India was the same and I watched her utilizing everything and not wasting a bit. I try and do the same. Jewel box is a fab analogy to your NYC kitchen. Every jewel with a back story gives so much meaning! ❤ to you and happy holidays.

[@KimberlieOtt]

You bring joy to the daily................thank you for this beautiful perspective!!! Your food looks so good!!!

[@julieschnorenberg5370]

How lovely. I would love to taste this dish. I adore and and also have used a tiny kitchen. Thank you for sharing!

[@siouxgerowsays]

We used to have a great Sri Lankan restaurant in Malden/Everett, MA. The food was incredible and the people were so nice. When they changed addresses they didn't make it. I miss that place. String hoppers are great!

[@chrissiemorton4126]

You make this Mama proud!!

[@chrissiemorton4126]

Is it me or does this sweetie as cute as his Mama?

[@TheGentleRoadmapSekar]

That noodle-like apam reminds me of our traditional Indonesian dessert: putu mayang, also made with that kind of plunger, also made of rice flour but not the red one. Apam itself refers to another Indonesian dessert (we pronounce it apem instead of apam). Fascinating how we share similar desserts!

[@judithanndohar]

I have never hear of Idiyappam. Thank you so much for sharing this cultural heritage with me. I so appreciate learning about other people and their history.

[@rupalishankerarthub]

Perfect! Food unites. Especially if it’s made with love and involves family recipes. Idyappam something that South Asians, Malaysians and Tamilian Singaporeans would know so well. And the thing about eating with your right hand and no food past the second line on fingers is also probably a South Asian thing. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@janscilipoti2937]

One of my fav Rajiv videos… and I’ve watched a lot!

[@maheshikaprabodhani6928]

I really appreciate your videos and the way you reminding my motherland sri lanka

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Wow! I am drooling… I know the wood and brass hand tool to be a Murukku Press. Murukku meaning twisting.

[@TheDevaser]

Wow! Nice!!! I enjoyed myself thoroughly! I went back to my childhood but my mom used white rice flour & it was delicious!!!

[@gilliannash4944]

As a vegan l’m so interested in Sri Lankan food, I had no idea it was so accessible! This looks absolutely delicious, thank you for sharing

[@Graciela-hv8ty]

The food looks so tasty!!! but I ´m mesmerazed looking at your bracelets!! what a work of art they ar!!!😍😍😍😍😍

[@edunlap6594]

His bicep though! 😂❤

[@anneredmoon]

Thank you for sharing this lovely video with us. As a vegan, I'm eager to try it!

[@maryryan]

Interesting.... Never seen or had it before..... Thank you for sharing this sacred recipe of your Mum's.....👏

[@kasturipillay6626]

Awesome. I also like Sri Lankan cuisine. Sri Lanka has so many kinds of idyapam. Your stories are so warming and comforting.❤😊

[@m32m1m]

You’re the crown jewel in your jewel box kitchen. Grateful that I stumbled upon your channel 🙏🩵

[@country_house_dogs]

This video is perfection. Thank you! I learned SO much and I was riveted!

[@tushya11]

as a desi diaspora, there are so many things I dont know about my Tamil heritage. Thanks for sharing, I'm gonna see if I can find that flour and use my moorkoo maker to try this...

[@raniselvam5634]

😊 U make happy watching you cooking with yr heart. Omg when was the last time I heard' masila unmai kathalae'.you r too young for this song. My husband favourite song but he is not here anymore 😢 From Malaysian grandma

[@meenashah106]

Such lovely stories of ur mom...yes hardworking generation❤

[@jmkweeks]

Hi Rajiv! You always put out such quality videos that constantly amaze me. Thank you so much for sharing your videos! On this particular video, I’d like to thank you for sharing your cooking process of the idiyappam and the stories from your childhood about your family and growing up with a rich food culture! I love hearing about cooking from around the world, and so far, I haven’t come across much about Sri Lanka, so thank you for sharing! Love and light to you and yours!

[@rafaelapereira5377]

Your channel is like a harm hug ❤ makes me want to do everything mindfully and craft every aspect of my daily life

[@lizvardon5357]

Thank you Rajiv. So delightful to watch you make a much loved tradition Tamil dish from your chdhood. Am going to love making it ❤

[@gayatri821]

Idiyappam is such a wonderful south Indian delicacy! Exceptional and enjoyable video, brought back memories.

[@tntltl]

Beautiful video well done even though I am diabetic watching you cook is soothing to my soul. By the way I was also taught to eat the way you described towards the end.

[@yessiegranda9983]

Hi Rajiv, I just wanted to say that listening to you is so soothing to me.........thank you

[@janevdm26]

Here first! All the way from Mauritius. Love your videos!

[@kittykatrealm01]

Just brilliant ❤it makes me wanna travel to Sri Lanka NOW!

[@DonnaMull]

i'm happy to find this, i just finished reading Elephants in my Backyard and you've got me curious about your childhood foods.

[@ankitabiswas9000]

I love all of the Tamil cooking videos you have shared so far, please share more of these.

[@magickitchen54]

This was delightful Rajiv. Thank you a thousand times.

[@RachelRaja-p8g]

I love your bronze water kattle…. It looks lovely. Thanks for sharing your video. It is super… I am in Malaysia and also am of Sri Lankan ancestry. 👍🏼

[@saloshniejagathesan1577]

Rajiv,please share photos of your home and family growing up in Sri Lanka. Our Indian Grocer now stocks the ready dough in his fridge at the store. Customers just need to steam in the idli pot. So convenient for people like me who just can't get the dough right! Thank you for sharing our wonderful heritage. Watching from Jhb South Africa

[@EMVelez]

He grew up in Canada

[@saloshniejagathesan1577]

@EMVelez Oops.. Thank you 🙏. Didn't realize that. Apologies in order hopefully to Rajiv

[@bonheadcreates6374]

I love the joy that you have for everything you do!

[@vidyapremkumar5478]

As a Tamilian from Chennai, I love seeing all your videos ❤❤❤❤

[@taina313]

Yessssss more content from your beautiful culture!!

[@nakshathraraghavan7449]

The song that he briefly sung was Masila Unmai Kathale from the movie Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum having MGR and Bhanumathi(really famous actors) and is a black and white Tamil film from 1956, I am a teenager from Chennai Tamil Nadu and I was just very comforted by this video💫🫶 Thanks