Dinner plans do not always involve a group. You may be eating between meetings, getting home after everyone else has finished, or spending an evening by yourself. On those days, ordering several dishes can feel like more work than the meal is worth. One plate with enough to make a meal is often all you need.
Single-plate orders also leave room for appetite and routine. Some days call for rice and dal; on others, a box of biryani sounds better. If you are ordering through Zomato, these dishes offer places to start.
Thali When You Want a Bit of Everything
A thali suits the person who cannot decide between dal, a vegetable dish, rice and roti. It brings them together in portions intended for one diner. Depending on the restaurant, it may include curd, pickle or a sweet as well.
Check the menu before ordering, since thalis vary. Some come with more bread than rice, while others focus on regional dishes. Choosing one that matches your appetite can save you from ordering sides you may not finish.
Khichdi for a Night In
When you get home tired and want dinner without making another decision, khichdi is an option. Rice and lentils come together in one dish, and you can add curd, pickle or ghee if the restaurant offers them.
It also works when you want to eat slowly while reading or watching something. Check whether the portion is meant to be a meal or a smaller serving, especially if you have not eaten since lunch.
Fried Rice or Noodles for a Desk Meal
Vegetable, egg and chicken fried rice or noodles are easy to eat from their containers, which makes them useful during a workday. There is no need to set out several dishes before returning to a task.
A serving can be enough on its own, though you might want to add a side if you are ordering after a long day. Check the portion description and choose according to how hungry you are.
Rajma Chawal and Chole Chawal for Familiar Flavours
Rajma chawal and chole chawal put rice and gravy in one order. They appeal when you want a meal that feels familiar and do not want to choose bread, sides and starters separately.
Restaurants may pack the rice and gravy together or in separate containers. If you plan to save some for later, separate packing can make reheating easier. Portion sizes differ, so it helps to check before adding anything else to the cart.
Biryani When One Box Will Do
Biryani is a choice when you want rice, vegetables or meat, and spices in the same box. Many restaurants include raita, but it is worth checking the listing rather than assuming it comes with the order.
It can suit lunch at home as easily as dinner after work. Choose a portion that fits one person, particularly if the menu also lists family packs or larger servings.
Dal Rice for an Everyday Lunch
Dal and rice can be the answer when you want a meal without much thought. Dal tadka, dal fry and dal palak each bring a different flavour, so you can pick one that suits your day. Some restaurants list them as a combo; others require you to add the rice separately.
If you order this meal often, the details matter: how much dal comes with it, whether the rice is included and whether you want a side of curd or vegetables.
South Indian Rice Dishes for a Change
Sambar rice, curd rice and lemon rice offer three ways to make rice the meal. Sambar rice brings lentils and vegetables, curd rice has a different taste and texture, and lemon rice is an option when you want something without gravy.
Look at the portion and accompaniments on the menu. A side of papad, pickle or a vegetable dish can help if you need a larger lunch.
Eating alone does not require a meal plan. Start with how hungry you are and how much time you have, then choose a plate that covers the meal. The appeal of these orders is that, once the food arrives, you can sit down and eat at your own pace.
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