Kuzhi paniyaram in Tamil is a dish made by steaming batter - traditionally made from pulses (specifically black lentils) and rice using a mould. The batter used is the same as that for idli and dosa. Kuzhi paniyarams can be made sweet or spicy. The spicy version has sauteed onions and green chillies mixed with the batter. Kuzhi paniyarams used to be made for eating on long distance trips without the use of a refrigerator.

A kuzhi paniyaram / Paddu pan usually comes with 7 holes. Special chokka (colloquialism for "shirt") Kuzhi paniyarams are usually sweet and are doughnut shaped. The pan for sweet chokka paniyaram comes with just three holes (for three pieces). Each of the 3 holes have one post each to create the hole for the doughnut shape. Turning the second side for cooking and ensuring the doughnut shape properly needs more practice.