275 calories for a full mamak plate is genuinely impressive. The idli cakes themselves are only 130 calories for two pieces, steamed with zero oil, which is basically unheard of at a mamak. The sambar chips in 80 calories and brings actual protein from the lentils, so it's not just empty carbs. The coconut chutney is where most people don't think twice, but those 30g add 65 calories mostly from coconut fat. It's still not a lot. If you're the kind of person who was 110kg and eating roti canai with three teh tariks for breakfast, switching to idli is honestly a cheat code.
What actually changes the maths is the oil and the portion size. Plain idli with just sambar drops you to 210 calories, so skipping the coconut chutney saves 65 without losing much enjoyment. The dangerous version is masala idli, where the cakes get tossed in spiced oil with vegetables and suddenly you're at 320 calories. Still not terrible by mamak standards, but you've added almost 50 calories from oil you probably didn't think about. Sambar is the better side to double up on if you're still hungry, it's mostly lentils and vegetables and won't move the needle much. Two orders of plain idli with sambar comes to 420 calories, which for most people is a perfectly filling breakfast.