As August draws to a close, Kerala’s grandest festival Onam begins with the mythical arrival of King Mahabali. According to the legend, Mahabali, the beloved king of Kerala, ascends from the netherworld to visit his people on the auspicious day of Thiruvonam, the 10-day festival’s climax. To welcome his spirit, homes, streets, and public spaces are adorned with vibrant Pookkalams (floral arrangements) made from the freshest blooms. People take out their traditional gold-bordered Kasavu sarees and mundus, and participate in cultural events, including the thrilling Vallam Kali (boat races), the lively Pulikali (tiger dance), and other folk arts.
However, the biggest highlight of the festival is the feast of Onam Sadhya. This lavish vegetarian spread served on banana leaves features a harmonious medley of over 20 dishes. From fragrant rice, Avial, Appam, and Sambar, to assorted pickles, and carefully prepared traditional desserts like Payasam, the Onam Sadhya captures the essence of Kerala’s harvest and the joy of communal dining. For those eager to devour the Onam Sadhya, here’s where you can have it at fine-dines in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune.
South of Vindhyas at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai
The South Indian dining destination is celebrating Onam in its truest form offering a grand 56-dish Sadhya. Laid out in a grand buffet style, the feast includes crisp Upperi(banana chips), coconut flavoured Achappam, lacy Appams, flaky Malabari Parottas, and the sweet nostalgia of Unniappam. Pair them with tangy pachadis, creamy Avial, spicy mango curry and finish the meal on a royal note with Golden Nei Payasam, and jewel-toned Kozhikodan Halwa, amongst other delights.
When: 3rd to 7th September 2025
Price: ₹2499++
The Westin Gurugram
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Enjoy the flavours of God’s own country at The Westin Gurugram’s Kerala Food Festival. Its Onam Sadhya feast offers crisp appams, coastal favourites, aromatic stews, and soulful curries on a banana leaf staying true to the heritage and hospitality of the region.
When: September 5 and 6
Price: ₹2000 + taxes onwards
Dakshin at ITC Grand Central Mumbai
The fine dining restaurant is going back to the traditional recipes to offer Onam Sadhya for lunch and dinner. Savour the authentic preparations of Sambar, Payar Thoran, Kootu Curry, Avial, Olan, Kalan, Erissery, Paruppu Thalichathu, Kaita Chakka Pachadi, Palada Payasam, Sambar, Tomato Rasam and Kuthari Choru for a wholesome feast in a festive decorated ambience.
When: 28th August to 7th September 2025
Price: ₹3250 + taxes onwards
Spice Terrace at JW Marriott Bengaluru
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The North Indian restaurant and bar Spice Terrace is offering a grand Onam Sadya of 20 dishes for just one day! The meal promises a journey into Kerala traditional flavours from tangy, pickles, and crunchy banana chips to delectable curries, and velvety Payasam.
When: 5th September 2025 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Price: ₹2,200++ per person
The Market at Westin Pune Koregaon Park
People from Pune can have a hearty Onam Sadhya at the Westin Pune Koregaon Park dine-in, The Market. It is offering crowd favourites like Avial, Olan, Thoran, Sambar, Banana Chips, and varieties of Payasam.You can also curate your own thali with a mix of traditional and seasonal delicacies.
When: 5th September
Price: ₹2199 ++
Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel Chennai
The award winning restaurant is paying an ode to the time honoured tradition of Onam with a delectable feast. The thali begins with the tangy and spicy Injipuli, hot Sambar, crunchy Naendra chips (Kerala banana chips), Sharkara varatti (jaggery-coated raw banana), and Chakka chips (jackfruit chips). Adding to it are regal flavours of Mathanga Vanpayar Erissery, Carrot Beans Thoran and Koon Ulli Theeyal offering a rich curry of mushrooms and shallots along with the sweet medley Pineapple Pulissery, amongst other dishes.
When: September 5
Price: ₹3000 plus taxes
