వింటే భారతం వినాలి, తింటే గారెలు తినాలి.

vinte bharatam vinali, tinte garelu tinali.

Translation

If you must listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you must eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

Meaning

This expression is used to highlight the absolute best or finest examples in a category. It suggests that just as the Mahabharata is the pinnacle of literature and storytelling, the Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are the ultimate delicacy. It is often quoted when someone encounters something of exceptional quality.

Related Phrases

One should eat like a breeding bull among cows and like a son-in-law at the mother-in-law's house.

This proverb highlights the special treatment and abundance one receives in specific roles. Just as a breeding bull (Abotu) gets the best fodder among the herd, a son-in-law is traditionally treated with the highest hospitality and served the finest food at his in-laws' home. It is used to describe someone enjoying a position of privilege and indulgence.

If you eat, you must eat cream; if you listen, you must listen to Begada (Raga).

This proverb highlights the pursuit of excellence and the finest quality in life. It suggests that just as the thick cream (meegada) is the best part of milk to consume, the 'Begada' raga is the most sublime and pleasing melody to the ears. It is used to emphasize that one should choose only the best when it comes to experiences or consumption.

If one wants to eat the tastiest, one has to eat gare, and if one wants to listen to the best,

A saying, describing a typical Telugu taste, suggests the best dish to eat and the best book to read.

If you listen, listen to the Bhârata; if you eat, eat cakes.

This expression is used to describe the pinnacle of excellence in a specific category. It implies that if one wants to experience the best of something, they should choose the absolute finest. The Mahabharata is considered the greatest epic to listen to, just as Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are considered the most delicious traditional snack to eat.

If you listen, listen to Begada; if you eat, eat the cream.

This expression highlights seeking the absolute best in any category. 'Begada' is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its emotional depth, and 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest part of milk. It is used to suggest that if one chooses to indulge in an activity, they should go for the finest or highest quality experience possible.

If you listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This proverb highlights the gold standard of experiences. It suggests that among all stories, the epic Mahabharata is the most worthwhile to hear, and among all snacks, the Vada is the most delicious to eat. It is used to describe the best or most superior choice in a particular category.

If you eat, eat Garelu; if you listen, listen to the Mahabharata.

This proverb emphasizes the pursuit of excellence and quality. It suggests that if one chooses to engage in an activity, it should be the best version of it—specifically, that 'Garelu' is the ultimate delicacy and the 'Mahabharata' is the ultimate epic to listen to.

If one must eat, one should eat clotted cream; if one must listen, one should listen to Begada raga.

This proverb highlights the pursuit of the highest quality experiences. Clotted cream (Meegada) represents the richest part of the milk, while Begada is considered a profoundly pleasing and regal melody in Carnatic music. It is used to suggest that if you are going to indulge in something, you should choose the absolute best version of it.

If you listen, listen to Begada (a raga); if you eat, eat the cream of the milk.

This is a rhyming proverb used to highlight the absolute best choices in specific categories. Begada is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its richness, and cream (meegada) is the tastiest part of milk. It suggests that if one wants to experience something, they should aim for the highest quality available.

Eating cashew fruit made the tongue tingle; eating a vada made the mouth scream.

This expression describes a situation where an individual is excessively sensitive, fussy, or finds fault in everything regardless of whether the experience is good or bad. It is often used to mock someone who overreacts to minor discomforts or exaggerates their sensations to get attention.