Food shows up in more places than just our kitchens. It is tied so deeply to our lives that even our everyday expressions are full of food references. That is where Hindi idioms, or ‘muhavare‘, come in. If you studied Hindi in school, you probably mugged up hundreds of muhavare just to get through exams. But if you pay attention now, some of these food-based idioms are honestly funny, practical, and incredibly relatable.
This may sound like a stretch but think of them as the original version of those viral Instagram and TikTok reels. The ones that make you go, “OMG, so true,” and rack up millions of views. These popular Hindi idioms work just like that. Unlike viral trends that fade quickly, these classic food-related muhavare have stayed relevant for generations, and for good reason.
So, let us go back to some old-school yet hilarious Hindi idioms, all revolving around food and daily desi life.
Here Are 8 Funny Hindi Food Idioms That Will Make Total Sense Today:
1. Raita Phail Gaya
This one is still going strong in everyday Hindi, and you might even recognise it from a Bollywood song. “Raita phail gaya” is your go-to line for when everything goes completely out of hand. Think of someone spilling a bowl of raita and it gets everywhere, ruining everything it touches. When a small problem becomes a full-blown mess, this idiom nails that moment perfectly.
2. Kitne Papad Belne Pade!
A phrase you have probably heard at least once in your life, this one goes out to all the overworked and underpaid out there. While not many people literally roll papads anymore, doing so used to take serious effort. That is what this idiom points to. If you went through hell just to get that job or approval, then yes, “aapne sach mein papad bele hain.”
Rolling out papads is not easy because the dough is difficult to handle.Photo:Instagram/masalamasters
3. Dal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai
One of the most popular Hindi idioms ever-this one instantly brings drama. “Dal mein kuch kaala hai” is your red flag alert when something feels off or shady. Its English version might be “something smells fishy,” but somehow, the Hindi one hits harder. And when things get really dodgy, people even say, “poori dal hi kaali hai” for added flair.
4. Jale Par Namak Mat Chidko
This one hurts, literally! You use “jale par namak chidakna” when someone is already down, and someone else makes it worse. It is that moment when you are trying to get through a bad day, and someone drops a sarcastic comment that just makes you feel worse. This idiom is your verbal shield for those situations.
Photo:Instagram/jale_par_namak
5. Ho Jayega Doodh Ka Doodh, Paani Ka Paani
Too much confusion or back-and-forth? Use this one. “Doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani” helps you call for clarity when things are murky. It goes way back to when milk was mixed with water to increase quantity and reduce cost. This idiom steps in when you need to tell truth from lies, fake from real. Think of it as the desi lie detector.
Also Read: 5 Tricks To Stay A Forever Messy Eater And Still Save Your Favourite White Shirt
6. Jab Seedhi Ungli Se Ghee Nahi Nikalta…
Some people and situations are not simple. That is when you need to pull this idiom out of your bag. “Jab seedhi ungli se ghee nahi nikalta, toh ungli tedi karni padti hai” means you have to take the not-so-direct route to get something done. Basically, when polite does not work, it is time to try something a bit more clever-or sneaky.
7. Unchi Dukaan, Phike Pakwaan
This one’s perfect for calling out things that are all show, no substance. “Unchi dukaan, phike pakwaan” is what you say when something looks amazing from the outside but ends up being underwhelming. It works for everything from overpriced restaurants to people who overpromise and underdeliver.
Also Read:5 Signs You May Be Brilliant At Everything But Are A Terrible Cook
8. Ghar Ki Murgi Dal Barabar
We have all been guilty of this. The idiom “Ghar ki murgi dal barabar” is for when people do not appreciate what is already theirs. It is that moment when you ignore the good stuff right in front of you because you assume it will always be there. This one is a gentle reminder to value what you already have, both in the kitchen and in life.
Photo: Instagram/doodleodrama
Feeling like a Hindi food idiom master yet? Next time you want to say something dramatic, funny, or just a little cheeky, tadka maar ke throw one of these into your conversation.