An Ode to Thali

Thali is like the Indian version of Japanese bento in that is a kaleidoscopic combination of foods presented beautifully in one vessel. Every thali features a variety of regional specialties & includes all six tastes, known in Ayurveda as Shadrasa: sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, astringent.

Similarly to Washoku, Ayurvedic tradition maintains that a meal is not complete unless it is a full-sensory experience with a balance of all 6 tastes — because each ‘rasa’ (taste) is not incidental, but rather an indication of the properties of the ingredients. So getting a balance of all the tastes at each meal is important for keeping our doshas in check!

Here are some of the thali that I’ve enjoyed the most during the last several months that I’ve been in India!

Fancy Rajasthani thali at @umaidbhawanpalace in Jodhpur (North India)

Unbelievably inexpensive thali from @isha.yoga.centre in Tamil Nadu (South India)

Homestyle thali that I learned to make in Jaipur with Payal of @jaipur_home_cooking_school (North India)

Thali served on a banana leaf a vegetarian restaurant in Thodupuzha, Kerala (South India)