A thali is a complete Indian meal served on a single platter, with several small bowls of curry, dal and vegetables arranged around rice and bread. The word thali means “plate” and refers to the platter itself rather than any one recipe. The point of the format is balance: a thali is composed so that rich, sour, spicy, sweet and plain elements sit together and are eaten in combination rather than in sequence.
What is usually on it
- A curry — the richest element.
- Dal — lentils, the savoury anchor.
- A vegetable dish — lighter, often dry rather than saucy.
- Rice and bread — both, because they do different jobs.
- Something sharp — pickle, raita or chutney, to reset the palate.
How it is meant to be eaten
Not one bowl at a time. A thali is designed for combination: a little curry with rice, then dal with bread, then something sharp in between. The small quantities exist so you can move between them.
Why it is good value
A thali gives you four or five preparations for roughly the price of one main, which is why it is the standard working lunch across much of India.
On our board
Paneer Thali ($19), Chicken Thali ($20) and Lamb or Goat Curry Thali ($22), each with a curry, dal makhni, a veg curry of the day, rice and naan.
Where to eat it
The Aroma Bistro & Bar is at 32760 Simon Ave, Abbotsford, BC. The kitchen is on from 11:30 every day — Monday to Thursday until 11pm, Friday and Saturday until 1am, Sunday until 10pm. Happy Hour runs 1–5pm daily and again from 9pm until close.
Walk in, call (604) 743-3131, or book a table. The full board is on the menu page.
Common questions
What does thali mean?
Thali means plate in several Indian languages. It refers to the platter the meal is served on, not to a specific recipe.
How do you eat a thali?
In combination rather than in sequence - a little curry with rice, then dal with bread, with pickle or raita in between to reset the palate.
