At an event held on August 12, politician and author Shashi Tharoor opened up about his love for South Indian food—particularly dishes from his Malayali roots. Speaking with Red FM host Swati Sharma, Tharoor fondly recalled a favourite dish from his childhood that still holds a special place in his heart.

In a video shared on August 15 by Oxford Bookstore on Instagram, the MP revealed that one of his all-time favourite dishes is a simple yet flavorful Kerala-style potato stir-fry from the Palakkad region. Known as *urulakizhangu upperi*, the dish, he said, is incredibly easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough to be paired with rice, roti, puri, or just about anything.

“The traditional sadya is great,” Tharoor said when asked about his favourite childhood meal growing up in a Malayali household. “But if you want specific dishes from my home, there were two or three... *urulakizhangu upperi* (potato stir-fry).”

He went on to credit his father—whom he described as "an excellent chef"—for teaching him how to make it. “My father taught me how to make it because he was a great chef himself,” he shared.

Tharoor even detailed the preparation process: “First, boil the potatoes, peel them, and cook them again in water with turmeric and salt. Then dice them. After that, sauté them with a paste made in the mixie using just red chillies and small onions—or shallots, the tiny ones.”

He added, “Salt to taste. Some people, if they dare, add a touch of tamarind... my mouth is watering as I think about this. You can sauté it till it’s golden, or even roast it till it turns black if that’s your thing. It’s the most delicious dish imaginable.”

Describing it as a "fabulous dish," Tharoor emphasized its simplicity and adaptability—qualities that make it a staple in many Malayali homes.