By Niveditha Kalyanaraman
October 4th, 2023
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India as a country is rich in culture, cuisines, and customs. Each region in the country is unique in its own way. As you move from one region to the other in India, the dishes and spices change rapidly. Apart from all the differences, it’s the food that brings us all together. A ‘Thali’ is the epitome of ‘cultural exploration’ on a plate. Here are 10 Thalis of India you must try!
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Loaded with simple delicacies and heaps of homemade desi ghee or white butter, this thali comprises of local staples such as Kachri ki Sabji, Khichdi, Hara Dhania Cholia, Bajra Aloo ki Roti or Besan Masala Roti along with desserts like Alsi ki Pinni, Meethe Chawal or Bhura Ghee Roti. It is often accompanied with a tall glass of homemade lassi to wash down the grand meal.
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The traditional thali will showcase the scrumptious staples of the state which includes Aamras, Kosimbir, Bhakri roti (a millet flatbread), Bharli Vangi (stuffed brinjal), pitla (thick chickpea flour curry), Amti (spicy and tangy toor lentil), Pandhra Rassa (chicken in white gravy), Mutton Kolhapuri (fiery mutton gravy), Sabudana Vada and desserts like kheer or Basundi (sweetened dense milk dessert).
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A typical Goan meal would consist of steamed rice, Sheet Kodi Nustea (fish curry), Kismur (salad made with fresh grated coconut and pan fried prawns), Poi (a butterfly-shaped bread), Mackerel Rawa Fry along with Sol Kadi (kokum-coconut milk drink).
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The Rajasthani thali has a mix of colourful dishes and some local hits that you would hate to miss out on. The elaborate menu consists of Dal Baati Churma, Missi Roti with Gatte ki Sabji, Panchmela Dal, Laal Maas and Bajra Roti along with flavoured buttermilk. For desserts, you have Gondh ke Laddoo and Malpuas to treat your sweet tooth.
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A traditional Assamese meal begins with a delicacy called Khar, which is a curry made with raw papaya, lentils and powdered dry banana skins. This is followed by Pura (smoked meat), Poitabhat (cooked rice garnished with chillies, onions and mustard oil), Shaak Bhaji, Pitika and fritters known as Bor along with pickles. The meal ends with a delicious Rice Payas or Narikolor Laru (coconut laddoos).
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From Begun Bhaja, Patol Bhaja, Shukto (a bitter sweet medley of vegetables), Shaak and Alu Bhaaja to Cholaar Dal, Bhaat (rice), Maach Bhaja (fish fry), Maccher Kalia (fish curry) and Kosha Mangsho (mutton in thick gravy). To end the meal on a sweet note, you are served a sinful rice pudding called Payesh.
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It is served on a banana leaf with about 26 delicious dishes. Some of them are Beans Thoran, Aviyal, Pulissery, Vegetable Stew, Erissery, Rasam, Buttermilk Sambhar, Coconut Banana Fritters, Thenga Choru (coconut rice), Pachadis and many more. This elaborate meal usually ends with a creamy Rice Payasam.
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This thali includes robust dishes such as Rajma Risemise, Kebab Nadir Shahi (lotus root stuffed with aam papad), Tabak Maaz (fried lamb ribs), Gosht Yakhani, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Khatte Baingan, Kashmiri Pulao, Al Raita (bottle gourd in yogurt) and rose flavoured phirni to end the feast.
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This Thali consists of only vegetarian dishes which includes Dal, Kadhi, two to three vegetable preparations like Rigna Palak nu Shaak (spinach in brinjal curry) and Gajar Mirch Sambhaar (pickled carrots and capsicum) along with Khatta Dhokla, Chaas, Methi Thepla and Shrikhand.
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The traditional Dham is served on ‘Pattals’ which are plates made out of leaves. Dham Thali Consists Of Kale Channe Ka Katta, Wadi Curry, Madra, Kale Channe Ka Katta, Maa ki dal, Chawal, Mukund Wadi Curry, Kadu Ka Katta, Bhey, Methe Chawal, Matar Paneer and Salad.
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