Onam 2026: Guide to the Best Traditional Sadhya Feasts Across the UAE

For many Malayalis, no Onam celebration is complete without sadhya – the elaborate vegetarian feast traditionally served on a banana leaf, featuring anywhere from nine to over 30 dishes, including curries, dal, pickles, poppadoms, banana chips, and payasam. In the UAE, home to a Malayali community nearly one million strong, finding a place to enjoy this magnificent meal is effortless.

Kerala's most important harvest festival, Onam is celebrated over a 10-day period that brings together people across various religions and communities. This year's festivities begin on August 16 and culminate with Thiruvonam on August 26.

While sadhya is traditionally associated with Thiruvonam, restaurants across the Emirates serve the grand feast throughout the Onam period, often extending celebrations across weekends. Due to the scale and preparation involved, many establishments require advance reservations. Here are some of the top spots to experience an Onam sadhya in the UAE this year.

The Kitchen by Lulu, UAE-wide

For those who prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy the feast at home, Lulu Hypermarket is bringing back its convenient sadhya in a box. This takeaway feast includes 24 ready-to-eat items along with a traditional banana leaf. Menu items feature boiled palakkadan matta rice, sambar, khichdi, pachadi, thoran, koottu curry, and rasam. Priced at Dh38.90, it is available online and at Lulu Hypermarkets across the UAE, with pre-orders closing on August 25 for delivery between August 26 and 30.

Calicut Notebook, UAE-wide

Known for its South Indian fusion dishes and authentic Keralan cuisine, Calicut Notebook will serve a 26-item Onam sadhya at branches across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. The feast is available for one day only on August 26, priced at Dh49 for both dine-in and takeaway.

Punjab Grill, Abu Dhabi and Dubai

This fine-dining Indian restaurant features an Onam sadhya menu with more than 33 traditional items, ranging from jaggery-coated banana chips to kala and raw jackfruit curry, with Onam-themed drinks available at an additional cost. Priced at Dh99, the sadhya runs from August 21 to 26 at Anantara Downtown in Business Bay, Dubai, and the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal in Abu Dhabi.

NH47, Abu Dhabi

This popular Keralan restaurant kicks off celebrations on the first day of Onam, serving a feast of 32 vegetarian dishes hailing from Thiruvithamkoor, the historic Travancore region of southern Kerala. For those celebrating at home, a sadhya kit is offered at the same price. Priced at Dh52, it is available from August 16 to 26 at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.

Payyannur Restaurant, Abu Dhabi

Named after a town in northern Kerala and known for its relaxed atmosphere, this restaurant's Onam sadhya features 26 items across its three Abu Dhabi branches in Madinat Zayed, Mussaffah, and Electra Street. It is priced at Dh44 for dine-in and takeaway, or Dh46 for delivery.

Vineyard Restobar, Abu Dhabi

For one day only on August 26, this upscale dining destination and nightlife spot known for its Indian grills is hosting an Onam sadhya featuring 31 traditional items at Etihad Towers. It is priced at Dh110 per person or Dh450 for a family of five.

Coconut Lagoon, Abu Dhabi

Specialising in Keralan dishes, multi-cuisine restaurant Coconut Lagoon will serve its sadhya special featuring 28 items for one day only on August 26 in Mussaffah, priced at Dh34 for dine-in and Dh38 for takeaway.

Thamburu Indian Restaurant & Lounge, Abu Dhabi

Popular for its lively pub-style atmosphere with live music and budget-friendly South Indian food, Thamburu offers a 31-dish sadhya served across three days during Onam on August 26, 29, and 30. It is priced at Dh50 for dine-in and Dh55 for takeaway at the Al Diar Mina Hotel in Al Zahiyah.

Food Junction, Abu Dhabi

Guests can enjoy a 28-item Onam sadhya with family and friends at this restaurant known for its budget-friendly wholesome food. Served on one day only on August 26 at Al Shamkha Mall, it is priced at Dh45 for both dine-in and takeaway.

Calicut Paragon, Dubai

Renowned for its Keralan cuisine, Calicut Paragon is serving the Grand Paragon Sadhya featuring 25 dishes at its two Dubai locations in Karama and Al Nahda. Available from August 26 to 29, pre-booking is essential for takeaway, with prices set at Dh52 for dine-in and Dh55 for takeaway.

Tharavad Restaurant, Dubai

Best known for authentic, home-style South Indian and Keralan cuisine at affordable prices, Tharavad is offering an Onam sadhya with 28 items for dine-in and 26 items for takeaway. Available from August 24 to 26 in Al Qusais, it is priced at Dh45 for both options.

Rasam, Dubai

More than 30 traditional delicacies feature in the sadhya at this restaurant known for authentic Keralan dishes. The feast is served for an extended period post-Onam, running every weekend from August 14 to 31, and then continuing every weekend until the first week of October. Prices are Dh60 for dine-in and Dh80 for takeaway at Discovery Gardens.

Papillon, Dubai

This Keralan restaurant and bar hosts an Onam sadhya featuring 30 dishes served on two days during the festival on August 26 and 28. Located at the San Marino Hotel in Deira, it is priced at Dh39 for dine-in and Dh45 for takeaway.