Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, gained a lot of attention online recently. He shared his love for South Indian food, calling it a taste of home.
On X, he posted pictures of a traditional South Indian spread, featuring appam, a type of rice pancake. He invited his followers to name the dishes and mentioned how these flavors remind him of home.
His post quickly went viral. People from India and beyond chimed in, eagerly identifying the food and sharing their own memories of South Indian cuisine. It seems food brings us together, no matter where we are.
Appam, with its soft center and crispy edges, is a staple in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It’s often enjoyed with coconut-based curries. This dish has also made its way to places like Singapore, highlighting the culinary ties formed by migration and shared cultural history.
Wong’s comment about food feeling like home resonated with many. Users pointed out the similarities between South Indian and Southeast Asian flavors, showing how food bridges cultures. One user shared, “Good old Kerala dishes. Chicken stew is the highlight.” Another invited Wong to explore more regional cuisines, noting, “Come to Odisha, India’s best-kept secret.”
Wong’s previous food posts have also drawn attention. Earlier this year, during unusual rainstorms in Delhi-NCR, he embraced another Indian comfort by enjoying chai and pakodas. His pictures of steaming tea and fried snacks showed him celebrating the arrival of monsoon in a relatable way.
These posts have humanized his role and made diplomacy feel more personal. Wong’s social media presence, filled with cultural insights and everyday experiences, shows how small moments can foster connection in a big world.
Recent studies indicate that food can significantly influence cultural connections, enhancing social bonds among diverse communities. As seen in Wong’s posts, sharing meals and traditions can break down barriers and foster understanding, proving that food is indeed a universal language.
For more on the impact of food in cross-cultural exchanges, you can check out this Harvard study on culinary diplomacy.
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