Year Ender 2023 | Apple Idli to Dosa Cone: 10 Bizarre Food Combos That Took Desis on a Wild Ride

Food is the ultimate guilty pleasure that tantalises everyone’s taste buds. Despite the essential dal chawal fulfilling our basic culinary needs, the real craving lies in indulging in dishes like ‘butter chicken,’ ‘Biryani,’ ‘Chhole Bhature,’ ‘Dosa,’ ‘Panipuri,’ and so much more. The pursuit of flavour is universal, but not everyone embraces a dash of novelty. While opting for tried-and-true culinary choices is undeniably sophisticated, the reluctance to explore inventive renditions of familiar dishes has recently emerged as an internet phenomenon (no concrete evidence, just an observation). Wondering why?

With the current surge in popularity of peculiar food combinations and bizarrely crafted dishes, who would willingly challenge their taste buds with something ‘different’? After all, who in their right mind would entertain the thought of Panipuri ice cream, Apple Idli, or even Cheese Soda? Do they sound remotely appetising? Certainly not for the sensible ones, but for those who thrive on risks (sans any true foodie instincts), these unconventional creations are fair game!

However, if you’re curious about the unconventional food combinations that took the Indian taste buds on a rollercoaster ride in 2023, look no further! Here’s a compilation of 10 incredibly bizarre food pairings that will instantly make you realise how ‘wild’ and ‘unpredictable’ the food industry has become and how ‘far’ it has evolved this year.

Apple Idli

Imagine the universally loved fluffy rice cake, usually accompanied by flavourful lentil soup (Sambhar) and coconut chutney, now adorned with a surprising twist—an apple! Yes, an apple graces the world of Idli in this peculiar combo that has yet to find its daring taster.

Paan Dosa

As creepy as the name suggests, the visual presentation is even more startling, and as for the taste—let’s leave that to your imagination! This green Dosa skips the usual spicy potato filling, opting instead for chopped Paan, tutti frutti, Gulkand, cherries, and a generous helping of dry fruits.

Cheese Blast Soda

Contrary to its misleading name, this isn’t a cheese-flavoured soda. It’s a fusion of pineapple and blueberry flavours topped with peanuts and grated cheese. A toast to a thumbs-down experience!

Tandoor Chicken Ice Cream

Yes, the platform where ice cream meets anything and everything bizarre takes a savory turn with a handful of tandoori chicken blended with milk, chocolate chips, and chocolate sauce.

Bhindi Samosa

Joining the traditional Samosa trio of potato, onions, and chutney is the unexpected addition of Bhindi (okra). Interested? Watch the video and decide!

Aamras Dosa

This South Indian classic collides with the King of Fruits as it is not just made but also served with Aamras (thick mango puree). A fusion that might leave purists cringing!

Puchka Chop, aka Puchka Pakoda

The infamous Masala Puri takes a twist as crispy puris stuffed with spicy Aloo masala, onion, and Chutneys take a plunge into Besan (gram flour) batter, giving birth to a Pakoda made of Puchkas.

Lava Idli

A culinary revelation where breaking the Idli releases Sambhar instead of chocolate, mimicking the lava flow in a cupcake. Not as dreadful as it sounds? Take a peek at the ‘fascinating’ preparation process!

Dosa Cone

Picture a Dosa shaped like a cone, replacing the usual waffle cone, filled with ice cream and chocolate. A delight for those seeking an unconventional culinary experience!

Panipuri Ice Cream

The internet’s love for mixing sweet and savoury reaches new heights as crispy puris get stuffed with ice cream, topped with sweet sauces, and garnished with Sev, creating the Panipuri ice cream!

Now, tell us, why would anyone, in their right mind, willingly dive into the realm of culinary chaos when the ‘innovative’ offerings are, let’s face it, borderline ‘disgusting’?