8 Indian Thalis You Must Try At Least Once

Food

An Indian thali has something for everybody. For the enthusiasts of the tongue, they are packed with flavor. For adventurous explorers, thalis can take them on a gastronomical journey. And for those who post food photos on social media, thalis are stunningly attractive and easy on the eyes.

India has at least 29 thalis, each encapsulating its state’s culture in every bite. Along with being a complete hearty meal, they’re also a way to explore India’s culture. A typical thali has a number of preparations on a single platter. There is a little bit of everything, right from sides to snacks to mains to dessert. All of the thalis are more unique than the last, with distinctive preparation styles, spices and seasonal delights.

These are 8 Indian Thalis you must try at least once.

1) Goan Thali

A Goan thali could be both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. But the non-vegetarian Goan thalis are much more popular and readily available. A traditional Goan thali contains fish curry rice, a dry prawns salad with coconut, steamed cabbage, a prawn curry, a plantain based gravy, Goan bread and Goan halwa. It is accompanied by a kokum and coconut-based drink.

2) Andhra Thali

An Andhra thali is traditionally served on a banana leaf. It begins with hot rice, served with an ample quantity of ghee and a lentil preparation. Rasam, mango pickle, spicy powdered lentils, brinjal and curd rice are found on an Andhra Thali.

3) Bengali Thali

The flavors of a Bengali thali tend to stick with you long after the thali is empty. Synonymous with fish and rice, a Bengali thali has subtle yet fiery flavors in signature treats like pan-fried brinjal, fried gourd, mashed potatoes and lentil curry. They are accompanied by rice, fish fry, fish curry, mutton gravy and rice pudding. For dessert, sweet yogurt is served.

4) Kashmiri Thali

A Kashmiri thali is just as beautiful to the taste buds as the Kashmiri mountains are to the eyes. Rice and meat is the staple food made in the valleys of Kashmir. A ceremonial feast is a meat-based platter called the “Wazwan.” A traditional Kashmiri thali contains a potato based dish, kebabs, a lamb based dish, yogurt based mutton curry, Kashmiri pulao and saucy brinjal. This is accompanied by yogurt, salads and pickles. In dessert, the saffron-flavored custard is served.

5) Maharashtrian Thali

A Maharashtrian Thali offers a delicious mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It also tends to be rich in flavors and spices. It consists of coriander fritters, chickpea based curry, millet flatbread, a brinjal based dish. Along with this, there is a beans based curry, a yellow lentils curry, spicy mutton curry, chicken in white gravy, salad, and a sweet flatbread. This is accompanied by a yoghurt-based drink.

6) Punjabi Thali

Punjab is known for its people with hearty appetites, and the same is reflected in a Punjabi thali! With food that is bursting with flavor, Punjab has rightly earned its tag of the Bread Basket. A Punjabi thali contains spicy chickpea curry, stuffed flatbread, and kidney beans and lentils-based curry. Along with this, there are fritters, cumin rice, pickles and sweet buttermilk.

Other dishes can also be found, like butter chicken and juicy Amritsari fish. It is a rich and wholesome thali that is guaranteed to please your tastebuds as well as your tummy!

7) Karnataka Thali

A Karnataka thali is known to be a blend of flavors that reflects the cultures of its surrounding regions and their communities. It is traditionally served on a banana leaf and contains pickles, vegetables, salads, and a rice and lentils-based sweet dish. It also has fritters, a sorghum flatbread, a rice flatbread, cooked daal, a chili garlic chutney, plain rice and ghee.

8) Tamil Thali

A Tamil “Sappadu” does not have an exhaustible list since each district and community in the state has its own signature recipes. There are some much adored staples that are mouthwatering and must be tried out! They include curries, mixed vegetables, mango daal, stir-fried bitter gourd, stews, onions and curd rice. In dessert, there is delicious rice pudding. Explore the specialties of each district and travel across Tamil Nadu through your taste buds!

The list absolutely cannot end here, as there are several other delicious Indian thalis that absolutely must be tried. They’re a treat to the stomach as well as to the camera lens! These local thalis can now be found at “bhavans” across India and eliminate the need for travel, but it is recommended to try the local thalis from the home region at least once!

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Sam Roberts

My motto in life is 'a busy household is a happy household', and my family of seven certainly keep me busy! I'm a trained chef with a passion for creating nutritious meals that are easy for everyone!My five kids are my life and everything I do is for them.