Home cooks across India got a reprieve in October 2025 as the price of an average vegetarian thali declined by 17% year-on-year to ₹27.8, while the price of a non-vegetarian thali dropped by 12% to ₹54.4. According to CRISIL’s latest roti rice rate report, the bills for vegetables and pulses have come down due to the bumper crop.

Heavy sales of vegetables: Potato -31%, Tomato -40%

– Potato: Rabi production increased by 3-4%, flooding markets and bringing prices down from last year’s highs.

– Tomato: There was additional production in the southern states, which eased the summer shortage.

– Onion: Rabi stocks arrived ahead of Kharif—a temporary pause in this tear-jerking tale.

Pushan Sharma, Director, CRISIL Intelligence, said:

“Pulses prices also improved, boosted by imports of Bengal gram, yellow pea and black gram. But in the medium term, onions may pick up—August-September rains in Karnataka and Maharashtra delayed kharif sowing, leading to lower yields.”

Non-vegetarian prices fall: Only 6% decline in chicken

The prices of broilers—which account for half the weight of the plate—dropped slightly, but the savings on vegetables and pulses caught everyone’s attention. Domestic LPG prices remained stable, limiting further losses.

November crystal ball: relief from rain clouds

– Potato: Strong initially due to low Rabi crop, but cold storage may flood again by mid-December.

– Tomato: These are cheap due to abundance of Kharif season.

– Pulses: 30% duty on yellow peas and rain-hit yields may push up prices; Keep an eye on tariff increases on other pulses.

CRISIL’s gauge—tracking North, South, East and West inputs—indicates a decline in food inflation, a boon amid the festivals.

October Thali Dip helps families save ₹5-6 per meal—stock up on dal, savor the sabzi. But is the Diwali blast over? The havoc of rain next month may increase onion prices by 10-15%. See CRISIL’s November issue dated 7th November. Your plate, your wallet – affordable food just got tastier.