Indian thali
थाली Thali · India (nationwide)
One round platter holding all six tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy.
Know before you go
- Eat and pass things only with your right hand
- don't share food you've touched
- don't bring meat into a vegetarian restaurant
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
'Thali' originally means plate, and also refers to an Indian set meal of many dishes on one large round platter. The idea is to offer the six tastes — sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy — on a single plate. Small bowls are arranged around the rim, with rice or bread in the middle. Ancient Sanskrit texts already describe kings' food served on large golden plates ringed with small bowls.
Local customs
- Traditionally you tear bread with your right hand to scoop up the dishes
- many restaurants refill rice and curries for free
Religion & beliefs
- Many parts of India have a high share of vegetarians, and Jains also avoid root vegetables
- restaurants near temples are mostly purely vegetarian.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
India: some states ban alcohol completely
- Before visiting Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland or Lakshadweep, learn the alcohol rules
- Drinking or carrying alcohol in a dry area
- Drinking in parks and other public places
Drinking or possessing alcohol in a dry state can lead to arrest without bail and 5 to 10 years in prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
India: e-cigarettes are banned
- Leave your e-cigarette at home
- Bringing an e-cigarette into India or buying one there
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
India: no satellite phones or GPS devices without a permit
- Before you leave, check whether your equipment needs a permit
- Carrying a satellite phone or satellite navigation device without a permit (even in transit)
Illegal; you can be fined or arrested and the device confiscated. British tourists have been arrested for this.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Eat and pass things only with your right hand
- don't share food you've touched
- don't bring meat into a vegetarian restaurant
Locals appreciate DO
Indians appreciate visitors who try eating with their right hand and taste a little of everything.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Thali styles vary greatly by region — Rajasthani, Gujarati and South Indian are all worth trying
- it's most common at lunchtime. Prices and opening hours are set by each restaurant
- popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Sources & verification notes
More in South Asia
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A plate of rice with several curries made from fish, meat, vegetables, lentils and fruit.
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Nepali momo
Steamed dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, whose name may come from northwest China's 'momo'.