KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian recently drew flak from netizens when he posted a recipe for "nasi lemak pani puri" on TikTok.
In the 47 second clip, TikTok user 'ikmlzlkfli', with 113.3k followers demonstrated the process of making the Malay-Indian fusion delicacy.
He started out with frying the 'puri' (a crisp, deep-fried flatbread). The round hollow 'puri' is then stuffed with a spoonful of coconut rice, thinly sliced pan-fried egg, crushed fried anchovies, and sliced cucumbers, topped with drops of 'sambal' (sauce).
Despite its appetising appearance, the dish did not appeal to many who preferred an authentic 'pani puri', which is a vegetarian snack made with mashed potatoes, chopped onions, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, and chaat masala dipped in flavoured water (pani).
Hence, the name 'pani puri' refers to the stuffed puri being served with water (pani).
Pani puri, also known as 'golgappa' in some parts of Northern India is a popular street snack in India.
Many TikTok users took issue with the name of the dish - 'nasi lemak pani puri'.
"How can you call this pani puri but there is no pani?", a user wrote.
"There is a reason why the food was named as such. Please understand that before doing any modifications," another wrote.
"Could you please give your dish another name? It's not pani puri."
"Call it 'nasi lemak keropok' instead. Where is the pani in this?"
"Please don't ruin pani puri for us."
"What next? Pani puri cheese meleleh (with melted cheese)?," these were among the comments found under the clip.
Others, however, lauded the recipe calling it "innovative".
"It is a very unique dish. Nice!", a user commented.
"Certainly, an innovation," said another.