Some people count down to Christmas, others to Eid. But for Malayalis, the grand countdown is for that glorious day when a humble banana leaf turns into a stage for 30-odd divas, each a dish, each determined to be the star of the show. Yes, I’m talking about Kerala’s very own harvest festival, Onam. And of course, about the vibrant Onam Sadhya, the annual carb-and-curry symphony that even the most committed keto follower can’t say no to.
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Onam 2025 Is Almost Here!
With Onam 2025 falling on 5 September this year, kitchens across Kerala (and thankfully, Dubai) are about to become arenas of controlled chaos, grandmothers debating the correct shade of sambar, cousins tasked with peeling mountains of bananas, and that one uncle who’s only there to “taste test” every five minutes. If you’re in Dubai and your idea of celebrating involves eating your weight in avial and payasam, here’s where to park yourself, whether you’re planning to brave the restaurant rush or eat cross-legged on the floor in your living room while Poove Poli Poove gently plays in the background. Or Onam Mood plays, whatever your vibe is! Anyway, here’s where to get your Onam Sadhya fix:
Indian Coffee House
This place is basically a time capsule for every Malayali who’s ever had chai in the 90s and still dreams of it. Their Mini Sadhya packs 26 authentic Kerala delicacies into one impossibly photogenic banana leaf. And at AED 29 for dine-in, ICH’s Sadya is that magical combination of budget-friendly and belt-loosening.
Dates: 29 Aug – 4 Sept, 12 PM – 4 PM
Cost: AED 29 dine-in & AED 31 takeaway or delivery
Location: Rolla Street, Bur Dubai
Lallummas
If Onam had a catwalk, Lallummas would be the couture showstopper. Their 33-dish Onam Sadhya is so grand, you half expect a tiny Kathakali dancer to pop out of the parippu curry. Available across multiple days, it’s basically your excuse to have Sadhya more than once without anyone judging you, because “tradition,” obviously. Pre-bookings highly recommended, unless you enjoy watching other people eat while you wait.
Dates: Aug 30 & 31, Sept 4-7
Location: Beside Emirates Post Office, Al Karama
Kadavu Restaurant
At AED 45, Kadavu’s 32-dish feast is the kind of deal that’ll make you wonder why you ever paid triple for an avocado toast. From Kutharichoru to Ada Payasam, this Onam Sadhya ticks every box for authenticity. Bonus points for the fact that it’s in Karama, so you can walk it off with some bargain shopping after.
Cost: AED 45
Location: Opposite Lulu Hypermarket, Karama
Kairali Restaurant
If you want your Sadya with pure white tablecloths, and the smug satisfaction of not doing the dishes, head to Kairali. Their banana-leaf banquet on 5 September promises all the flavours of God’s Own Country in Dubai without the humidity of it.
Dates: 5 Sept, 12 PM – 4 PM
Location: Ramee Rose Hotel, Tecom
Malabar Thattukada
Known for serving “home on a plate,” Malabar Thattukada’s 30+ dish Sadhya is an ode to Kerala’s festival spirit. Served on fresh banana leaves, it’s the kind of meal that leaves you plotting your nap before you’ve even reached the payasam.
Date: 5 Sept
Location: Al Qusais, Dubai
Malabar Tiffin House
Karama’s favourite for fuss-free, homely Kerala meals is going big for Onam with a Sadhya spread from Sept 5–7. From 12 PM–4 PM, you can tuck into a hearty feast, and if you’re planning an Onam office party or a giant family get-together, they’re also taking bulk and corporate orders. Basically, they’ve got your back (and your banana leaf).
Date: 5-7 Sep, 12PM – 4PM
Location: Karama, Dubai
Paadehyam Restaurant
Their Onam celebration unfurls a 27-dish sadhya served on banana leaf for AED 49. And ssh…here’s the secret: you also get one beer free! Yes, a combo your muthassi would never approve of, but hey, it’s Dubai.
Cost: AED 49
Location: Fortune Grand Hotel, Deira
Calicut Top Form
Pocket-friendly and packed with tradition, this one’s for those who want their Sadhya without burning a hole in their mundu. Pre-bookings are already open for their 30-dish spread at just AED 34. Head to their Deira outlet near the Clock Tower for guaranteed Onam bliss.
Cost: AED 34
Location: Near Clock Tower, Deira
Nalukettu Restaurant
One of Dubai’s OG Kerala spots, Nalukettu is styled like a traditional Kerala home – so dining in feels like you’ve been transported to the backwaters. Their Onam Sadhya is all about authenticity, and for dessert, you can takeaway classics like palada, adapradhaman, and parippu payasam.
Cost: AED 47 dine-in, AED 49 takeaway
Dates: Sept 4–7, 12 PM – 4 PM
Location: Dubai Grand Hotel by Fortune, Al Qusais
By the time you’ve licked the last drop of payasam off your spoon (or fingers, no judgement), you’ll be hit with the glorious post-Sadhya coma. That magical state where your brain is marinating in dopamine, your eyelids weigh a kilo each, and you briefly consider making the banana leaf your blanket. Just remember, Onam comes but once a year… so loosen that under skit knot or give your mundu an extra inch, embrace the food-induced haze, and let your only worry be whether to nap on the couch or the floor.
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