Thali

The name of a metal tray on which a main meal is served throughout much of northern India; it is also the name of the meal, as in “thali meal.” A thali meal is for one person and usually consists of a mound of rice, several flatbreads, small servings of one or two dals, several vegetables, and one or more chutneys. The side dishes are served in small bowls or in small piles on the tray beside the rice. Different regional cuisines have characteristic thalis: In Gujarat, for example, the rice is served at the end of the meal.