Thali Cafe -Montpelier

There's nothing like wandering around your city and stumbling upon a new joint. I used to pass this location when it was a Frenchy cafe, but to see it transformed into a cool Bollywood-esque Indian restaurant was cool. To see the Observer award and the eco-focus made me want to try it even more.

We got the chicken curry thali - possibly the only meat on the menu?! which comes with dall and many side dishes. I also ordered the Mumbai sampler of samosas, pakoras and pickles.

It was all very good. The crowd and server/s were relaxed and only 'interrupted' by the tiffin takeaway crowd. If you don't know about that eco-friendly system check out more here. http://bit.ly/gDQrew. That is the coolest thing I've seen for a long time. (In India these are delivered to people all across the cities on bikes with such precision that there have been operations mgmt studies on how they achieve it.)

It could be the freshness, or some organic allergy, but the food didn't agree with me 100%, however, I think this is an amazing place. Try it!

Parking could be troublesome as the streets are narrow and it's a residential area.

It's a while since I've eaten at the Thali Café in Montpelier, preferring the ease with which I can get to the Easton one, as well as the people watching opportunities there are from the couple of pavement tables. That's not to say that the Montpelier Thali Café hasn't got a charm of its own - it certainly has. Being the first one in this ever-burgeoning chain, a lot of creative energy went into the place. The décor is pretty unusual, uber-kitsch, and colourful, and the setting is as intimate as Bristol dining gets, often feeling like the rest of your family, (if it's a large one), have descended on you for the evening. Great!

The food probably needs no introduction... it's English style South Indian food at its best!

One of the more established Thalis in Bristol, the Montpelier branch is one of the most restricted as regards food choice. Previously vegetarian (although I'm told fish has recently been added to the menu), it's a little more bohemian and down at heel than its Clifton counterpart.

Not to say that's a bad thing, the Thali Cafe is all about festivals and being down at heel, but loving every minute of it. The garish facade is as eyecatching as the thalis on offer are mouthwatering. The tiffin takeaway service is good value as well - how else can you get food for 2-3 for £7.50?

Check out the cheap Thali for a fiver accompanied by live music deal on Sunday, although make sure you turn up early - when the offer's this good all of Montpelier seems to crawl out of the woodwork.

Food very good, didn't have the opportunity to sample the real atmosphere as had a light lunch on a Wednesday. Menu attached.

There are now four of these knocking about the city (and they also have a stall that goes out to festivals including Glastonbury), though this Montpelier-based institution remains the original (I think!) and best. Everything about this place is simple and welcoming.

The interior has great ambience, being dark with candles and fairy lights twinkling away. The vegetarian food is easy to order, with there only being two main courses on offer: a northern and southern thali, which subtly changes every now and then. Once you've made your choice, you receive a tray with about five or so different dishes on, all for £7. Bottled beers are also available for less than £3.

If you really love this place (as many, many do), you can also purchase a tiffin which will entitle you to order bargain-priced takeaways. As nice, and ethical, as it is, I can see this veggie fare and lack of options making this a bit of a bland proposition pretty quickly.

The Thali franchise is fast sweeping Bristol, but of all its branches this one in the heart of Montpelier is my favourite. However, my husband usually grumbles about the lack of meat on the menu so I am more often found here with friends, quaffing wine and greedily wiping clean my tiffin. From the outside the cafe is inviting with a bright pink decor sparkling from across the street. And although is is fairly small inside, it is beautifully decorated and welcoming.
After testing out its incredible dishes on the ravenous crowds at the Glastonbury and Big Chill festivals, the Thali opened a permanent base in the city 10 years ago and is now something of an institution.
At the Montpelier branch, you can choose from the Northern Thali or the Dairy-free option- a generous helping protein, pulses, rice, salad and a vegetable dish served on a stainless steel platter. The recipes are chosen to nourish as well as tickle the palate so this balance of foods is always the same, although the exact recipes will vary. There is also a tasty selection of Mumbai-style snacks to graze on if you fear the Thali itsef will not sate and a mouthwatering selection of kulfis to finish. Most Sundays there is live music from local performers and the Thali staff place a strong emphasis on aiming to recyclde 100 per cent of their waste, sourcing food locally and using seasonal produce. There is also a great selection of alcohol, juices and lovely chai to accompany your meal.
I have never done takeaway here but the Thali allows you to buy your own eco-friendly Tiffin to bring in for a refill whenever you want.

The sparkly bright pink exterior of the Montpelier branch of Thali is as eye-catching as its Easton counterpart, where I first tried this Bristol mini-chain, and it's got the same chilled-out, festival feel, with nice, cosy décor.

I like the fact that I'm not overwhelmed by food choices here - perhaps I have a slightly stunted attention span, but in some cafés and restaurants I find myself staring at the menu for ages before realising I'm not concentrating at all, simply because there's too much to look at.

Here, it's the other extreme: you basically choose between two main choices, both offering a well-balanced meal - a North Indian Thali, or a South Indian Thali - so you could even toss a coin if you're particularly indecisive. If you're a meat-lover, this really isn't the place, since it's mostly veggie with a bit of fish thrown in from time to time.

If you enjoy live music, look out for the regular Sunday sessions advertised at this branch (and at the other Thalis across town in the Easton, Clifton and Totterdown areas) - the website includes up to date details.

The Thali cafe is a great little place. It has the real communal dining feel -- but in a good way, and it's completely vegetarian. Be warned though if you're not good at spicy food (like me). If this is the case, you're going to have to grab a couple of their yoghurt type milkshake things (I have no idea what they are or what they are called, but it's a lifesaver!) Prices are really cheap too. You get a huge plate for just seven pounds. They also do a take-away at six pounds once you're a member of the Tiffin club - trust me, it's more than worth it -- it's enough for two people.


They have live music on Sundays, so that's my favourite night to go.

Delicious authentic flavours and tempting savoury Indian food I had the chicken mogul Tali and it wasn't too hot just very tasty indeed. It's a cosy relaxed comfortable place with a lovely atmosphere. Child friendly and great for a party of people. Great value for money also. The menu is simple and if you want to try a few things it's easy to order. I also loved the Chai Cider which was subtle yet sweet and frankly delicious. I think you will love it.

To give review about The One Stop Thali Cafe using least words, I would say This is the food which my Mom prepares back in India. The restaurant seems to be managed by British guys and the quality is awesome!!!!!!
There is always a question about what you would expect from the food you are eating outdoor, should it be like home cooked food ? or should be little shiny and heavy to your stomach to give you little change in life


I would say, If your answer to this question is that you would prefer Homely food (Full of Hygiene) then your destination is this. Only, concern which I had from this restaurant was the space. It's little congested and the menu which is little to restricted to few dishes. Rest all was great. Enjoyed food over there.


Cheers,
Aman Sood