Whether you celebrate Onam or not, sadya (a traditional feast) is a must-try.
Onam, the harvest festival of God’s Own Country, is just around the corner! If you haven’t tried sadya before you don’t know what you are missing out. A traditional vegetarian meal with more than a dozen dishes, laid out on a banana leaf is a once-in-a-lifetime experience— no wonder it is believed that legendary King Mahabali returns on this day! Who would want to miss out on this feast? If you are wondering what you might get to eat in this elaborate meal, here is a list: Pappadam, Banana upperi (banana chips), Sharkara upperi (banana chips coated with jaggery), Puli inji (curry made from ginger, tamarind and jaggery), Pickle(s), Pachadi (yoghurt dish with pineapple or bitter gourd, and grated coconut), Olan (dish made with ash gourd and red beans), Elisseri (dish made with pumpkin, red beans, and a generous amount of grated coconut), Avial (mixed vegetable dish), Thoran (made with cabbage and carrots or just beans with grated coconut), Rice, Parippu curry (dal made without chilli or garnishing, first had with ghee), Mezhukku puratti (veggies sauted in oil), Sambar, Pulissery (made with curd and a vegetable of your choice), Kaalan (dish is made with yoghurt, yam or raw banana and grated coconut), Kichadi (spicy yoghurt dish), Rasam, Mooru (boiling yogurt with black sesame seeds, shallots, ginger, and garlic), Kootu curry (dish with raw bananas, black chana and grated coconut), Ghee, Poovan pazham(the baby banana), Payasam. Writing this out just made us hungry!
While we would have recommended this experience in Kerala itself, the pandemic has put many of our plans on hold. Till then we will do our bit of getting you introduced to places to order or eat sadya from across India!
1. ZAMBAR
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Zambar in Delhi is hosting a scrumptious Onam meal from 20th-22nd of August. The sadya is available for dine-in and takeaway for lunch and dinner, which makes it so much more convenient for those who do not want to leave the comfort or safety of their homes. They promise you a sadya filled with love and tasty dishes along with the customary fragrant Pookalam (rangoli with flowers) to welcome you into the restaurant.
2. NAIR ON FIRE
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This cloud kitchen is a saviour for those who need a quick fix for all things South Indian—we mean food (not actress-superstar Nayanthara, don’t get your hopes high) in Mumbai. Sadya by Nair On Fire is unconventional and unique and therefore called—Unsadya. The menu is an exotic blend of Hindu, Islamic and Suriani recipes. Unlike the usual vegetarian version, they also have a non-vegetarian sadya for those who want meat and seafood. Spread over three days, 20th, 21st and 22nd of August, the meal will be home delivered to you, wrapped in a banana leaf and packed in separate boxes. Enjoy the luxurious Onam experience while ordering in!
3. MAHABELLY
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This restaurant’s name in itself is a calling to King Mahabali. Situated in Delhi, Mahabelly is serving sadya for dine-in, take away and delivery. This popular Kerala cuisine restaurant will serve you two types of payasam, crunchy banana chips, pachadi and so much more. Salivating already! What are you waiting for? Pre-order or go to Mahabelly to eat anytime between the 20th and the 22nd of August.
4. SOUTH OF VINDHYAS
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Mumbai’s Orchid Hotel has a very special restaurant that is known for its sadya menu; South Of Vindhyas. This Adipoli Onam Sadya is prepared by Chef Bala and his team who are looking forward to creating scrumptious meals for all of those who would want to dine in or have the Onam meal delivered to them. The South Of Vindhyas is one of the few restaurants in Mumbai that actually deliver sadyas, unlike others who only have dine-in. From the Avial to the Unniyappam, this meal has it all! Make your reservation today!
5. SANA-DI-GE
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Sana-di-ge have their branches in Delhi, Mangalore and Bangalore, but it’s the Delhi one that is all set up to serve you Onam Sadya. Located in Commercial Centre, Delhi, Sana-di-ge is all set to indulge you with a variety of delicacies this Onam. This vegetarian meal is available from 18th to 22nd August, 2021. Don’t wait for too long, just go and discover the taste of Kerala.
6. ANJU’S CAFE
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People of Bangalore, can you hear sadya calling? Anju’s Cafe every year puts out a menu for the great Manhabali himself. With fast-selling meals, you have to play the fastest fingers first with her bookings. Made with love to fill all your tummies, the sadya will be available for takeaway on the 21st of August only.
Marina Balakrishnan who goes by thatthalasserygirl on Instagram makes the most exquisite and scrumptious Onam sadya which is open for booking from today the 18th! Plus, you can order Keralan cuisine from her on other days as well!
This Onam might be different for those away from home or even for those who have never celebrated Onam before. Man’s Life wants to bring you closer to the rich heritage of Kerala and what better way to do that with other than food! Happy Onam in advance!
[Image Credit: Shutterstock]
Shraddha Shetty