Thali

Thali is a traditional style of serving food in Indian cuisine. The term 'Thali' refers to the round platter used to serve a variety of dishes. A typical Thali meal consists of several dishes served in small bowls, called 'Katori', which are placed on the Thali. The dishes served in a Thali vary from region to region in India and can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

Etymology

The word 'Thali' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'sthali', which means 'a large flat plate'. The term is used across India and its neighboring countries to refer to a round platter used to serve food.

Components of a Thali

A typical Thali meal consists of a variety of dishes, including rice, dal (lentils), vegetables, roti (bread), salad, yogurt, small amounts of chutney or pickle, and a sweet dish. The idea behind a Thali is to offer all the different flavors of sweet, salt, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy on one single plate. According to Ayurveda, this is a balanced meal.

Regional Variations

Thali meals have many regional variations across India. For example, a Rajasthani Thali might include dishes like dal-baati, gatte ki sabzi, and basundi, while a Gujarati Thali might include dishes like dhokla, kadhi, and shrikhand. Similarly, a South Indian Thali might include dishes like sambar, rasam, and payasam.

Cultural Significance

In India, the Thali meal is not just about the food. It is considered a cultural experience. The Thali is often used in ceremonies and rituals. It is also a common way of serving food in Indian restaurants.

See Also

• Indian cuisine
• Rajasthani cuisine
• Gujarati cuisine
• South Indian cuisine

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  Vegetarian Curry
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  Traditional Thali
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  Detail from Kota painting, ca. 1646
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  Detail from Mewar painting, ca. 1712
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  Detail of Kota painting, ca. 1700
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  A thali, meal served in India
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  Indian Thali
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  Detail of Mewar painting manuscript, ca. 1712