A pattal is, in a way, a plate. Only not like the ones we are used to. It’s basically a leaf, or more accurately, a bunch of leaves carefully formed as plates. And what kind of leaf one use to make it? Well, that varies depending on local availability and intended purpose. Here, we’re talking about pattals made from Taur leaves—Bauhinia vahlii, if you prefer the precise botanical term. This vine is common in the forests of the Kangra Valley, and its broad leaves are ideal for the task. You start with a few big leaves—generally three to five—and stitch them together using thin bamboo pins. It might look simple, but not everyone can pull it off on the first try. When done right, the pattal is sturdy enough to hold your meal. And it’s this simple leaf-plate that you’ll most likely find at the famed Kangri Dham.
Dham? Good question if you haven’t come across it. It’s a vegetarian feast. Lots of dishes – seven or eight sometimes! All tasty, all filling. And typically, a ground-seated affair. Yet, take a look at the image, our guests seated on chairs. While it’s not the traditional way, but then, you know, guests are guests. And these overseas visitors might find a lengthy, multi-course meal like Dham a bit challenging to manage entirely from the floor. Nevertheless, the plates remain pattals.
So, why leaves? Why pattals, specifically? The answer is straightforward. Our ancestors knew a thing or two. Things we’re just figuring out again. These Taur leaves don’t just break down easily and are good for the planet, they’re actually good for us. Taur leaves have good stuff in them. Calcium, iron, for instance. Even proteins, like albumin and globulin. And then there’s lysine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine – amino acids, the healthy stuff you hear about. Eat your food on a pattal, and some of this good stuff gently goes into your meal.
They say it helps keep you healthy, increase our appetite, and helps you digest your food better. And what of the distinct aroma that pattals impart, a subtle sensory quality often absent when using conventional plates?
