If you thought biryani and momos would top every food search in India this year, think again. Google’s Year in Search 2025 data has revealed a fascinating picture of what Indians really searched for online when it came to food and the results mix cherished regional classics with quirky international surprises from places as far as the United Kingdom. The list reflects not just what people are eating, but what they want to learn to make at home, experiment with and celebrate from old festival favourites to new cultural curiosities.
Idli: South India’s soft crown jewel top searches
Topping the charts in 2025 was idli, the humble South Indian steamed rice cake known for its fluffy texture and healthy profile. Though thousands have eaten idlis all their lives, 2025 saw a surge in searches for its recipe, tips on softening the batter and variations like adding poha or cooked rice for extra cloud-like softness. For many young cooks, mastering the perfect idli became a culinary project and a source of pride.
Modak: Festive Delight Beyond Ganesh Chaturthi
Modak sweet, steamed dumplings filled with jaggery and coconut was another top searched food item. Traditionally tied to Ganesh Chaturthi, its popularity in 2025 showed Indians were eager to recreate authentic flavours at home even outside festival seasons. Searches ranged from traditional recipes to quicker, beginner-friendly methods, showing how nostalgia and practicality met in kitchens across the country.
Thekua: Bihar’s sweet tradition goes national
One of the standout regional entries was thekua, a deep-fried sweet from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Often prepared during Chhath Puja, thekua’s rich taste, cultural roots and relatively simple ingredients made it a surprising favourite among home chefs and festival food lovers alike.
Yorkshire pudding: UK comfort food that caught Indian curiosity
Perhaps the most unexpected addition was Yorkshire pudding a British classic that gained traction among Indian food searchers. This simple baked batter, traditionally served with roast dinners, captured imaginations as curious cooks explored beyond familiar borders. It showed how global recipes can cross digital walls and inspire experimentation in kitchens here.
Thiruvathirai Kali: Tamil Nadu’s cultural sweet spot
Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvathirai Kali, a delicacy made with rice, jaggery and cardamom, also made the list. Its popularity highlighted how regional festival foods are not just rituals but culinary treasures many want to preserve and revive in modern cooking.
Beetroot Kanji: Tradition meets wellness trend
Another intriguing entry was beetroot kanji a bright pink fermented drink resonating with health-minded searchers. Its mix of probiotic benefits and traditional roots pushed it into the spotlight as a winter favourite for gut health.
Other Surprises: Ugadi Pachadi and Kolukattai
South Indian classics like Ugadi Pachadi a festival chutney that celebrates life’s six flavours and kolukattai, a Tamil version of modak, also featured prominently. These hits showed that even within India’s massive food culture, traditional recipes still have a magnetic pull in the digital age.
More than just cravings: What this list tells us
The 2025 food search trends reflect a fascinating shift: Indians are not just ordering favourite comfort foods like biryani and momos, which still win on delivery charts, but are actively searching for regional and global recipes they want to cook, share and reinvent. These searches show a growing curiosity about culinary roots, healthier options and world cuisines that blend tradition with exploration a tasty digital mirror of India’s evolving food culture.