Onam 2026: Where to Find 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. With the Malayali community in the UAE nearly one million strong, finding a place to enjoy this magnificent meal is easy.

Kerala's most important harvest festival, Onam, is celebrated over 10 days, bringing 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 feast throughout the Onam period, often extending celebrations across weekends. Due to the scale of the meal and the extensive preparation involved, many locations require reservations. Here is a guide to the top spots offering 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 sadhya in a box. This takeaway feast includes 24 ready-to-eat items and even comes with a banana leaf. Dishes 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 the UAE for one day only on August 26. The price is Dh49 for both dine-in and takeaway across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.

NH47, Abu Dhabi

This popular Keralan restaurant begins 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 available at the same price of Dh52, running from August 16 to 26 at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.

Payyannur Restaurant, Abu Dhabi

Named after a northern Kerala town, this restaurant is celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere and South Indian cuisine. Its Onam sadhya features 26 items served across its three Abu Dhabi locations in Madinat Zayed, Mussaffah, and Electra Street. It costs Dh44 for dine-in and takeaway, or Dh46 for delivery.

Vineyard Restobar, Abu Dhabi

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

Coconut Lagoon, Abu Dhabi

A multi-cuisine restaurant specializing in Keralan dishes, Coconut Lagoon will serve a 28-item sadhya special for one day only on August 26 at its Mussaffah branch, 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 will offer a 31-dish sadhya served across three days during Onam: August 26, 29, and 30 at the Al Diar Mina Hotel in Al Zahiyah. The price is Dh50 for dine-in and Dh55 for takeaway.

Food Junction, Abu Dhabi

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

Punjab Grill, Dubai

This fine-dining Indian restaurant features a sadhya menu with over 33 traditional items, ranging from jaggery-coated banana chips to kala and raw jackfruit curry. Onam-themed drinks are available at an additional cost. Priced at Dh99, it runs from August 21 to 26 at Anantara Downtown, Business Bay.

Calicut Paragon, Dubai

Renowned for its Keralan cuisine, Calicut Paragon is serving its Grand Paragon Sadhya featuring 25 dishes at its two Dubai branches in Karama and Al Nahda. Pre-booking is essential for takeaway. The price is Dh52 for dine-in and Dh55 for takeaway, available from August 26 to 29.

Tharavad Restaurant, Dubai

Known for authentic, home-style South Indian and Keralan cuisine at affordable prices, Tharavad offers an Onam sadhya with 28 items for dine-in and 26 items for takeaway. Priced at Dh45 for both dine-in and takeaway, it is available from August 24 to 26 in Al Qusais.

Rasam, Dubai

More than 30 traditional delicacies will feature in the sadhya of this restaurant, known for its authentic Keralan dishes. The feast is served during Onam and extends every weekend until the first week of October. Running from August 14 to 31 and every weekend until October 4 in Discovery Gardens, it costs Dh60 for dine-in and Dh80 for takeaway.

Papillon, Dubai

This Keralan restaurant and bar will feature a 30-dish Onam sadhya served on two days during the festival: August 26 and 28 at the San Marino Hotel in Deira. It is priced at Dh39 for dine-in and Dh45 for takeaway.