Eight countries make up the South Asian peninsula and each has its fair share of unique delicacies. In the November 30, 2024 edition of the LA Times, the clue “South Asian rice cake” pointed to one such treat. The clue is fairly broad, looking for a four-letter answer. However, a slightly different version from the December 4, 2022 NYT Crossword made it more specific while sticking to the same answer. It’s a rice cake, but which one? Here’s the answer to the “South Asian rice cake” clue.
South Asian Rice Cake LA Times Crossword Answer
IDLI is the answer to the “South Asian rice cake” clue.
It is a type of savory rice cake from South India made from a batter of fermented black lentils and rice. In India and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, it is a breakfast staple, and locals often enjoy it with spicy chutneys, sambhar (lentil stew), and curries.
In the NYT Crossword, the clue appeared as “Savory rice cake of southern India,” which made it more specific than the one in the LA Times. Still, it’s the kind of regional food clue that can stump solvers who aren’t very familiar with South Asian cuisine.
