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Onam, Kerala’s yearly harvest festival is one of the most highly anticipated times of year. It’s that electrifying time in Kerala when the air is alive with the thunder of trumpets, the rhythm of drums, and the majestic sight of elephants parading through the streets. Boat races tear through the water, and the land is awash with dance, art, and music. Amidst the riot of floral decorations, lights, and vibrant colours, the Onasadya reigns supreme. This grand feast is not just a meal; it's the heartbeat of the celebrations. Whether you're a local Malayali or a curious outsider, the universal spirit of Onam invites everyone to dive in and experience the essence of this unforgettable festival.
If you’re looking for a taste of Kerala in Mumbai, then don’t miss out on these 11 spots dishing up some fabulous Onam specials that range from the traditional banana leaf platters to exciting modern interpretations.
Magazine St. Kitchen
Every month, Magazine St. Kitchen in Byculla becomes the playground of guest chefs from all over the world and for Onam, they’re celebrating Kerala food in style. Dive into a feast like no other with Divya Prabhakar’s Sadya Menu. With a vibrant banana leaf piled high with a symphony of southern flavours, each dish bubbles with spices and tradition. From thick, aromatic broths to rich curries, your taste buds will dance with joy. Sip on some delightful alcoholic beverages as you savour homestyle dishes steeped in history and lovingly passed down through generations. Book online via the FoodMatters website to secure your spot.
Timings: 28th September 12 pm to 2 pm| 29th September 12 pm to 2 pm
Cost per person: ₹3750 ++ (Includes unlimited cocktails)
Nair On Fire
In the last few years, Nair On Fire’s UnSadya has become a city-wide hit for its non-vegetarian additions to the traditional Kerala Sadya. This year they’re also offering a first-of-its-kind superfood Sadya as well. The Superfood Veg Sadya reinvents the traditional Sadya by incorporating superfoods like millets and regional vegetables, seamlessly blending heritage with modern nutritional science. The UnSadya meanwhile combines vegetarian, chicken, and seafood specialities in a delightful spread that caters to all tastes. Both will be available only for takeaway or home delivery and need to be booked in advance.
Dates: Friday, September 6, 2024 | Saturday, September 7, 2024 | Sunday, September 8, 2024
Saturday, September 14, 2024| Sunday, September 15, 2024
Cost per Sadya: ₹1795 onwards.
Contact: + 91 93240 59522
Soul With A Sole
Soul With A Soul by Chef Pranshu Poddar is a home-run vegan supper club and for Onam, they’re dishing up a special sadya feast. This traditional Kerala meal offers a rich array of flavours and textures, starting with crispy Sharkara Upperi and Nendran Chips. The tangy Inji Puli and Mango Pickle add a sharp contrast, complemented by cooling plant-based Buttermilk and crunchy Papadam. A selection of curries, including Tomato Rasam, Varutharacha Sambhar, and Parippu Curry, is balanced by vibrant vegetable dishes like Aviyal, Beans Thoran, and Beetroot Pachadi. The meal concludes with the comforting Kerala Matta rice, and indulgent Ada Pradhaman and Payasam desserts. Book via the link in their socials at @soulwithasole
Address: Goregoan West (full address shared after booking).
Timings: 15th September, 12 noon onwards
Cost per person: ₹1799
Kerala Cafe
Dive into Kerala's vibrant cultural heritage with a feast of traditional delicacies, including Avial, Sambar, Rasam, Thoran, Erissery, and Parippu Curry. This diverse spread captures the essence of Kerala's rich culinary traditions, while the assortment of sweet endings like Payasam and Prathaman promises to elevate your experience and delight your taste buds. In true Onam style this is all about community, so be sure to arrive early to grab your spot!
Timings: 13th to 17th September | Lunch
Address: VN Purav Marg, next to Naturals Ice Cream, Diamond Garden, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
Cost per person: ₹890
Mool: Kitchen & Bar
This Onam, Mool is giving you a chance to experience the Kerala Sadya served in another traditional way with the Chatti Choru, a classic meal served in an earthen bowl. This special offering, inspired by the culinary heritage of Kerala and crafted by Home Chef Mrs. Shubha Nair, features a curated selection of authentic dishes. Enjoy rice, sambar, beetroot pachadi, avial, beans thoran, papad, pickle, and fried chili, all presented in a beautiful earthen bowl, celebrating the rich flavours and festive spirit of Onam in a delightful and earthy dining experience. You can also choose to add a non-vegetarian spin with fried fish to honour the state’s rich seafood culture.
