Bristol’s maverick curryhouse serves up a big plate of perfection, and tempts devoted diners time and time again with its unique atmosphere and reliably delicious food. This is authentic South Indian cuisine at its most fun.

The Venue
Perched audaciously on the corner of Picton Street in bohemian Montpelier, The One Stop Thali radiates warmth, snugness and an unescapable kookiness alongside the delicious aromas that seem to seep out of the brickwork.

Once through the door, you are presented with an Aladdin’s cave of kitsch Eastern decoration and scattered cushions, beautiful wooden furniture and a mix of communal and private eating areas.

The restaurant manages to be small without being unpleasantly cramped or invasive, and successfully walks the fine line between opulence and tackiness.

The People
The One Stop Thali seems to thrive on its eclecticism and the relaxed, comfortable interior which instantly brings a smile to the faces of those who pass through the doors.

Although seemingly aimed primarily at its devoted student and hippy crowd, the restaurant is regularly frequented by families, small parties and indeed older customers, attracted, perhaps, by the enticing aromas that are detectable from some distance away.

The staff appear genuinely happy to be working here and, while the service is not as efficient or fast as in other such places, the vibe of the venue is infectiously laidback and all the more enjoyable for it.

The Food
One of the many factors that makes the One Stop Thali unique is its extremely limited menu. The starter menu consists of one item - a small selection of Indian chaat (snack foods) including the recognisable and much-loved samosa and pakora. These are simply wonderful; crisp and light fried pastry and batter encases spiced vegetables which are exquisitely aromatic and have a balanced heat which does not leave you gasping for a glass of water.

The main course consists of the thali itself, a large platter of South Indian delights including a huge mound of plump white rice, a fragrant lentil dhal and various other portions of lovingly crafted vegetarian foods.

Everything on the metal thali platter seems to have a taste that successfully complements the other items, and the limited selection on the menu is more than compensated for by the fact the meal contains such a varied range of authentic, scrumptious and harmonious flavours and textures. The dessert menu apparently changes regularly, and includes fresh fruit, mango ice cream and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

The Drink
From Indian beers like the ubiquitous Cobra, to a selection of red and white wine, authentic spiced tea, fruit juices, soft drinks and sweet, yogurt-rich lassis, there is something at the One Stop Thali to suit every palate.

The Last Word
A truly unique and eclectic restaurant, its winning formula and charming location makes the One Stop Thali a quintessentially Bristolian eatery. A truly enjoyable, exotic experience.

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