Onam is a major festival in Kerala, celebrated by Malayalis. The highlights of this festival are the Onam Sadhya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf.
The Sadhya is a grand feast comprising several dishes, ranging from sambar, aviyal, thoran, and pachadi to payasam and banana chips.
Onam is an important festival for the Malayali community in Dubai and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal.
It is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy the traditional feast known as Onam Sadhya.
Several restaurants and caterers in Dubai cater to the demand for Onam Sadhya, offering a variety of dishes that are both authentic and delicious.
Listed Below Are the Best Places to Eat Onam Sadhya Dishes in Dubai
Adaminte Chaya Kada
This culinary hub’s innovative take on traditional Kerala delicacies has gained popularity.
It attracts many weekend visitors and has recently introduced a lavish Kerala feast featuring the Onam Sadhya.
The menu boasts over 35 items, including 10 varieties of Payasam, a sweet dessert.
The Sadhya is available on Onam day and the day after, between 12 PM and 3 PM, and is priced at a reasonable AED 32.
A takeaway option is also available for those who prefer to enjoy the meal in their homes.
Dhe Puttu
Dhe Puttu offers a diverse range of more than 20 varieties of Puttu, Kerala’s lesser-known but staple food, infused with many flavours.
This unique culinary concept has garnered significant popularity since its inception. Dhe Puttu has introduced its Onam Sadhya alongside a wide range of Puttu dishes.
With an array of delicious options, you’ll relish every bite, and be licking your fingers in no time. The Onam Sadhya is priced at AED 33 for dine-in and AED 35 for takeaway.
Manchatti Restaurant
Manchatti Restaurant is an authentic Kerala cuisine eatery that offers a homely atmosphere and feel-good food that reminds you of home.
True Keralites appreciate the dining experience at this restaurant, and even celebrities cannot stop raving about it.
Most of the dishes are served in traditional lay pots, adding to the authenticity and charm of the place.
When indulging in a satisfying Sadhya, there is no better place than home, and Manchatti Restaurant offers just that.
With almost 20 dishes to savour, the Sadhya is priced at a reasonable AED 27 for dine-in and AED 29 for takeaway.
Tamarind Terrace
Tamarind Terrace in Karama is known to offer Kerala cuisine that is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. From fluffy appams to piping hot curries, they serve authentic flavours.
Their Onam Sadhya is an extravagant feast featuring over 29 dishes, priced at just AED 33 for dine-in and AED 35 for takeaway. The Sadhya is available only on the Onam Day.
With such a fantastic spread of delectable dishes, Tamarind Terrace is a must-visit for those looking to savour the authentic taste of Kerala cuisine.
What Is The Traditional Cuisine Of Onam Celebrated In The UAE?
Onam Sadhya is a traditional vegetarian feast served during the harvest festival of Onam in Kerala.
In Dubai, restaurants that offer Kerala cuisine serve an elaborate spread of Onam Sadhya dishes that typically include various traditional options.
These dishes are served on a banana leaf and are usually eaten with one’s fingers, adding to the traditional experience.
Some popular dishes served during the Onam Sadhya include Kaalan, a mildly spiced yoghurt-based dish with coconut and vegetables.
Payasam is a sweet dessert made with jaggery or sugar, milk, and various ingredients like vermicelli, rice, or lentils.
Avial is a mix of vegetables cooked in coconut, yoghurt, and curry leaves; Khichdi, a rice and lentil-based dish; rice and Sambar, a tangy lentil-based soup with vegetables.
Which Dish Is Popularly Associated With The Festival Of Onam?
Onam is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala.
It is a harvest festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season and the homecoming of the mythical king Mahabali.
Food plays a significant role in the celebrations of Onam. The traditional Onam Sadhya is a feast with various vegetarian dishes on a banana leaf.
Some popular dishes served during Onam include Kaaya Varuthatha, crispy banana chips made by thinly slicing raw bananas and deep-frying them until golden brown.
Chenna Varuthathu is another dish that is popular during Onam. It is made by slicing yam into thin pieces and frying it with spices until crispy.
What Are Some Famous Foods In The UAE?
The United Arab Emirates is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine.
Traditional dishes like Maq’louba, Margooga, Harees, Machbous, Frsee’ah, Fireed, Jisheid, and Mishwy are highly popular and are often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.
Maq’louba is a hearty one-pot dish featuring layers of meat, rice, and vegetables, while Margooga is a flavorful soup made with chicken or lamb and various spices.
Harees is a dish made with ground wheat and meat, typically served during Ramadan. Other popular dishes in the UAE include Machbous, a rice dish typically served with lamb or chicken, and Frsee’ah, a stew made with lamb or chicken and various vegetables.
Are The Dishes Served During Onam Sadhya Considered Healthy?
Onam Sadhya also includes a variety of curries and side dishes such as avial, thoran, sambar, rasam, and pachadi.
These dishes are typically made with fresh vegetables and coconut, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Avial is a mix of vegetables cooked in a coconut and yogurt sauce, while thoran is a stir-fry made with grated coconut and vegetables like beans, carrots, and cabbage.
These dishes are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthier option than many other traditional Indian dishes.
Furthermore, using traditional cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and sautéing also helps retain the ingredients’ nutritional value.
Onam Sadhya is considered a healthy and balanced meal that provides a variety of essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Onam Sadhya dishes are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Kerala. They are enjoyed in India and Dubai, with a significant Malayali population.
The traditional feast celebrates abundance, family, and community, and the dishes are prepared with great care and attention to detail.
The flavoursome avail, crispy banana chips, or the sweet and creamy payasam, Onam Sadhya dishes are a culinary delight representing Kerala’s rich cultural and culinary traditions.
If you are in Dubai during the Onam season, try out these delicious dishes and experience the festive spirit of this vibrant community.
