Like Coming Home

Photo by Amy Zambonin
The Dish is a new recurring feature. We talk to a chef about a dish that's meaningful to them and use it as a springboard to get to know more about them — their inspiration, influences and next moves.
Lunch at Thali is a one-platter deal, but Thottungal says it still provides a complete meal, with lots of variety, flavour and spice. The thali can include poppadum, as shown at the top of the platter, and six to seven smaller dishes, such as coriander chicken curry, okra mappas, shrimp and coconut masala and mushroom pickle.
A bright, simple and welcoming atmosphere by design, Thali's interior was the brainchild of Project 1 Studio, the same firm that designed Coconut Lagoon.
Chef and co-owner of Coconut Lagoon and Thali, Joe Thottungal, top, has vowed to not offer a single mango lassi at his new restaurant.
Instead, he'll offer creative flavours, such as the white peach lassi with cardamom garnish, shown top right.