Weird or wow: Would you try a cold rasam rice popsicle?

Move over mango and strawberry, the latest entrant in the popsicle world isn’t fruity, creamy, or even sweet. It’s spicy, tangy, and deeply rooted in South Indian tradition. Introducing the Rasam Rice Popsicle. This weird popsicle has left the internet confused and divided. What do you think?

What is the hype all about?

The Rasam Rice Popsicle first came to public attention when Instagram user @prof_kumail_kirmani shared pictures and videos of the bright orange creation. The flyer from Bangalore soon created an uproar online.

Pamphlets and roadside banners in parts of Bengaluru are boldly advertising it as “a twist on tradition,” aiming to draw the city’s adventurous eaters.

While rasam rice is a staple in South Indian states, is this a tad bit too much?

In an era where every food trend needs its social media moment, the Rasam Rice Popsicle seems tailor-made for virality.

How is rasam traditionally served?

Traditionally, rasam is served hot, often ladled over rice or sipped like a soup, offering warmth, spice, and comfort. The tangy soup/dal is consumed all over India, but is a staple in South India.

Its tangy tamarind base, fiery pepper kick, and fragrant curry leaves are meant to soothe the soul — and, as many swear, the common cold.

Freezing it, therefore, feels like a rebellion against everything rasam stands for. The transformation from a comforting hot meal to a frozen treat challenges not just taste buds but the very cultural memory attached to it.

How did the internet react?

Social media has exploded with reactions ranging from amused curiosity to outright disgust. One internet user wrote, “Reason how people can sell Even trash if had solid marketing strategies,” while another commented “Did you try telling this to your mother once and see her reaction??? "Rasam rice popsicle aa wait you come here first I will show you how it will taste" is going to be her reaction.”

Another social media user wrote, “Someone froze those rasam by mistake and are it and thought it was a good idea to make it into a popsicle ....”

Some users were however, convinced, “Ok.....holdon....let us sit on the idea.....its a savory icecream....sweet if they wanted to go with marrige style rasam......may be risk once.”

For many, the joy of rasam rice lies in its warmth and the way it mingles with pickles, papad, or vegetables — things that don’t translate well to a popsicle format.

Will You Try It?

Whether it’s an Instagram gimmick or the start of a niche street food trend, the Rasam Rice Popsicle has done what every new food creation dreams of — got people talking. It’s a bold experiment that pushes the boundaries of what “comfort food” can mean.

So would you try it?