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Onam Sadhya: Time to feast the Kerala way!

With Onam here, hotels across the country have lined up special Onam Sadhyas for their patrons

It is time to celebrate the homecoming of King Mahabali! And this year, his homecoming is not just celebrated in Kerala; hotels across various states are offering the authentic flavours of Kerala for their patrons with specially curated Onam Sadhya.

Celebrated across 10 days, Onam also marks the harvesting season. The festival is filled with various cultural activities and traditions such as Pookalam (floral rangoli), Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pulikali (performers painted as tigers, dance to traditional music), Kaikottikali (graceful dance performed by women), and Onsadya, the grand feast featuring traditional dishes such as Kaya Varuthathu (crisp salted banana chips), Sharkara Upperi (Nendran banana chips coated with jaggery), Sambaram (spiced buttermilk), Kootu Curry (a vegetable medley cooked in brown coconut gravy), Avial (creamy and spicy combination of vegetables simmered in coconut, yoghurt, and chilli paste), Olan, (white pumpkin and black-eyed beans simmered in coconut milk and chilli), finished with desserts like Ada Pradhaman, Ney Appam, and Payasam.

Several renowned hotels are offering something special this Onam. Read on to discover their unique offerings.

Nook at Aloft ORR Bengaluru is hosting Onam Sadhya on September 14th and 15th for lunch. Chef Binoy, a Kerala cuisine specialist, has meticulously crafted the menu, which features 20 authentic dishes such as Mixed Vegetable Thoran, Avial, Payar Mezhukkupuratti, Kaalan, Mambazha Pulissery, and the sweet finale of Ada Pradhaman, all served on a banana leaf to elevate the authentic Onam Sadya experience.

Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel has organised the Sadhya from September 13th to 15th. The feast will feature classic starters like Dal Wada and Medu Vada, complemented by Sambar and the Ingi Thayir. Sarakara Uperi, Nendran Chips, and Mango Pickle set the stage for the main course, which will have a vast range of authentic delights such as the Avial, Kadla Curry, Olan, and Thoran, all served with the aromatic Ponni Rice, flaky Pooris, and Thayir Sadam. The meal will be completed by desserts, Paruppu Payasam and the Banana Sheera.

O by Tamara Trivandrum is hosting Onam Sadhya for two days. Uthradam Sadhya, on September 14th, will feature a carefully curated feast of 28 traditional delicacies, each dish offering a taste of Kerala’s vibrant cultural heritage, while Thiruvonam on September 15th will be a lavish spread of 30 dishes, served at Opus and O Café. The culinary feast will be paired with an immersive experience of Pookalam, Chendamelam, the regal presence of Maveli, Pulikali, and Uriyadi-echoing the joyous spirit of the season.

The Nines in Juhu presents special Onam Sadhya featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. The Sadhya will feature vegetarian classics like Rasam, Kootu curry, Avial, Pineapple Pachadi, and Seviyan payasam, while the non-vegetarian options will include delectable preparations of seafood, chicken, and mutton.

one8 Commune Mumbai will host Onam Sadhya on September 15th. From the comforting embrace of Sambar and Rasam to the delicate sweetness of SeviyanPayasam, every bite will be a journey through Kerala’s diverse landscape. The Onam feast at one8 Commune will include Avial, a vegetable stew bursting with coconut and curry leaves; Thoran, a stir-fry of your choice of vegetables seasoned with mustard seeds and coconut; Kootu curry, a lentil-based dish featuring a variety of vegetables; and Pumpkin Erissery, a creamy pumpkin stew cooked in coconut milk. The Onam feast also includes a separate a la carte menu for non-vegetarian dishes.

Get ready for a delightful Onam celebration at Saffron, Hyatt Centric Juhu, on September 14th and 15th. The authentic flavours of Kerala will be served on banana leaves, guaranteeing an unforgettable culinary journey.

ITC Maratha is hosting a Sunday brunch to celebrate Onam. The brunch will feature traditional Onam delicacies along with a rich array of millet dishes. Guests can savour classics like Dal Payasam, Lemon Rice, and Mysorepak alongside innovative creations like Urlai Roast and Kuttu Parotta.

Taj Coromandel Chennai will celebrate the return of the legendary King Mahabali to Kerala with colourful pookalams, lighting of lamps, and of course, the traditional Onam feast. Chef Sujan Mukherjee, along with his team of chefs, will bring Onam Sadhya to Southern Spice. Presented on the banana leaf, the menu will comprise an array of authentic dishes cooked with traditional recipes.

Turyaa Chennai announced its Onam Sadhya Buffet from September 9th to 15th, celebrating the rich traditions and flavours of Kerala’s most cherished festival. Chef K Murali Krishna has meticulously crafted a menu that spans over 100+ different dishes across the 10-day celebration. The Onam Sadhya Buffet will feature a wide array of classic Kerala dishes, including Avial, Thoran, Kootu Curry, Olan, Erissery, and the indulgent Payasam, alongside traditional non-vegetarian favourites like Meen Moilee and Kozhi Varutharachathu. Each dish is prepared using the finest ingredients and time-honoured recipes, ensuring an authentic taste that captures the essence of Onam.

