Wheat idiyappam is a South Indian version of thin noodles, known as string hoppers. It is made with wheat flour and paired with coconut milk. This recipe is a healthier version of idiyappam. It has a subtle flavor and smooth texture, usually served for breakfast and dinner. This delicacy is simple, nutritious, and super light on your tummy.

There is something very comforting about watching the strands being pressed out of the mold. A perfect dough yields thin strands like Hakka noodles, then set on the idiyappam plate for steaming. This dish is soft, airy, and easy on the stomach.
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About Wheat Idiyappam
This South Indian traditional dish is a perfect replacement for rotis or chapatis. Its simple ingredients and minimal oil usage make this a go-to dish for health-conscious people. This dish is a fuss-free, easy-to-make recipe for those who love exploring healthier food and traditional options.
One Sunday morning, the atta was ready, water for binding, and the tawa was on the stove. But my mood was not to eat the regular roti. And the thought popped into my mind – Do I want to eat rotis today? Or can we try out something different? If you are someone, who doesn’t relish chapatis, this recipe is just for you.
My husband gifted me a brass idiyappam press for our wedding anniversary and tried multiple times to use it, but all in vain. Something clicked inside, and decided to make wheat idiyappams.
I had read the recipe in one of the cookbooks but I was skeptical to try. Immediately, I got to work. I slightly roasted the flour, until the aroma filled my kitchen. Simultaneously, I boiled water for binding. With gentle hands, I started mixing the water with the atta and formed a dough. Use a ladle or you will burn your fingers. I allowed it to rest for 5 minutes and greased the press with oil.
I was too excited to see the noodle-like strings falling out of the press and placing them on the steaming plate. And in no time, I saw freshly steamed wheat idiyappam ready to be served with coconut and sugar.

This is my new Idiyappam / Murukku Press, screw type. I already have a wooden press and stainless steel one which amma gave me now this one is a new addi(c)tion. This is the first time I am using a screw type press and I find it very easy.

Wheat Idiyappam Ingredients
- Wheat flour – I have used homemade wheat flour here. You can store-bought as well. Roast the flour in low flame and watch the texture change.
- Water, Salt – Add salt to taste and water for kneading.
- Coconut, Sugar – for garnishing, I have used freshly grated coconut and sugar. You can use frozen or desiccated coconut. The flavors might differ.
Why this recipe works?
- Simple ingredients. Light and fluffy.
- No fermentation required
- Steaming food is a healthier option
- Ideal for the perfect breakfast and dinner.
- This dish can be paired with gravies and coconut milk
- Easy to go for a sensitive gut.
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How to make Wheat Idiyappam Step by Step
1.Take wheat flour in a pan and start roasting, roast till it changes to slightly golden and is of sandy texture. This is the correct stage, switch off and cool down. Add required salt and keep it ready.

2.Boil water till it starts boiling rigorously, now add it to little by little to the roasted flour till it gathers together. Start mixing it with a ladle.

3.Keep adding water little by little till it gathers together to form a dough. Separate the dough into portions and keep it ready.

4.Take your idiyappam press and grease it well with oil. I used the fine idiyappam press mold. Pinch a ball from the dough and fill it in the idiyappam press.

5.Grease the idiyappam steamer plate then press it in circular motion to fill the steamer plate. Grease the idli steamer plate. Repeat this in batches. Don’t crowd. I used my idli plates for steaming as I wanted small individual portions.

6.In the idli steamer pour water and place the idli steamer plate above it and steam it for 10-12 minutes. Serve hot with coconut and sugar drizzled, tastes great!

Serve hot / warm.

Expert Tips
- Hot water matters – Use hot water to knead the dough. Cold water may not work the same.
- Grease generously – oil will help the dough to stay away from your hands and the press.
- Steam, don’t overcook – overcooking can lead to chewy string hoppers. The ideal cooking time is 10- 12 minutes depending upon the size of the idiyappam.
- Fresh Atta – It is recommended to use fresh atta for this recipe for additional flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd – Give these idiyappams breathing space. Don’t overcrowd them.
- Serve them immediately – Serving them hot is essential as can turn dry and hard.
Serving & Storage
You can serve the hot idiyappam with fresh coconut milk and jaggery. Some regions of Tamil Nadu prefer chana gravy or vegetable stew with this steam delicacy. If you are running short of time, add ghee and sugar and serve kids for their breakfast.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for 2 days. You can steam them to reheat. Freezing Idiyappam is not ideal. It might damage the texture and taste.
FAQS
1.Can I use wheat flour directly or should I roast it first?
Roasting the flour is mandatory as it helps in reducing the stickiness and also improves the texture. Roast in low flame.
2.Why is my idiyappam tasting bitter?
This could be because of over roasting and browning the flour. Slightly roast the flour in low flame.
3.My idiyappam is breaking. Why?
This happens when your dough is too dry or cold. Knead the dough using hot boiling water. And it is important to press it when it’s warm.
4.My dough is too sticky. What did I do wrong?
This can happen when if you have added extra water or not roasted the flour properly. Try dusting dry flour while kneading.
5.What are the accompaniments for wheat idiyappam?
You can serve this healthy delicacy with coconut chutney, vegetable stew, spicy gravy like channa gravy, or even humble coconut milk.

