thaali

Thaali, also spelled thali, is a traditional Indian meal served on a round platter called a thaali, which holds multiple small bowls (katoris) containing a variety of dishes. A typical thali includes a staple such as rice or flatbread, plus dal or curry, vegetables, yogurt or chutney, pickle, papad, and a dessert or fruit. The exact components and their order vary by region, season, and preference. Thali meals are often vegetarian, emphasizing a balance of flavors and textures.

Regional variations are pronounced. North Indian thalis commonly feature dal, subzi (vegetable dishes), chapati or rice, curd, pickle, papad, and a dessert such as kheer or laddu. South Indian thalis usually present rice with sambar and rasam, a vegetable curry, kootu or avial, chutneys, curd, papad, and payasam. Gujarati and Rajasthani thalis may include farsan or snacks, kadhi, multiple vegetables, rotla or puris, pickle, and a sweet dish. The exact mix reflects local ingredients and culinary traditions.

In restaurants, a thali is typically arranged with the katoris placed around the rim of the plate, with the main grain portion in the center. Portions are modest and can be refilled, and many places offer fixed-price vegetarian or non-vegetarian thalis or larger “grand thalis” with additional items.

Beyond meals, the term thali also refers to a ceremonial plate used in Hindu rituals and weddings. This sacred plate may hold kumkum (vermilion), rice, turmeric, flowers, and a small lamp, and it symbolizes auspiciousness and marital status.