Thali - Just the way Indians love it

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaali…. The size of the plate is actually the way I wrote the word. Thali is the traditional way in which an Indian family would eat their meal. It would comprise, mix of spices, grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables grown natively. Food cooked was traditionally served in a huge round plate called the Thali, which was big enough to contain all the delicacies from appetizers to desserts. From east to west & north to south, you will find Thali system everywhere in India. Based on cultural diversities in India, every state has its own unique type of Thali. Rajasthani Thali, Gujarati Thali, Mahrashtrian Thali and Punjabi Thali are some of the famous ones. There is some specialty in each one of them which makes them exclusive & different from the other.

The type of food & various delicacies in every Thali will be difficult to talk in one blog, so I will specifically talk about one Thali. This time I will be a little biased and talk about the Thali that belongs to my own state - the Maharashtrian Thali. Maharashtrian cuisine is famous for the street style food like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Pav Bhaji etc. A typical Mahrastrian Thali comprises of Koshimbir, Thecha, Aamti, Bharli Vangi, Batata, Dhapate, Kothimbir Wadi, Bhakri, Chapati, Fulke, Shrikhand, Varan Bhaat, Taak & the list is never ending. Even though we keep expecting so many dishes, the ingrediants and the variety keeps changing everytime. So when you think of Koshimbir or thecha there will not be just one koshimbir or one thecha. Say for instance if you are on fast then there will be another koshimbir served to, or if you like to spice up then the chilli version of Koshimbir is elegantly made available for you. The Thali is made in such a way that includes everything from salad to main course to desserts which satisfies the taste buds of an individual completely.

Restaurants that exclusively serve Thalis are also available in major cities. These food joints are ideal for people who choose traditional food over fancy continental cuisine. Ideally when we go to a restaurant it’s not possible to order for 10 – 15 dishes at one time, so if you want to taste all the delicacies of that particular region. The Thali in its modern avatar, is the best way to taste a little bit of everything of that region’s cuisine has to offer. So all those who haven’t tried Thali yet, its time you put it on your to do list, this season.

That’s what we Indians are any ways about, food….food….food!! Agree?

traditional food I restore this forgone trend