South Indian dishes APJ Abdul Kalam loved

Few dishes capture the essence of South Indian comfort food quite like rasam and rice, and it was a combination that reportedly featured regularly in Kalam’s routine. During his years in Thiruvananthapuram, he was said to end many days with a simple meal of rasam and rice, a choice that reflected his preference for light, nourishing food over elaborate spreads. Colleagues and staff members who interacted with him over the years often recalled his disciplined eating habits and his tendency to choose familiar, home-style dishes. Rather than seeking variety or indulgence, Kalam appeared to value meals that were easy to digest, comforting and rooted in tradition, reflecting the same modest approach that shaped much of his daily life. Made with tamarind, tomatoes, spices and herbs, rasam is known for its warming flavour and digestive qualities. Paired with steamed rice, it creates a meal that is both humble and satisfying, perfectly aligning with the simplicity that defined Kalam’s life both in public and in private.