11 Essentials of a Classic Gujarati Thali Menu

10. Mithai (Sweet Dish)

A sweet dish rounds out the thali and reflects the Gujarati preference for finishing meals with something sweet. Common choices include shrikhand, mohanthal, basundi, or seasonal items like gajar halwa. The sweet note provides closure and a comforting contrast after a sequence of savory, tangy, and spicy bites. Serving a small portion keeps the balance intact: the sweet should complement, not overpower, what came before. Desserts on a thali are also often tied to rituals and festivals; families may include special mithai for celebrations. For home cooks, a simple bowl of shrikhand or a small piece of traditional fudge-like mohanthal makes the plate feel complete and hospitable.