What is historically traditional Indian dinnerware?

Plates

In US culture, a plate is changed for each course of meal. In Islamic culture, a single large platter is used by a group of persons to eat together. In India, the Hindus use a single plate per person, the plate is not changed and is used for all the courses.

In the olden days, the plates were called 'Pattal'. In Hindi, Pattal mean made of Patta, Patta are leaves. A doily was hand sewn by connecting dried leaves of Palm or Peepul tree, small wooden pins were used to connect the leaves. In certain areas, fresh banana leaves were used. Pattal remained common till about late 1960s.

Well to do families, started to use metal plates. Metal plates are called Thaali. The Thaali were made from copper, and brass alloys. For the rich and famous, Thaali were made of Gold. Thaali remains in use today, the metal of choice is stainless steel.

You can buy Stainless steel Thaali at most of the Indian stores in USA.

In 1970s, Pattal returned to India. The modern Pattal are pressed by machinery, and chemically coated. This is considered a eco-friendly solution as opposed to using foam plates for large gatherings such as wedding receptions.

Thali is round about 12" diameter. The rim of Thali is raised by about ½". Small bowls are arranged inside the rim. The bowls are filled with Curries, Dal, Dahi. In the center of the Thali, breads and rice are gathered.

Bowls

The bowls are used to serve soupy curries, beans and soups.

In the olden days, the bowls were called 'Doana'. Doana was made of dried leaves of Palm or Peeple tree. Individual leaf was formed as a bowl using wooden pins. These bowls were about 2" high to hold about 4 to 5 oz of fluids. Doana remained common till about late 1960s.

Doana were replaced by Katori. Katori are bowls made of metal. Katori holds about 5 oz of fluid. For the rich and famous, Katori are made of Gold or silver. Today the stainless steel is a metal of choice.

You can buy Stainless steel Katori at most of the Indian stores in USA.

Tumblers

Clay tumblers called 'Kulhar' were commonly used for both hot and cold beverages. Kulhar remained common till about late 1960s.

Kulhar were replaced by 'Glass'. Glass is not made by glass. Glass are tumblers made of metal, that hold about 10 oz of fluid. Today the stainless steel is a metal of choice.

You can buy Stainless steel Glass at most of the Indian stores in USA.

Flatware

In India, there is no flatware or chopsticks.  The food is eaten with fingers. When the curry or soup is involved, it is mixed with either rice and eaten; or you tear a piece of bread to form a scoop, eating the scoop filled with curry. During British Raj, teaspoon was introduced to stir tea. Since, then teaspoon has become a very useful and common flatware. Dinner fork and dinner knife are still not as popular.

In United States, it is unacceptable to eat with fingers with the exception of certain finger foods.