If you have any more questions about this Wheat Idiyappam do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .
Tried this Wheat Idiyappam? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
📖 Recipe Card
Wheat Idiyappam Recipe (Godhumai Idiyappam)
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat flour
- water as needed
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Take wheat flour in a pan and start roasting, roast till it changes to slightly golden and is of sandy texture. This is the correct stage, switch off and cool down.
- Add required salt and keep it ready.
- Boil water till it starts boiling rigorously, now add it to little by little to the roasted flour till it gathers together.
- Start mixing it with a ladle. Keep adding water little by little till it gathers together to form a dough.
- Seperate the dough into portions and keep it ready.
- Take your idiyappam press and grease it well with oil. I used the fine idiyappam press mould.
- Pinch a ball from the dough and fill it in the idiyappam press.
- Grease the idiyappam steamer plate then press it in circular motion to fill the steamer plate.
- Grease the idli steamer plate. Repeat this in batches. Don't crowd .I used my idli plates for steaming as I wanted small individual portions.
- In the idli steamer pour water and place the idli steamer plate above it and steam it for 10-12mins.
- Serve Wheat Idiyappam hot with coconut and sugar drizzled…tastes great!
Notes
- Hot water matters – Use hot water to knead the dough. Cold water may not work the same.
- Grease generously – oil will help the dough to stay away from your hands and the press.
- Steam, don’t overcook – overcooking can lead to chewy string hoppers. The ideal cooking time is 10- 12 minutes depending upon the size of the idiyappam.
- Fresh Atta – It is recommended to use fresh atta for this recipe for additional flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd – Give these idiyappams breathing space. Don’t overcrowd them.
- Serve them immediately – Serving them hot is essential as can turn dry and hard.
Kalaivani Dhinesh
Lovely addi(c)tion…
g3
Nice …will try it soon.BTW idiappam press is dazzling!!!
Thava
Very nice recipe..definitely keeper…Love it
SPriya Shan
Looks yummy..quite different dish.
ambika clyton
Idiyappam looks nice. Using of wheat flour is new to me. How about the texture, will be softer r rubbery and how it tastes like and will it smells wheaty.
SHARMILEE J
No it will be soft only…Yes it will give a wheatish taste
Selvarani Ganesan
Healthy recipe.MIL makes this version of Wheat Idiyappam.
மலர்
Hi Sharmi, I'm thinking of buying steel press,as I thought it will ease pressing and also takes more amount of flour than wooden one. but my MIL said, you have to grease it often , otherwise flour sticks to press. is it worth buying a steel one?
Jayanthi Sindhiya
A very happy anniversary to you!!! Idayappam with wheat flour is very innovative!! And I love your addi(c)tion 🙂
Divs
wow wheat string hoppers is a great idea. nicely done 🙂
lakshmi devi ponraj senthilnathan
healthy recipe .. very nice , will try for sure 🙂
varsh
how about cosistency of the dough?it can be like chapathi dough or little more looser than that?
SHARMILEE J
Kind of like chapati dough but it will not be in knead able form
Vaishnavi
Ever since I saw this I wanted to try it and tried it today. Nice variation to idiyappam….healthy
Meenal Ramanathan
I tried most of your recipes. everything was good.When I tried this Idiyappam first i was not able to press the dough.I added little water and started to press. then it became sticky.,The strings were sticky.
HOw long the flour should be roasted ( for 10 mins)
SHARMILEE J
Just roast it till it changes color slightly and the texture will slightly change…….
Unknown
Sharmi tried wheat idiyappam today ..But was very sticky so that I couldn't press
.give me hint to overcome this
SHARMILEE J
If the dough is watery it may be sticky…next time have control while adding water