National Thali Week 2026

Returning for its second year, this week is National Thali Week, run by the people behind the Leicestershire Curry Awards and England Curry Capital.

National Thali Week is taking place first time between 6 and 12 January 2026 and celebrates this often overlooked Indian feasting sensation. Bringing together restaurants, communities and food lovers for a week dedicated to the South Asian subcontinent’s most iconic meals.

The word Thali literally means plate, but when you order a Thali you get to try a little bit of everything. Thalis come served on a platter with little bowls to hold all of the delicious treats and during National Thali Week we’ll be encouraging you to head to your nearest restaurant and try out a Thali!

National Thali Week will see participating venues across Leicester serve specially curated thalis, showcasing the depth and diversity of regional flavours – from Gujarati and Punjabi traditions to lesser-known regional styles. The initiative builds on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which positioned Leicester at the heart of a nationwide celebration of thali culture.

Often described as one of the UK’s most diverse food destinations, Leicester has long been recognised for its South Asian culinary heritage. Organisers say the city’s independent restaurants and family-run eateries play a key role in keeping traditional recipes alive while also pushing creative boundaries.

During the week, diners are encouraged to explore different thalis, share their experiences on social media, and support local businesses during what can be a quieter period for the hospitality sector. Some venues are also expected to link the initiative to charitable causes, using food as a way to give back to the community.

National Thali Week is organised by Pukaar Group, the Leicester-based organisation behind National Samosa Week, the Leicestershire Curry Awards, and most recently, in partnership with Visit Leicester’s Taste the Place campaign, bringing the title of England Curry Capital back to Leicester, where we think you’ll all agree it belongs.

Leicester was crowned the winner of England Curry Capital last year which prompted founder Romail Gulzar to highlight the city’s offering further. Romail said: “A thali tells a story on a single plate. It represents balance, generosity and togetherness – values that feel especially important right now. National Thali Week is an invitation – whether you’ve grown up eating thalis or you’re trying one for the first time. Leicester’s food scene is the perfect place to experience just how exciting and varied a thali can be.”

Shaf Islam, owner of Leicester’s Chutney Ivy restaurant, praised National Thali Week as an initiative. “I’m surprised something like that has not been celebrated before. What a great idea – another way to celebrate the great cuisine and all the variety of cuisine which comes from the Indian sub- continent,” he said. “Leicester – being the curry capital, is the perfect place to celebrate this.”

For updates on National Thali Week, follow @NationalThaliWeek on Instagram and watch  out for more info as we approach the date. And check out our World on a Plate Taste the Place section to find out more about how you can taste your way round the world in Leicester.

Massive thanks to @eatvithus on Instagram who have put together a fantastic list of the best places to try a Thali in Leicester!

Desi Bites (a range of Thalis from £7)
Sharmilee (Regular Thali £7.95, special Thali £9.95)
Herb (Three course menu £22.45, Business Lunch Thali for just £5.95!)
Mirch Masala (£9.99)
Crispy Dosa Leicestershire (Crispy Dosa Bombay Thali)
Kayal (Seafood Thali £23.45, Business Lunch Thali just £5.95!)
Tamatanga (£26.95)
My Delhi (lunchtime Canteen Thali Trays)

Mithaas
Asees (Punjabi Thali)

Chai Paani (£9.50)
Bobby’s (Gujurati £12.50, Punjabi £15)
Amaravathi (veg £13.95, Chicken £15.95, Lamb £18.95)
Dakshin
Mumbai Sandwich Station (Mumbai Express Thali £12.95)
4 Seasons Chaat House (£9.50 eat in, £7 takeaway)
Royal Bites Leicester (Gujarati Thali £6.49)
Kitchen 26

Jalaram Sweet Mart
Popats
Radha Sweet Mart
Aarti Sweet Centre