India is a country with a rich history, and we all know that! But do you know that India is a country with rich food options as well? Yes, Wedding Food Ideas is famous worldwide. Travelers from other parts of the world come here to experience both Indian heritage and Indian food. Indian thalis are very popular among various food options.
Indian thalis are now well received at weddings as well. So, if you are looking for some of the best wedding food ideas in Indian weddings, read this post. We have compiled a list of the top 12 Indian thalis that you can consider including in your wedding venue.
A full thali is a complete meal that includes delectable regional dishes all in one place. A full thali is a wonderful way to experience a variety of luscious regional dishes all in one go. It is one of the best ways to enjoy traditional feasts in India. A full thali is a delightful assortment of various dishes, offering a wide range of flavours and textures. It includes a variety of main dishes, sides, snacks, and desserts, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience. Almost every state in India offers a unique thali, offering a wide range of local and seasonal delicacies. Each dish highlights the unique cooking techniques of a specific regional cuisine.
Most couples have now started to include regional cuisine in the Indian wedding menu. So, if you are also planning to include regional taste in your wedding menu, then a thali is the best choice.
Main Contents of Indian Thali
A full thali is a classic way of serving regional delicacies and making your guests enjoy the feast. It includes a large plate with a variety of dishes and accompaniments. Usually, Indian thalis have main dishes, side dishes, and sweet dishes. Most Indian thalis feature two or more sweet dishes. Moreover, the contents of a full thali can differ based on the region, cuisine, and the host’s personal preferences. Here are some of the typical items found in a complete thali:
Main Dishes
Roti (type of roti can vary based on the location)
Rice
Dal or kadhi
Dry sabzi
Vegetable curry or korma
Side Dishes
Raita
Salad (varies based on the location you’re getting married in)
Papad
Pickle
Sweet Dishes
Laddoo
Halwa
Kheer
Paysam (The choice of dessert depends on the location you’re getting married in)
12 Enriching Indian Thalis to Include in Your Wedding Menu
Here are some of the incredible Indian thalis for making your wedding a lavish feast for your guests. Take a look…
1. Rajasthani Thali
When it comes to Indian thali, Rajasthani thali tops the list. Nothing can beat the classic taste of Rajasthani food. The Rajasthani thali showcases a delightful array of dishes. It includes Dal Bati Churma, a delectable combination of lentil soup, baked dough balls, and sweet crumbles. Another highlight is Gatte ki Sabzi, which features gram flour dumplings in a flavorful yoghurt gravy. Aside from that, the thali also has Ker Sangri, a sumptuous curry made with dried ker berries and sangri beans. Ker sangri is best accompanied by Bajra roti (a wholesome millet flatbread), refreshing Boondi Chaas, Flavorful Pulao, Crispy Dal Papad, and Pickles. Then, there are a variety of delicious dessert options to choose from, which include Moong Dal Halwa, Gond Ka Ladoo, and Imarti. Overall, it is a culinary delight and a wonderful addition to the Indian wedding menu! Know that Rajasthani food is on the spicier side. So, if you and your guests love to savour spicy food, Rajasthani thali is a perfect pick. Or you can consider a part of it, like incorporating Daal Baati Churma in your wedding menu, which can be a clever menu option.
2. South Indian Thali
The South Indian thali features a delightful assortment of dishes, including Idli (a steamed rice cake), Dosa (a rice and lentil pancake), Wada (a deep-fried ball made of ground pulses), Sambar (a spicy lentil and vegetable stew), Rasam (a tangy tamarind and tomato soup), Coconut Chutney, Tomato Chutney and Payasam (a delicious vermicelli pudding). South Indian thalis are pretty gratifying. You can add a south Indian thali to your Indian wedding or have some of the dishes incorporated as snacks, such as idli sambhar or wada sambhar.
3. Gujarati Thali
Gujaratis are known to be the sweetest people. Likewise, their food is also sweet. Gujarati thalis are pretty popular among food lovers. The Gujarati thali includes a delightful array of dishes, including the delectable dhokla (a savoury steamed cake), the flavorful khandvi (rolls made with gram flour), the aromatic Undhiyu (a delectable mixed vegetable curry), the scrumptious Thepla (a fenugreek flatbread), and the sumptuous shrikhand (a sweetened yoghurt adorned with nuts and fruits). Gujarati thali is a perfect way to let your guests’ savour on some delectable food items. You can also include some games in your wedding to add a unique touch to it. Gujaratis love flying kites a lot.
If you are planning to say “I DO” amidst beautiful Himalayan ranges, then including Garhwali Thali is a MUST for you. Like Garhwali, Garhwaali thali is also sumptuous and tempting. It includes numerous tempting food items, such as Chainsu (a mix of ground urad daal), Aloo Sabzi (a boiled potato sabzi cooked in mustard oil and jakhya), Mandwa Roti (chapati made of raagi), Jhangora Bhaat (barnyard millet rice}, Cucumber Raita (raita with mustard seeds tempering), and Jhangora Kheer (dessert made of Barnyard millet). The best thing about Garhwali thali is that it is tasty and very healthy as well. Garhwaali thali is a perfect way to keep your guests warm in winter weddings.
5. Bengali Thali
Bengal is not only famous for beautiful sarees, but it is also known for its delectable combination of fish and rice. Bengal is renowned for its impressive thali, filled with a delightful array of delicacies. Bengali thalis are best for those planning to have nonvegetarian food items as well. This thali typically includes non-vegetarian delicacies with a perfect balance of subtle and fiery flavours that will leave your guests craving for more. Featuring a variety of delicious dishes, including Begun Bhaja, Patol Bhaja, Shukto, Luchi, Aloo Posto, Shaak and Alu Bhaaja, Cholar Dal, Bhaat, Maach Bhaja, Maccher Kalia, and Kosha Mangsho. The delightful meal also includes savoury sweets, including Mishti Doi (sweet yoghurt) and Payesh (rice and milk pudding) and Roshogolla.