Maayaa pays tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Kerala with its Onam thali. The thali is crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, featuring Avial, Erissery, and delectable desserts Elaneer Payasam and Palada Payasam. Onam Special Thali by Maayaa Restaurant, Bengaluru, will be available on September 14th and 15th.

Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks is set to welcome Mahabali with a grand Sadhya on September 15. The Sadhya will capture the essence of the state’s rich culinary heritage with timeless classics like the Neyyappam, Avial, Kootu Curry, Thoran, Olan, Kalan, Pachadi, Inji Puli, and Erissery, each crafted with a perfect balance of spices to be enjoyed with the wholesome goodness of Parippu, Matta rice, and Sambar and Rasam, all served on the traditional banana leaf, concluded with Paal Payasam.

Waterside, Feathers, A Radha Hotel, has curated a buffet to celebrate Onam on September 15th. The buffet will feature all the iconic dishes that define the Onam celebration. The buffet will serve starters such as Pazham Pori and Kun Pepper Roast. The main course will include Avial, Ulli Theeyal, Olan, Parippu Curry, Pachakaya Upperi, and many more, while desserts will feature Ada Pradhaman, Coconut Pudding, Vattalappam, and more. They will have a live station serving Kerala Parotta with Veg Kurma, Appam with Veg Stew and Coconut Milk, and condiments such as Puli Inji, Achappam Nandran Chips, Sarkara Varatti, Chakka Chips, Beetroot Kichadi, and Pineapple Pachadi.

Shangri-La Bengaluru invites its patrons to the festivities of Onam with special offerings at Saffron from September 13th to 15th and b Café on September 15th. The celebrations will highlight the rich flavours and cultural heritage of Kerala through carefully curated menus.

Madras Kitchen Company at The Westin Chennai Velachery will celebrate the festival of harvest with a traditional Sadhya feast on September 15th, served in a Thali. Onam Sadhya Thali will feature an elaborate selection of vegetarian dishes crafted by expert chefs to capture the essence of Kerala’s culinary traditions. 

Step into the rich cultural heritage of Kerala with a lavish Onam Sadhya at Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s Fifty Five East. Renowned Chef Marina Balakrishnan’s elaborate feast promises to transport you to the heart of Kerala. Served on a traditional banana leaf, this multi-course vegetarian meal features over 27 distinct dishes, each representing the essence of Kerala’s cuisine.

Leela Bhartiya City is set to commemorate the vibrant Onam festival with a special Onam Sadya feast at its premium restaurant, Quattro, on September 14th, 2024. Onam, celebrated in Kerala, marks the mythical King Mahabali’s homecoming and is known for its grand rituals and festivities. Central to the celebrations is the traditional Sadya—a lavish feast served on a banana leaf, symbolising the abundance and prosperity of the harvest season. The Onam Sadya at Quattro features a meticulously curated menu, with each dish prepared using fresh coconut, spices, and locally sourced ingredients.

Neer, the rooftop South Indian coastal speciality restaurant at Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park is serving a royal Onam Sadhya that promises to be a lavish vegetarian feast. Served on a traditional plantain leaf, over 22 delicacies, including authentic dishes like Avial, Erussary, Thengai Sadam, and Kadala Pradanam, Pathimukam water.

This year, the Onam celebrations at The Reef at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa will blend the rich traditions of Kerala with the serene beauty of the coast. Chef Muthu and Chef Prabhu have curated a menu that honours the essence of Onam with a spread that revolves around authentic Sadhya, comprising an array of traditional dishes that showcase the diverse flavours of Kerala. To enhance the festive atmosphere, the soothing sounds of classic Kathakali songs will play in the background, creating an ambience that transports you to the heart of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bengaluru has curated a trio of festive delights that beautifully capture the essence of Onam. Onam Namma Tiffin Treat provides a convenient yet authentic way to enjoy the festival. This takeaway tiffin box is filled with traditional Kerala delicacies, available from September 9th to 14th. Onam Power Meal presents an authentic three-course menu, beginning with traditional starters, progressing to a sumptuous main course, and concluding with the classic sweet indulgence of Payasam. The Onam power meal will be available from September 5th to 14th. Onam Sadhya lunch, on September 15, promises to be an authentic feast featuring over 20 dishes, served on a banana leaf, in the true spirit of Onam.

Celebrate Onam with a traditional Sadhya at Dakshin, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, From September 6th to 15th, guests are invited to indulge in an authentic vegetarian feast that captures the essence of this cherished harvest festival. The chefs have curated a menu that reflects the opulence of Kerala’s Onam celebrations, featuring an array of vegetarian delicacies that are sure to delight the palate. Each dish is prepared with the utmost care, using traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that every bite resonates with the true flavours of Kerala.