In Mumbai, Rohan Patoley tries a Bohri Thaal, which tells him about the stories and beliefs of the community that have shaped the cuisine. Following this, he tries out Lagan Nu Bhonu, a Parsi feast cooked for weddings and other special occasions, which exudes the typical PArsi love for life. He also goes to Pune, where he embarks on a mission to finish the infamous Bahubali Thali, which has been crafted to feed seven to eight people.

Bohri Thaal, Parsi Lagan Nu Bhonu And Bahubali Thali

Ahmedabad is the heart of Gujarat. Here, Rohan Patoley learns about the influence of Baniyas and Brahmins on the traditional Gujarati Thali. Following this, he visits Rajkot, where he tries a Kathiawadi thali, the dishes of which tell stories about the lifestyle and traditions of the people who shaped the cuisine. He also visits Mandawa, where an authentic Shekhawati thali tells him about the global perspectives that the bygone traders of this region brought from their travels to their cuisines.

Gujarati Thali, Kathiawadi Thali And Shekhawati Thali

Jodhpur, the blue city of Rajasthan, is famous for its street food. Rohan Patoley comes here, however, to try a Marwari thali, which tells him stories about the erstwhile kingdom of Marwar. Following this, he visits Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The Global Thali he tries over here reflects the evolution of Jaipur from a microcosm of Rajasthan to an international tourist destination. He also tries a royal Rajasthani thali, redolent of the glory of the Rajput kings.

Marwari Thali, Global Thali And Royal Rajasthani Thali

Himachali Dham is a community feast prepared according to tradition on festivals and special occasions. Rohan Patoley visits Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital of the British, where he tries a traditional Mandyali Dham. Following this, he goes to Nurpur, a lesser known Himachali town, where he explores a Kangra-style Dham. Along the way, he learns about the difference between the traditions and flavours that shape the two styles of Himachali Dham.

The Two Styles Of Himachali Dham

Delhi, the food capital of India, truly represents the country’s motto of unity in diversity. Rohan Patoley discovers this when he gets a glimpse into Japanese cuisine through a traditional Japanese bento box, and then learns about the humble flavours of an authentic Haryanvi Thali. He also tries a vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kashmiri Thali.

Delhi's Cosmopolitan Thalis

In Delhi, Rohan Patoley comes across an offbeat thali that celebrates the staple food of more than half of the world’s population - rice, with an assortment of rice dishes such as Masoor Kheema Biryani, Peri Peri Biryani and Pongal. Following this, he tries a Trans-Himalayan Thaal, which tells him about the influence of the Tibetan and Ladakhi population of Delhi on its food habits. He also gorges on a hearty Punjabi Thali with twenty dishes from different places of the state.

Delhi's Innovative Thalis

In Benares, Rohan Patoley finds out about the eccentricity of the locals in the way they name the dishes in a traditional Varanasi thali such as Paneer Kaleji and Dal Ki Dulhan. Following this, he goes to Bhubaneshwar, where he learns about the role played by the local produce in an authentic Odiya thali through dishes such as Kakharu Phula Bhaja, Mati Handi Mutton and Macha Besara. He also tries the Bihari thali, with dishes such as Sarson Machhli and Baingan Ka Chokha, in Patna.

Benarasi Thali, Odiya Thali And Bihari Thali

The most famous story about Agra is the monument of love that defines it. Rohan Patoley finds out more interesting stories about the place, however, through its food, when he tries the Mughlai Thali, the Brij Thali and the Rohilkhandi Thali over here. He also enjoys the richness of an Awadhi Thali, in Lucknow.

Uttar Pradesh's Gastronomic Heritage

An avid traveller and an intrepid foodie, Rohan Patoley has been travelling for the food in India for nearly a decade now. This time around, he is travelling for the India in the food. ‘Thali’, a quintessential food tradition of this country, speaks volumes not only about its diversity in geography and culture but also its unity in roots, values and wisdom. Rohan embarks on a journey to get to rediscover India like never before one thali at a time. 

Thali-the Great Indian Meal