6. Maharashtrian Thali
Both Maharashtrian weddings and Maharashtrian cuisine are known for their delightful blend of beautiful culture. Maharashtrian Thali comes packed with subtle flavours that will delight your taste buds for sure. The traditional Maharashtrian thali features a variety of delicious dishes, including Bhakri roti (a millet flatbread), Bharli Vangi (stuffed brinjal), Pitla (thick chickpea flour curry), Amti (spicy and tangy toor lentil), Pandhra Rassa (chicken in white gravy), Mutton Kolhapuri (fiery mutton gravy), Aamras, Koshimbir, Sabudana Vada, and desserts like kheer or Basundi (sweetened dense milk dessert).
Goan thali is yet another wonderful addition to any Indian wedding. This thali typically includes delicious seafood, fish, and rice dishes. If you are planning to have non-vegetarian food items for your wedding, then Goan thali is a perfect pick. Goan cuisine is renowned for its delectable seafood dishes. Goan delicacies usually include Steamed Rice, Vindaloo Curry, Sheet Kodi Nustea (fish curry), Poi (a butterfly-shaped bread), Rice Bhakri, Prawns Curry, Kismur (salad made with freshly grated coconut and pan-fried prawns), Mackerel Rava Fry, and Sol Kadi (kokum-coconut milk drink). To conclude, it includes Goan Banana Halwa, which will leave your guests amazed!
8. Punjabi Thali
Punjab de log te Punjab di thali dono hi A-ONE hondiyan. Yes, you cannot resist the rustic and earthy flavours of the Punjabi thali. This thali is filled with simple delicacies and generously topped with homemade desi ghee or white butter. Punjabi thali comes packed with flavours that will captivate your taste buds. The menu features a variety of mouthwatering dishes such as Makke di Roti te Sarso da saag, Pindi chole, Amritsari Aloo Kulcha, Dal Makhani, Pakoda Kadhi, Jeera Rice, Pickles (usually, cauliflower, carrot and turnip pickle), and a refreshing Sweet Lassi. You can also consider having Rajma Rice or Choley Rice. If you are planning a non-vegetarian wedding menu, then Butter Chicken and Tender Amritsari Fish cooked in rich gravy can be the best choice. This meal is truly delicious and will definitely leave your guests craving for more!
9. Assamese Thali
Assamese thali is yet another renowned cuisine that you can consider having on your wedding menu. Assam is a beautiful Indian state, and so is its food. Assamese food is cooked using slow cooking techniques. They come packed with robust flavours and spices. The local cuisine incorporates a wide variety of native plants, vegetables, and animal products. A typical Assamese thali includes Khar (curry prepared using raw papaya, lentils, and powdered dry banana skins), Pura (smoked meat), Poitabhat (cooked rice garnished with chilies, onions, and mustard oil), Shaak Bhaji, Pitika, and Bor (fritters). Along with the main dishes, Assamese meals also include pickles and delectable Rice Payas or Narikolor Laru (coconut laddoos).
10. Kashmiri Thali
The beautiful Kashmir Valley is known not only for its heavenly beauty but also for its delectable cuisine. Kashmiri cuisine typically includes meat and rice. Wazwan is a traditional ceremonial feast in Kashmir. It consists of a delectable platter of meat dishes. The typical Kashmiri thali features a variety of flavorful dishes, including Rajma Risemise, Kebab Nadir Shahi (lotus root stuffed with aam papad), Gosht Yakhani, Tabak Maaz (fried lamb ribs), Khatte Baingan, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Kashmiri Pulao, Al Raita (bottle gourd in yoghurt), and a delightful rose-flavored Phirni to conclude the feast.
11. Himachali Thali
Himachal is a beautiful Indian state best known for its breathtaking views and delectable cuisine. Himachali thali features some of its iconic dishes, including Babru (a roti filled with cooked urad dal), Rajma Madra, Mash ki Dal, Kaddu ka Khatta, Aloo Palda, Tukdiya Bhat, and Pahadi Chicken. And, of course, you can’t forget to give a shot to Meetha Chawal and the Poppy Seed Halwa, which is flavored with cardamom and garnished with dry fruits.
12. Andhra Thali
Last on our list is Andhra Thali. Andhra cuisine is a delightful cuisine from the state of Andhra. Andhra cuisine is famous for its tangy, hot, and spicy taste. A full Andhra thali includes Pulihora, rice served with ghee, chapati, Pappu (lentils), Sambhar, Chaaru (rasam), Pulusu, fried and wet curries, Odiyalu, Pachadi, Chutney, Avakaya, Pickles, and Yoghurt. The entire meal is concluded with Kaaja (a deep-fried pastry) and Sunnundallu (laddoo made with roasted urad dal).
Wrapping it up…
So, these are the 12 most mouth-watering full thali ideas from different states of India. Hopefully, our list of the best wedding food ideas has helped you pick the best. You can consider including any of them as the main course in your wedding menu or plan to have some of the dishes from these states included in your menu. The idea is to provide your guests with the best experience ever. Including full thali is a trend these days. Many couples are now opting for Indian thalis in their wedding menu to make their wedding memorable. You can choose the one that fits your wedding style. You can even choose individual items from each Thali and create your own personalised Indian thali for your wedding. This way, you would be able to provide your guests with a unique experience. All you have to do is to take the signature item from all the states and make a customized wedding thali for your BIG DAY! Give it a thought!
