Leicester – England’s Curry Capital has added another feather to its culinary cap by hosting its first-ever National Thali Week – a celebration of this beloved and extremely varied South Asian cuisine.
The event, which ran from January 6th to January 12th, was the brainchild of Romail Gulzar, founder of the Pukaar Group. A passionate foodie and advocate for South Asian cuisine, Romail spearheaded this initiative to honour and celebrate the diverse flavours of the traditional thali.
A thali, a platter offering a variety of dishes, is a staple in South Asian cuisine, known for its balance of flavours and textures. The week-long celebration saw enthusiastic participation from individuals and restaurant owners across major cities, including Manchester, Bedford, and London. The event aimed to bring communities together over the shared love of food and to introduce more people to the rich culinary traditions of South Asia.
Speaking of the celebration, Romail said: “Chai have a national week and eight years ago we launched National Samosa Week. I thought to myself, why not celebrate thali, something which is very traditional to our culture.
“I’m proud to highlight this iconic platter, which is a firm favourite of mine and so many others – known and loved for its diverse variety of flavours.”
The initiative received significant backing from prominent figures, including MasterChef finalist Chef Arbinder Singh Dugal and Dr. Dinta Thakkar, a general practitioner with a passion for culinary arts. Their involvement added credibility and excitement to the event, drawing attention from food enthusiasts and media alike.
International media outlets, such as NDTV India, took note of the celebration, dedicating a special half-hour program to National Thali Week. This coverage helped highlight the cultural significance of the thali and the growing appreciation for South Asian cuisine in the UK.
Visit Leicester, a key supporter of the event, expressed pride in backing the initiative, seeing it as an opportunity to spotlight Leicester and Leicestershire’s vibrant hospitality industry. The region, known for its rich culinary scene, was thrilled to support an event that aligns with its cultural ethos and promotes local businesses.
Organisers and participants are optimistic about the future of National Thali Week and are already looking at ways to grow the celebration next year.
“We hope that the event will grow annually, with more regions across the UK joining the celebration,” said Mr Gulzar.
“The success of this inaugural event sets a promising precedent for what could become a cherished tradition, celebrating the diversity and richness of South Asian cuisine.”
