Singapore’s High Commissioner to India Simon Wong won hearts online over the weekend after he shared his fondness for South Indian food, calling it a taste of home.
The diplomat took to X and posted photos of the traditional South Indian dish, with appam in the limelight. Captioning the pictures, Mr Wong wrote: “Namaste India. Getting my fill of South Indian food – appam at the weekend. Can you name the dishes? Tastes like home.”
The post quickly caught the attention of social media users in India and abroad. Within hours, it received thousands of views and users responded enthusiastically, with many trying to identify the dishes on the plate, while others shared their own memories associated with South Indian cuisine.
Appam – known for its soft, spongy center and crispy edges – is a staple in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu and is usually paired with coconut curry or stewed meat. Over the years, the dish has also gained popularity in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, reflecting a deep-rooted culinary connection shaped by migration and shared cultural history.
Mr Wong’s remark about food tasting like home resonated with many and highlighted that food often serves as a bridge between cultures. Several users commented on the similarities between the flavors of South India and Southeast Asia, while others welcomed the Ambassador’s evident comfort with Indian cuisine.
User wrote: “Good old Kerala food. Chicken stew is the highlight.”
Another user wrote: “Good to see you visiting and exploring different states and their cuisines and cultures. Also come to Odisha, India’s best kept secret. The hospitality, food and culture will surely amaze you.”
“Also good appam places in Singapore… my favorite breakfast after a morning walk,” wrote a third user.
This is not the first time that the Singaporean envoy’s food contributions have attracted public attention. Earlier this year, when an off-season period of rain and thunderstorms brought Delhi-NCR its first showers of 2026, Mr Wong marked the moment with another distinctly Indian ritual.
Sharing pictures of his rainy day routine, he was seen enjoying chai and pakodas – generally considered comfort food during the monsoon. “Celebrating the first #baarish of 2026 with #chai #pakora. Join me?” he wrote alongside images showing a steaming cup of tea, freshly fried snacks and a rain-soaked lawn.
The posts helped humanize the diplomatic engagement, with many users praising Mr Wong for embracing the everyday Indian experience. Punctuated by food, weather and cultural observations, his social media presence continues to draw warm responses – reinforcing how small, relatable moments often resonate far beyond official diplomacy.
