A new restaurant is no strange occurrence, Middleton’s bustling community, b a new Indian restaurant in downtown Middleton is a noteworthy new establishment.Thalaivas is a new South Indian restaurant on Parmenter Street that opened in November of 2024. Despite the restaurant’s ordinary exterior,  the food is unlike any other.

Thalaivas means “boss” or “leader” in the South Indian language Tamil, which this restaurant is when it comes to food. The owner himself is from South India, but worked in North India, which explains the fusion of North Indian and South Indian dishes created in this restaurant.Their menu is a swirl of North Indian flavors and South Indian dishes with plates like Chicken Dosa and Onion Pakora.

 What seems like a simple merging of flavors is actually bringing harmony between cultures that have misunderstood each other for decades. Different languages, different views on the caste system, colorism and even geographical distance have contributed to the disdain between North Indian and South Indian cultures. But because the owner knows both cultures all too well, the food reflects the best of both cultures. Whether it be by butter chicken or idli sambar, this restaurant proves that when blended, North and South Indian spices are better.

The unique taste the food and the innovative menu truly puts this restaurant on the map.  Thalaivas is still an emerging restaurant, so while the food might take a little while, the flavor is definitely worth the wait!