Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-idli-vegan/
Language: en

# Is Idli Vegan? (Steamed Rice Cakes)

Idli are steamed South Indian rice cakes, and they are one of the most reliably vegan foods in
Indian cuisine. The only question is what gets drizzled on top. Here is how to be sure.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Idli are vegan: steamed cakes of fermented rice and urad dal.
> - The sambar (lentil stew) and coconut chutney are also vegan.
> - The one thing to check is a ghee drizzle on top.
> - Ask "no ghee" to keep it fully vegan.

**TL;DR: Idli are vegan**: soft, steamed cakes made from fermented rice and urad dal (black
gram), usually served with sambar (lentil stew) and coconut chutney.

## What's in idli

- **Batter**: rice + urad dal, fermented. Vegan.
- **Sambar**: lentils, tamarind, vegetables. Vegan.
- **Coconut chutney**: vegan.

No dairy, no egg, no animal products in the traditional recipe.

## The one thing to double-check

Occasionally idli are served with **ghee** drizzled on top, or a chutney with a splash of
**yogurt**. For a strict vegan, just ask for "no ghee" and check the chutney.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Yes.
- **Vegan?** Yes: confirm no ghee drizzle and no yogurt in the chutney.

See our [Idli dish guide](/food/india/country-india-idli/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*