‘Thali’ is an Indian word which means a large plate on which the food is served. In India, entire meal is served at the same time in small bowls called ‘Katoris’ arranged on the ‘Thali’. This includes starters, main courses and beverages. This system is called Indian ‘Thali’.

Indian meal can be as simple as a Roti (flatbread) with some curry and a glass of water or it can be as royal as with 100 items served on the plate (Ain-I-Akbar typical meal).

Traditional Indian meal consists of nine basic components. In a given meal, all the nine components may not be present and they may vary from region to region.

1. Condiments
It includes various types of pickles (Achar), Sweet preserves (Murabba), Papad (a type of wafer) and chutney

2. Salaad
Indian salad consists of thinly sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumber and wedges of limes. It can also include small sticks of radish with green chilies.

3. Snacks
This consists of deep fried foods (Samosa, pakora), kebabs and chaat.

4. Raita
This is a cold soup made of yoghurt containing bits of fresh tomatoes and onions, spiced with salt and crushed roasted cumin seeds

5. Curries
This varies as per the taste of the person. Vegetable curries will be served for vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries for meat eater

6. Staple Food
This consists of Roti (flat bread) along with some rice

7. Dal
This is a dried bean soup. Lentils such as Moong or other lentils are called Dals.

8. Mithai (sweets)
Mithai usually consist of common homemade desserts like Gajar Halwa (Carrot cake) and Kheer (Rice Pudding)

9. Beverages
This can include seasonal fruit juice, warm sweetened milk with groundnuts, Thandai or Lassi. Water is a must with an Indian meal

-Smrutirekha