The Crispy History of Murukku – From Temple Kitchens to Tea-Time Treats

 

Murukku — that golden, crunchy spiral we all love — is more than just a snack. It’s a centuries-old South Indian creation that has travelled from temple kitchens to modern homes, carrying with it stories of festivals, family, and timeless taste.

Where It All Began

The name Murukku comes from the Tamil word “Murukku”, meaning twist. True to its name, murukku is made by twisting or coiling strands of seasoned rice and urad dal flour dough before deep-frying them to crispy perfection.

Historical records and oral traditions trace its roots to Tamil Nadu, where it was first prepared in temple kitchens as a prasadam (offering to the gods). The ingredients — rice flour, urad dal flour, sesame seeds, cumin, and salt — were staples in agrarian households, making murukku both economical and accessible.

Murukku in Festivals

Murukku became a must-have for celebrations such as:

• Diwali – Packed in tins and given to friends and relatives.
• Krishna Jayanthi – Offered as a favorite snack for Lord Krishna.
• Weddings & Family Gatherings – Made in bulk, symbolizing abundance and joy.

For 90s kids, Diwali meant watching mothers and grandmothers sit together in the verandah, shaping perfect spirals with the traditional achu (press) while chatting about family gossip.

The Journey Beyond Tamil Nadu

While Murukku started in Tamil Nadu, it quickly spread across South India, taking on local variations:

• Chakli in Karnataka and Maharashtra (with added spices)
• Mullu Murukku (spiked texture) in Kerala
• Kai Murukku (hand-twisted) for special occasions

Its light, crispy texture and long shelf life made it a perfect travel snack — something traders carried with them on long journeys.

Murukku in Modern Times

Today, murukku is available in countless flavors — butter murukku, garlic murukku, ragi murukku — but the essence remains unchanged: a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of filter coffee.

At www.krithiksweets.in, we follow the same traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring every bite carries the same authentic taste our ancestors enjoyed.

Why Murukku Endures

Murukku isn’t just food — it’s a festival in a bite. It’s the comfort of home, the warmth of family gatherings, and the sound of laughter in between crunchy bites. No matter how times change, this simple snack remains a favorite across generations.