podi

Podi is a term with multiple uses across languages and regions. It may refer to culinary powder, a geographic place name, or a personal name.

In Tamil and other South Indian languages, podi denotes powder. A well-known culinary use is milagai podi, a roasted lentil and chili powder mixed with salt and oil used as a condiment with idli, dosa, or rice. Common components include urad dal, chana dal, sesame seeds, and red chilies; blends vary by household and region.

As a place name, Podi appears in various localities where it originates from regional linguistic roots. The term can designate villages or neighborhoods and typically reflects local history and geography; spellings and meanings differ by locality.

In onomastics, podi is found as a surname or given name in some communities, with no single global origin or meaning. Its use and pronunciation can vary with language and region.

Because podi has several distinct senses, sources should provide context to determine whether it refers to food, geography, or a name.