vegetarian thali prices

Home-cooked thali costs saw a mixed trend in March 2026. Non-vegetarian thalis became cheaper by 1% year-on-year, driven by lower chicken prices. Vegetarian thalis, however, remained stable as a significant tomato price hike offset reductions in onions, potatoes, and pulses. Monthly costs also decreased for both.

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali prices emerged costlier month-on-month in November as onion and tomato prices rose sharply, according to ratings agency Crisil's roti rice rate index.The data showed the cost of home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis increased 10% and 5% month-on-month respectively. The uptick was attributable to a substantial 58% and 35% month-on-month increase in onion and tomato prices, respectively, prompted by festive demand and lower output in the kharif season due to erratic rainfall.

An average industrial worker in Telangana spends almost all of his daily income for his family to consume two non-vegetarian thalis in a day. As per the Thalinomics survey conducted by Centre, the average household income for a family of five in the state is close to Rs 480 per day while the cost of one non-vegetarian thali is said to be around Rs 40.

In July, the cost of vegetarian thalis in India increased by 11%, outpacing a 6% rise for non-vegetarian thalis, according to CRISIL. The surge was driven by a spike in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes. Despite the rise, both thali costs were lower than July 2023 figures. Stable chicken prices kept non-vegetarian thali cost increases modest.

CRISIL's analysis shows that the cost for a vegetarian thali in February dropped by 1% year-on-year due to lower tomato and LPG prices. Meanwhile, non-vegetarian thali costs increased by 6% as broiler (chicken) prices surged.

The cost of home-cooked food has increased, with the price of a vegetarian thali rising by 6% annually and a non-vegetarian thali by 12%. This is due to higher prices of tomatoes, potatoes, and vegetable oil. However, fresh supplies and a drop in certain vegetable prices have helped slightly reduce costs in December.

Price of a vegetarian thali has increased by Rs 3 in Tamil Nadu and Telangana in 2019-20, compared to the previous year, while it went up by Rs 2 in other southern states.

Indian thali's cost comparison by CRISIL. Veg up 8%, non-veg down 4% in April 2023. Ingredients surge and decrease affect the prices. Detailed analysis reveals the reasons behind the price changes in thalis.

Home-cooked thali prices in India saw a significant drop in October, with vegetarian options down 17% and non-vegetarian by 12% year-on-year. This decline was primarily fueled by a sharp fall in vegetable and pulse prices. While cooking oil and LPG costs rose, the overall affordability of meals improved, reflecting broader retail inflation trends.

Your thali cost has gone up! Home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a month-on-month price increase of 10% and 5%, respectively, according to CRISIL MI&A Research's estimates in November.

According to a recent CRISIL report, the costs of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis in India have decreased. In August, the price of a vegetarian thali dropped by 8% to INR 31.2, while a non-veg thali fell by 12% to INR 59.3. This reduction is attributed to lower prices for tomatoes, LPG cylinders, and chicken.

How much did a plate of food cost in 2020-21? According to Economic Survey 2020-21, the prices of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a rise between June and November 2020, in both urban and rural areas, before witnessing a sharp fall in December.

Rising inflation may have burnt a hole in your pocket but the Economic Survey shows how thalis have become more affordable

Home-cooked meals became pricier in June, Crisil reports, with vegetarian thalis costing ₹27.1, a 3% rise, and non-vegetarian thalis at ₹54.8, up 4%. Tomato prices surged 36% due to reduced supply, while potato and broiler prices also increased. Pushan Sharma of Crisil anticipates further price hikes due to seasonal vegetable costs.

Home cooks saw some relief in April as thali preparation costs decreased compared to last year, driven by lower vegetable prices. While vegetarian thalis benefited from cheaper tomatoes, potatoes, and onions, non-vegetarian options were aided by a drop in broiler chicken prices. However, consumers still faced higher costs for cooking oil and LPG.

The Economic Survey 2019-20 included a term 'Thalinomics: The economics of a plate of food in India' which is an attempt to quantify what a common person pays for a Thali across India. The Economic Survey said affordability of vegetarian 'thalis' improved by 29% while that of non-vegetarian by 18% during the 2006-07 and 2019-20 period.

In September, the cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis decreased due to lower tomato prices. The cost of a vegetarian thali fell 17% month-on-month, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali declined 9%. Onion prices increased, but overall food prices eased, resulting in lower retail inflation. Fuel costs also decreased, contributing to the decrease in thali costs. Chillies also had a cooling effect on thali prices.

The cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis rose 28% and 11% on-month, respectively, in July, according to Crisil’s roti, rice rate — the monthly indicator of food plate cost. "Of the 28% rise in the cost of a vegetarian thali, 22% can be attributed solely to the price of tomato, which rose 233% on-month to Rs 110/kg in July from Rs 33/kg in June," according to the report.

Home cooking became more affordable in May 2025, according to Crisil's Roti Rice Rate report. Vegetarian thalis averaged Rs 26.2, while non-vegetarian options dropped to Rs 52.6, driven by lower tomato, onion, and potato prices. Broiler chicken prices also fell due to oversupply and bird flu concerns. However, increased vegetable oil and LPG costs partially offset these savings.