Address: Unit No. 30, Ground Floor, Rajabahadur Mansion, 28, Mumbai Samachar Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023
Timings: 14th and 15th September | 12 pm to 3 pm, 7 pm to 12 am
Cost per person: ₹600 (Vegetarian) ₹750
Dakshin
TC Grand Central’s acclaimed South Indian fine dining restaurant, Dakshin, is proud to present an exquisite Onam Sadhya, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. From September 6th to 15th, guests are invited to indulge in an authentic vegetarian feast that captures the essence of this cherished harvest festival. From a refreshing Sambaram, Pyaru (runner bean) Thovaran, hearty Kootu Curry, white pumpkin Olan to tangy yam Kalan all the favourites are included. With additions like Erissery, Parupu Thalichathu, Kaitachakka Pachadi, Thakkali Rasam, Murungakai Sambar all paired with Kerala red rice, it’s a true Kerala feast. End on a sweet note with Parippu Pradhaman and Pal Adai to add a touch of magic to your Onam.
Date: September 6th – 15th, 2024
Timings: Lunch: 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Dinner: 7:30 PM – 11:45 PM
Cost per person: ₹2999
TAT
This destination for coastal delights is leaning into the joy of a traditional Onam with two unique menus that celebrate the flavours of Kerala. Their vegetarian sadya will include Sambar, a hearty lentil stew with vegetables; Pulissery, a tangy yogurt-based curry; and Avial, mixed vegetables in a coconut gravy. Complement these with Beetroot Pachadi, Ada Pradhaman dessert, Steamed Rice, and Pulli Ingi relish. The meal also includes Kadumanga mango pickle, Upperi and Banana Chips, fresh Banana, and crispy Pappadum. The non-vegetarian menu also features additions like Malabari Chicken Curry, Kerala Mutton Ishtu and Fish Fry.
Address: Ground Floor, Godrej Tower, 2 Restaurant 1, Eastern Express Hwy, near The Trees by Taj, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400079
Timings: 14th and 15th September, 12 pm to 1:30 am
Cost per person: ₹1000 – Vegetarian, ₹1200 – Non vegetarian
Santosham
The name Santosham translates to ‘Happiness’ or ‘Joy’ in Malayalam and Tamil, and with their Onam Sadya, they aim to spread that joy to as many people as possible. This year’s menu features over 40 traditional dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to South India. From the rich and sweet Palada Pradhaman to the spicy and tangy Lemon Achar and Manga Kari, each dish is crafted with love and care, reflecting the true spirit of Onam. Bookings can be made in advance through their
Dates: September 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st, & 22nd
Address: Chandivali Farm Rd, Raheja Vihar, Chandivali, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072
Date: September 14th & 15th
Address: Shop no 1, Devde Chawl, Dada Patil Marg, near Thane, Dada Patil Wadi, Naupada, Station West, Thane, Maharashtra 400602
Cost per person: ₹1,099
Also Read: Onam Sadya, The Rich History Of Kerala’s Festive Meal On A Banana Leaf
Kari Apla
Drawing on his Syrian Christian heritage and Kerala roots, Chef-owner Mathew Varghese is dishing up a vast Onam spread. The menu will include classic vegetarian staples like Avial, Inji Puli, Thoran, Sambar, and Payasam with exciting new non-vegetarian additions such as Prawn Peera, Koonthal Masala, Fish Curry, Kerala Mutton Cutlet, Egg Chukka, and Chicken Pepper Fry. “While the traditional Onasadhya is rooted in vegetarian seasonal produce, regional variations, particularly in Malabar and central Kerala, introduce a mix of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes,” says Chef Varghese, “Our carefully curated menu honours the festival's traditional essence and community spirit while offering a modern twist, showcasing a lesser-known aspect of the Onam celebration.”
Address: Shop no 5, Mangal Bhavna, Khar Pali Rd, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052
Timings: Sunday, 15th September (3 Seatings) | Reservations open on Thursday, 5 September
Cost per person: ₹2,000
Contact: +918433706258
FiftyFiveEast by The Hyatt Mumbai
Immerse yourself in the flavours of Kerala with an authentic Onam Sadhya curated by Chef Marina Balakrishnan. Experience a culinary journey through 27 traditional dishes, served on a banana leaf, featuring a range of vibrant flavours from the sweet and spicy injipuli and pungent erissery to the saccharine goodness of payassam. Each dish offers a taste of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage, promising an unforgettable experience.
Address: Vicinity, BANK OF INDIA STAR AVAS, Hotel and Residences, Grand Hyatt, Off, Western Express Hwy, Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400055
Timings: Sunday, September 15| 12:30 pm onwards
Cost per person: ₹4,700
South Of Vindhyas
South of Vindhyas at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is hosting a Adipoli Onam Sadhya feast from September 12th to 16th. Though not a traditional banana leaf-plated sadya, this exceptional meal allows you to experience 56 meticulously crafted dishes by Chef Bala Subramaniam. The feast celebrates the spirit of Kerala's harvest festival with a diverse array of traditional dishes, including crispy chips, assorted bread, rich vegetarian curries, tangy pickles, and a selection of sweet treats like Ada Pradhaman and Pazham Pori. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this unlimited, unforgettable celebration of Southern Indian cuisine.
Address:70-C, Nehru Road, Hotel Near Mumbai Domestic Airport, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400099
Timings: 12th – 16th September 2024 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm & 7.00 pm – 11.00 pm
Cost per person: ₹2199 plus taxes