Celebrated to mark the onset of the harvest season in Kerala and homecoming of the state’s legendary mythical King Mahabali, Onam is an auspicious festival for Malayalis across the country. Multiple activities take place during the 10-day festival. However, its pièce de résistance is the traditional Onasadhya or Onam Sadhya—a multi-course vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf featuring over 25 dishes, enjoyed with friends and family on the 10th day of the festival. And if you’re a culinary enthusiast, you must absolutely experience the massive spread. Whether you’re keen on enjoying onam sadhya at a restaurant or from the comfort of your home, bookmark these places which offer authentic experiences.
1. St. Regis, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Your taste buds will tingle with zesty, sweet and spicy flavours of the dishes from an exquisite menu delivered to your doorsteps from the hotel’s kitchen. Choose from an array of traditional dishes such as Sadya Manga Achar (Mango Pickle), Kaya Varatha (Banana chips), Sarkkara Varatiyatu, Malabar Kadala Curry, Kurumulaku Rasam, Avial, Pumpkin Erisherry, Pineapple Pachadi, Beetroot & Carrot Thoran amongst others. End the grand feast on a sweet note with Ada Pradaman and Semiya payassam.
Available Till: August 22
Time: All day
Price : INR 2,250 ++
Contact: 86575 22956/ 02261628422/02261628000
2. Vanakkam Cafe by The Taxi Incubator, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Treat yourself to an Onam Special Thali at Vanakkam Cafe. Consisting of 16 dishes, the thali includes all the regular favourites—Sambar, Rasam, Avial, Thoran, Puli Inji as well as other crispy snacks. Yup, we’re salivating already!
Available Till: August 22
Price: INR 400++
Time: All day
3. Saffron At JW Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai
Want to get a truly authentic feel of the festival? Then head to JW Marriott Juhu’s award-winning restaurant, to relish the lavish Onam Sadhya meal, laid out on a banana leaf as it rightly should be. Executive Chef Abhishek Basu and his team have curated an immersive menu featuring traditional recipes and delicacies of Kerala such as Olan, Kalan, Pachadi, Thoran, Erriserry, Avial, Theyal, Inji curry, Paruppu, Sambar, Rasam and more.
Available On: August 21
Time: 12:30 pm-4:00 pm
Price: INR 3,000 ++
Contact: 22 6693 3344/ +91 90046 16506
4. Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Bengaluru And Chennai
For those who prefer enjoying the festivities indoors, Kappa Chakka Kandhari has introduced a special takeaway experience, Onasadhya – Feast in a Box. Available in Bengaluru and Chennai, the sumptuous meal packs 26 vegetarian delicacies made by Namboodiri cooks from Kerala, making it a delightful experience of original South Indian flavours. While you can indulge in flavour-packed dishes such as pickles, sambars, rasams, payasams and more, you can also opt to order one (or more) of our Onam Payasam Specials to sweeten your festivities.
Available Till: August 21 (delivery only)
Pick-up Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Price: INR 4750 ++ (Packed in stainless steel containers, INR 500 refund for containers returned by August 31)
Payasam Specials (Available till August 21): Take-away packs of in 1 litre (INR 650 ++) or 500 ml (INR 350 ++)
5. CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel, Bengaluru
For a nuanced yet traditional meal, add Bengaluru’s Four Seasons Hotel to your list. Its chefs have prepared a Sadhya menu with an interesting plate of delicacies. Start with crispy banana fritters, dig into customary pachadi (yoghurt in variants like beetroot, pineapple and Manglorean cucumber) and Kizhangu Vada Curry, and complete your feast with the lush and sweet Ada Pradaman.
Available Till: August 23
Price: INR 1500 ++ per person (for lunch and dinner)
Contact: 76191 46004
6. Zambar, Gurgaon
If you reside in the country’s capital and can’t head down South, don’t worry. Zambar brings the flavours of Kerala to you with its extensive Onam Sadhya menu. Ranging from crisp Pappadams and Nendran Chips to tangy mango and lemon pickles, Kootu Curry, Beetroot Thoran, Drumstick Ulli Theeyal and much more. The vast spread comprises 26 dishes and is enough to take you on a gastronomic journey to Kerala. Don’t forget to finish the meal with desserts, Ada Paradhamam and Pal Payasam.
Available Till: August 22
Time: 11:30 am-4:30 pm (lunch), 7:00 pm-10:00 pm (dinner)
Price (For Dine-in): INR 999++ ( for dine-in), INR 1095++ (home delivery)
Contact: 9958564400
