Indian Thali: The best way to enjoy a variety

The Indian subcontinent was originally invaded for one of its largest assets. The history of the entire sub-continent was written because people the world over were desirous of a treasure trove that India possessed. What the world wanted was not gold or diamonds, it was the range of spices that nature had gifted India with! For centuries Indians have known the value of these spices and the cuisine in the sub-continent has majorly revolves around their use.

What is Indian traditional food?India is a vast country with a mix of several different cultures. So ‘Traditional food’ has a different meaning every time you travel to a different state. These include• The appams, dosas and idlis of the south• The bhakri, pithla and pooranpoli of the west• The rajma rice of the north• The litti chokha of the east.• And many many more in between!

The variety of food in India is virtually endless, however if you do want to narrow it down, traditional food of India would consist of Roti, Sabzi, Rice and Dal. Along with the main course, a few side dishes would include papads, pickles and buttermilk.

What is the best way to try Indian traditional food?

The Indian thali is the best way to try a variety of dishes at one go. The thali is a great concept that restaurants have come up with. Most restaurants specialize in the cuisine of one particular state, they serve a fixed menu and most thali restaurants are unlimited.

What is a Thali?

The Indian Thali consists of a complete meal, right from starters to main course and a dessert. It literally means a big plate. It comes with several bowls. Each bowl contains a different dish, either a vegetable or a dal. Naan, rotis and rice will be served in the thali to be enjoyed with the several bowls of assorted dishes. Thalis also offer one or two desserts.

The Thali is best enjoyed on a long leisurely afternoon or after a long hard day after which you want a big satisfying meal. The experience of eating at a thali restaurant is as memorable as the food served. The fun of waiters constantly serving you more and more of what you like until you are full is an experience that is great to be shared with family and friends.

What are some of the famous Thali cuisines?

Traditional thalis serve Indian vegetarian food from a particular state. The most famous Thalis are Rajasthani and Gujarati. Rajasthani and Gujarati food is known to be purely vegetarian. These cuisines are extremely tasty, filling and healthy too.

Are all Thalis vegetarian?

No. Although most Thalis serve Indian vegetarian food, some restaurants have started servind non-vegetarian thalis, like chicken thali and fish thali. There are even some fusion Chinese restaurants that serve Chinese thalis as well! So the thali has taken over the imagination of a lot of restaurant owners and each of them is innovating with their own menus and introducing the ever-popular thali.

So work up an appetite and go ahead, make a reservation in a thali restaurant and become a lifelong fan!