The Indian thali is a wholesome combination of colorful dishes served next to each other on a single plate. It is the perfect depiction of Indian cuisine. My thali meal ideas are utterly simple, nourishing, and full of flavors.
What is ‘Thali’?
‘Thali’ is a Hindi word for – a big, round plate on which food is served. Small eating bowls known as ‘katori’ are placed within the thali, each containing a dish. This whole platter is served as a set meal for lunch or dinner. The portion size of thali is sufficient for an individual.
A thali meal is an age-old Indian tradition that is hard to find nowadays in modern families due to busy schedules. Still, there are many restaurants and food joints that serve these set meal platters with traditional Indian dishes.
What does a Thali consist of?
An Indian thali comprises – main-course gravy, dal or curry, sabzi or stir fry, condiments like raita, chutney, pickle, salad, papadum, and side dishes like roti, naan, chapati, paratha, or boiled rice.
Every region in India has its own version of the thali meal. Although the dishes in a thali vary significantly across different regions, the layout of the platter hardly differs. The quintessential thali meal is more like a cultural exploration and a complete meal in itself.
I personally love curating a variety of thali meals for my family. Whether it is our everyday meal or some festive occasion, thali meals are an integral part of my menu. They are the reminiscence of my childhood food memories in a joint family.
How do I plan them? I follow these meal prep tips and weekly menu planning to cook these elaborate meals for my family.
Everyday Indian Thali Ideas
We have got for you 20 Indian thali ideas for the everyday meal menu. My thali meal ideas are practical, wholesome, and perfect for a family.
Lauki (Ghiya) Kofta Curry, Chana Masala, Raita, Methi Lachha Paratha, Papad, Mango.
Dal Tadka, Bhindi Sabzi, Rajma Masala, Soya Chaap Tikka Masala, Mango Pickle, Chapati, Rice.
Dhaba Dal Tadka, Paneer Butter Masala, Karela Sabzi, Boondi Raita, Chutney, Salad, Paratha.
Chana Curry, Dal Fry, Aloo Gutke, Tandoori Paratha, Rice, Salad, Achaar, Masala Chaas, Mango.
Dal Tadka, Punjabi Arbi Masala, Papad Ki Sabzi, Jeera Rice, Tandoor Chapati, Mango.
Sabut Masoor Dal, Egg Masala Curry, Seviyan Kheer, Papad, and Chapati.
Moong Dal Tadka, Cabbage Sabzi, Ridge Gourd Curry, Paneer Tikka, Raita, Tandoori Paratha.
Tadka Dahi (Curd), Ridge Gourd Curry, Beans Aloo Sabzi, Chapati, Papad, Mango.
Sambar, Peanut Chutney, Curry Leaves Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Medu Vada, Idli
Dal Makhani, Bhindi Ki Sabzi, Boondi Raita, Salad, Papad, Chapati
Matar Paneer, Aloo Gutke, Kaddu Ki Sabzi, Boondi Raita, Papad, Paratha
Moringa Dal, Beetroot Poriyal, Masala Curd, Lachha Paratha
Drumstick Kolambu, Gobhi Sabzi, Banana Fry, Buttermilk, Rice, Pickle, Papapdum
Lotus Stem Curry, Moong Dal Tadka, Aloo Methi Sabzi, Raita, Gulab Jamun, Rice, Chapati
Brown Chana Curry, Arhar Dal Fry, Boondi Raita, Mango Pickle, Phulka
Lobia Curry, Ridge Gourd Sabzi, Carrot Raita, Rice, Roti
Shahi Paneer, Gujarati Kadhi, Potato Fry, Shrikhand, Paniyaram (Appe), Rice
Masoor Dal Tadka, Karela Sabzi, Sweet Pulao, Salad, Papad, Chapati
Bhindi Aloo Sabzi, Boondi Ki Kadhi, Chana Dal Lauki, Carrot Salad, Methi Paratha, Chapati, Rice
Vegetable Pulao, Boondi Raita, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad
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akanksha says
All Thalis looks yummy, love all the dishes you have made. 🙂
Aarti says
Great, ideas too. Thanks just gave working women like me some swear ideas for every day cooking!
Hina Gujral says
I am so happy you find them useful.
Pk says
Wow…lovely combos :)..please post recipes for turai and punjabi karela
Hina Gujral says
Sure. I am so happy you liked these meal plans 🙂
srimayyia says
One of my favourite combinations is a really nutritious and delicious curry. I include tomatoes. Keep sharing. Every special occasion is incomplete without the joy of sharing and celebrating great food, be it your birthday, anniversary, family gathering, or professional event. We at Sri ma