Poems on Pakoda

By Chilakamarthi Lakshmi Narasimham (From early 20th century; translated from Telugu)

The humble pakoda—that crispy, golden fritter beloved across India—inspired this Telugu poet to compose verses of mythological proportions. Here's a delightful celebration of everyone's favorite monsoon snack.

vanitala palukula yanduna nanimiṣa lōkamuna nunna damr̥tamaṭuncun janulanu ṭegāni lēdaṭa kanugo na nī yandamr̥tamu galadu pakōḍī!

They say among humans, nectar lives in a woman's words. But the truest nectar I have found is in you, Pakoda.

ā kammadanamu nā ruci yā karakara yā ghamaghumamayāpomakamulā rākalu pōkalu vaḍupulu nīkēdagu nendulēvu nijamu pakōḍī॥

That deliciousness, that rich taste, that crunch, that soul-stirring aroma, the crackle, the dance around the mouth none wear it better than you, Pakoda.

nī karakara nādaṁbulu mā karṇāmr̥tamulu nīdu mahitākr̥tiyē mā kanula candamāmaga nēkoni yāḍe danu summa ninnu pakōḍī॥

Your crunch and snap are music to my ears. You shine like the moon to me I will sing your praises, Pakoda.

ā rāmānujuḍā gati pōruna mūrchilla decce manu sanjīvin māruti yerugaḍu gāka ya yyāreninugoni na bratukaḍaṭa pakōḍī॥

When Rama's brother fell faint, Hanuma raced to find the Sanjeevi herb. Had he known better, he would have run for you, Pakoda.

kōḍini dinuṭaku selavun vēḍiri munnubrāhmaṇulu vēdha nantaḍun kōḍi valadā badulu pa kōḍindinumanucu jeppe kūrmi pakōḍī॥

When the Brahmins sought leave to eat chicken, Brahma declared, "No chicken for you!" "Instead," said the creator with a smile, "Feast on Pakodi — love your Pakoda."

A Note on the Translation

These verses showcase the Telugu literary tradition's ability to blend high and low culture—elevating a street snack to the realm of mythology with references to Ramayana and Puranic stories. The playful use of pakōḍī (pakoda) as both the subject of devotion and a pun in the final verse (playing on kōḍi, chicken) demonstrates the wit and wordplay that characterize Telugu poetry.

The crunch of a fresh pakoda becomes as divine as nectar, and its crispy texture is worthy of more praise than the legendary Sanjeevi herb. This is food poetry at its finest—reverent, ridiculous, and absolutely delicious.