Idiyappam Face-Off: Singapore President Tharman Celebrates Deepavali with Fun Food Challenge
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam celebrates Deepavali with a fun idiyappam-making challenge, highlighting Singapore's multicultural spirit.
In a heartwarming blend of tradition and humor, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam recently celebrated Deepavali by stepping into the kitchen for an idiyappam-making challenge. The festive gathering, which featured local artiste Das DD, turned a traditional culinary art into a light-hearted competition that underscored the multicultural fabric of Singapore.
The Great Idiyappam Competition
The event, captured in a vibrant video shared on Instagram, saw President Tharman, accompanied by his wife Jane Yumiko Ittogi, taking on Das DD and academic Dr Shaireen Selamat. The focus of the day was the idiyappam—traditional steamed rice noodles also known as putu mayam in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter as the President introduced the stakes, noting that the young artiste was eager to see who could craft the superior noodle. While the participants struggled and succeeded in various ways, Jane Yumiko Ittogi kept the group focused, reminding them that the final result "must look like idiyappam." Das DD, thrilled with his attempt, jokingly exclaimed that his mother would be incredibly proud of him. The friendly rivalry eventually ended in a high-five as the President declared the competition settled.
Savoury vs. Sweet: A Culinary Debate
Beyond the challenge, the group dove into a conversation about the diverse ways this beloved dish is enjoyed. President Tharman highlighted the two distinct versions of the dish, revealing his own preference for the savoury side.
"One, which is the way I like it and my wife likes it, is savoury: with the sambar, with the sothi, with all the savoury dishes that give it that classic, tangy, South Indian taste," the President explained.
In contrast, Das DD and Dr Shaireen Selamat opted for the sweet version, featuring grated coconut and gula melaka (red sugar). Das DD recalled his childhood, admitting that the sweet version was easier to enjoy before he developed a taste for spicy food, while Dr. Shaireen noted that the coconut and red sugar added a rich depth to the flavour.
Nostalgia and the "Sweetened News"
The conversation took a nostalgic turn when President Tharman remembered how putu mayam used to be sold in small portions wrapped in newspapers, often with tiny cubes of gula melaka. This sparked a funny moment when Das DD wondered if the newspaper ink leaked into the food, prompting Jane to quip, "It sweetened the news!"
The President also shared his passion for sothi, a coconut milk-based gravy. He described his ideal combination as idiyappam paired with sothi, thengai sambal (fried shredded coconut), and a side of mutton curry, calling it a "delicious combination."
Celebrating a Multicultural Identity
The gathering was more than just about food; it was a reflection of Singapore's social harmony. Das DD spoke about the privilege of living in a society where people can celebrate Deepavali while embracing traditions from various other cultures.
President Tharman echoed this sentiment, stating that when different cultures share their traditions, they eventually "become all of ours," calling this the true beauty of the nation.
Adding to the festivities, the President also attempted to pour teh tarik, drawing cheers from the group for his technique. In his Instagram post, President Tharman extended warm Deepavali wishes to Hindus, Sikhs, and all Indians, as well as the wider Singaporean community.