Experiencing a destination’s ‘local Thali’ has become a hallmark of my travels. Each Thali weaves a tale of the land, its culture, and its timeless traditions. During my journey in Aurangabad, I indulged in this culinary ritual once more.

Upon hearing about my fervor for Thali, our cab driver whisked us – my mother and me – away to ‘Maharashtrian Bhojanalaya’, a revered vegetarian haven known for its decadent Thalis.

Our anticipation grew as we awaited the arrival of two Thalis, a wait that lasted a tantalizing fifteen minutes. When they finally arrived, the feast before us was extraordinary: fragrant rice, warm bread, flavorful chole, hearty pulses, divine kaju-paneer, rich curry, tender cauliflower, crisp papad, fresh salad, crunchy mixture, spicy green pickle, and an array of delightful desserts—Shrikhand, Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, and refreshing lassi.

As always, the Thali was a glorious spread, a true delight for the senses. Its diverse flavors enchanted my taste buds, urging me to indulge too much. Of course, we enjoyed the seemingly endless refills.

The star of the show for me was the Shrikhand. Upon inquiry, the owner, Mr. Rohit Dhut, revealed its secret: strained overnight yogurt blended with fine sugar and aromatic cardamom dust – a symphony of flavors!

Maharashtrian Bhojanalaya opens its doors from 11 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm. The indulgent experience of a Thali here costs INR 210. To my fellow readers: when you make your way to ‘Maharashtrian Bhojanalaya,’ save some extra room in your stomach. You’ll need it!