Beat the heat with India’s summer thalis!
When the summer hits its peak, our taste buds crave refreshing, light, and soul-satisfying foods. What better way to celebrate the summer season than exploring some cool thalis from Indian states? Thalis are not just food; they are simply amazing stories served on a platter. This summer, let's embrace India differently — one cool thali at a time!
This comprehensive guide to cool summer thalis promises a delicious escape from the heat!
In summer, we need food that is hydrating, light, nutritious, as well as easy to digest. Across India, different states have mastered the art of curating summer-friendly thalis. These plates are enriched with cooling ingredients like yogurt, coconut, cucumber, mint, raw mango, and buttermilk — all known to naturally beat the heat.
Summer is incomplete without chilled aamras or mango pulp! Served with fluffy puris, a side of cucumber salad, and a glass of mattha or spiced buttermilk, this Maharashtrian thali is a pure bliss during hot days.
Must-try: Aamras, Puran Poli, Cucumber Koshimbir
Known for hearty meals, Punjab’s summer twist involves a cool curd-based thali. Fresh boondi raita, stuffed tandoori parathas, and a tall glass of lassi are saviour in this summer heroes.
Must-try: Boondi Raita, Aloo Paratha, Mango Pickle, Sweet Lassi
While the grand Onam Sadya is elaborate, Kerala’s summer version is lighter featuring steamed rice, avial (vegetable coconut stew), and cooling pachadi (yogurt-based side dish).
Must-try: Avial, Pineapple Pachadi, Cucumber Thoran
(Credit: Instagram/@bliss_is_food)
Gujarati cuisine is light yet flavourful. Enjoy soft rotis, chaas (buttermilk), dal, and a side dish of kachumber (raw salad). It's simple, tasty, and filling.
Must-try: Chaas, Bajra Rotla, Aam ka Chunda
Desert heat can be beaten by cooling foods. This Rajasthani thali comprises Bajra roti, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, and aam panna, simply ideal for scorching days.
Must-try: Bajra Roti, Aam Panna, Kair Sangri
(Credit: Insta/@sanjanatries)
In Bengal, fermented rice or panta bhaat is a famous summer staple. Served cold with salt, mustard oil, green chilies, and fried fishes, it’s rustic, healthy, and amazingly cooling.
Must-try: Panta Bhaat, Aloo Bharta, Raw Mango Chutney
Simple yet legendary, Tamil Nadu’s curd rice thali, paired with pickles, podis (spice powders), and crisp papad, is an ultimate comfort food during hot and humid days.
Must-try: Curd Rice, Mango Pickle, Fryums
(Credit: Culture Book)
Similar to Bengal's panta bhaat, Odisha’s pakhala bhata is another fermented rice variety with water, served chilled with fried vegetables, mashed potato, and badi chura (dried lentil dumpling crumble).
Must-try: Pakhala Bhata, Saag Bhaja, Badi Chura
(Credit: Instagram/@divine)
This is a supremely lighter meal comprising chickpeas cooked in yogurt gravy, paired with steamed rice, and cucumber raita. This special, cool thali offers fresh mountain flavours.
Must-try: Channa Madra, Raita, Kachumber
In Assam, khar (an alkaline preparation) is paired with simple rice dishes, raw salads, and steamed pithas (rice cakes). This unique combination brings in a subtle, refreshing charm in the summer season.
Must-try: Khar, Bamboo Shoot Salad, Pitha
Whether you're a foodie, traveler, or someone looking to taste traditional flavours in a refreshing way, these thalis are a must-try.
So, this summer, eat light and local to celebrate the incredible diversity of India!
