Thali is a term that refers both to the Indian style of eating a meal and the round metal platter used for serving in parts of Asia and the Caribbean. The thali meal usually consists of 10 or more Indian dishes, each served separately in a small bowl called katori and arranged on a round, metal platter.

The meal typically consists of rice or a flatbread made with grain, lentils, vegetables, chutney, raita, pickles, papadum, sweets, and a beverage. Still, there are variations depending on the region you're in and different dishes (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) are served in different regions and places.

Also, each of these dishes is a dish Indians prepare at home but rarely do they eat them together since thali style of eating a meal is usually reserved for celebratory occasions like festivals, religious holidays, and social functions and served in restaurants.

Thali is present in all of India, but it's said it originated in South India and has roots in ayurveda. A thali meal includes all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent), making it a balanced meal that is key to good nutrition and health.