Mix the maida, semolina, icing sugar and salt in a bowl. Add the cardamom powder if using.
Add the butter or ghee and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Squeeze a little in your fist: it should hold its shape.
Add coconut milk gradually and knead into a dough. Cover and rest for 15–20 minutes.
Take small portions of dough and press them against the ridges of a gnocchi board, fork or new clean comb. Roll each piece off to form a ridged curl. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Heat the frying oil over medium-low heat. Fry the shaped kidiyo until golden brown, keeping the heat at medium-low so they cook through.
Lift them out, drain off the excess oil and allow them to cool before serving.