Chef John’s guide to the perfect thali

A thali is a complete meal on one plate – and the best ones balance every taste: sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter.

Build it in layers

Start with a dal and a dry vegetable, add a rich curry, then rice, roti, raita and a little pickle. Each bite should feel different from the last.

Try ours

Our weekday lunch thali changes daily and is the easiest way to taste half the menu in one sitting.