The spirit of Kerala’s famed harvest festival is best captured by a celebratory meal that spotlights seasonal produce and regional flavours. A medley of flavours, textures, and culinary techniques — the traditional vegetarian affair hits every possible tasting note, from sweet to savoury. No surprise that it draws the most discerning diners in scores. Here’s our pick of the best Onam Sadya spots in Bangalore for 2024.
The first 10 days of the Malayalam calendar — read, 6-15 September this year — marks the homecoming of legendary king Mahabali as well as the arrival of the harvest season. Loved ones get together and engage in folk dances, set up vibrant floor designs, and have snake boat races. They also lay out a grand vegetarian meal that features several preparation techniques — boiled, fried, grilled, the works — and over 25 regional creations. Various tasting notes are explored — sweet, sour, tangy, salty, sour, and astringent. The meal is laid out on a banana leaf and is an ode to local ingredients — pumpkin to coconut. If you’ve yet to experience the magic of Onam Sadya, there are plenty of restaurants in Bangalore that do it justice every year — 2024 being no exception. We take a look at a few worth making early reservations at.
Where to get the best Onam Sadya in Bangalore this 2024
Salt Mango Tree
One of the most popular Kerala food restaurants in the city — this no-frills spot always serves up the most scrumptious sadya come Onam. Served on a banana leaf — the meal features a range of traditional bites, from Payasam to Avial. The portions are generous and the prices pocket-friendly. Each is a celebration of agrarian culture. You could also order a box to enjoy it all at home.
Address: 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar
Date: 9-17 September
Contact: +91 96863 65602
No. 10 Fort Kochi
This popular Kerala restaurant in the heart of the city deals primarily in seafood. However, it sure does know its way around a vegetarian feast. Come Onam, it lines up the most scrumptious sadya — featuring everything from Avial and Thoran to Payasam and Puli Inji. Head on over for the most authentic experience or take a package away to enjoy it all in the comfort of your home.
Address: 9, St Mark’s Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar
Date: 12-15 September
Contact: +91 77778 76000
Vembanad The Paul Bangalore
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This colonial-style restaurant is home to some of the city’s most authentic Kerala creations. No surprise that it also happens to be a popular spot to get a taste of traditional sadya come Onam. This year’s feast is as exciting as ever — spotlighting classic flavours. Best part? The meal is an experience here — served alongside festivities like Maveli, Onappattukal, and Thiruvathira. This makes it an ideal family affair.
Address: The Paul Bangalore, Krishna Reddy Layout, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur
Date and time: 14-15 September, 12:00 pm onwards
Contact: +91 80404 77777
Kappa Chakka Kandhari
The finesse of fine dining meets traditional flavours at this award-winning destination. Onam is a grand affair here, featuring over 26 creations prepared by traditional cooks from Kerala. Menu highlights include Cheru Pazham, Nendrakai Nuruku, Pavakka Kondattam, Chena Nuruku, Sharkara Varatty, Inji Puli, Nellika Achar, Manga Achar, Pineapple Pachadi, Olan, Cabbage Thoran, Ada Pradhaman, Chakka Pradhaman, Idichu Pizhinja Payasam. Don’t miss out.
Address: St. John’s Auditorium, John Nagar, Koramangala
Date: 14-15 September
Contact: +91 63646 71010
M Café
At this luxurious destination, the vibrancy of Onam has inspired a meal that will take you through the diverse landscape and culture of Kerala. On offer? Palada Payasam, Avial, Elaneer Payasam, Erisser, Inji Puli, Madhura Curry, Kurukku Kalan, Olan, and more.
Address: M Café, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield
Date and time: 5-15 September, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Contact: +91 80494 35000
Quattro
This elegant spot is ringing in the harvest season with authentic flavours and seasonal ingredients. On offer — Sharkara Varatti, Beetroot Pachadi, Kumbalanga Pachadi, Vendakaa Theeyal, Vazhakka Upperi, Kerala Pappadam, Pineapple Puliserry, Valli Payar Thoran, Kootu Curry, Kaalan, Avial, Chenma Rice, Nei Parippu, Varutharacha Sambhar, Parippu Pradhaman, Pulli Inji, and more. There’s also plenty of Pal Ada Payasam and Sharkara Varatti to go around.
Address: Quattro, The Leela Bhartiya City Bangalore
Date and time: 14 September, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Contact: +91 96115 29294
Ministry Of Food
The homecoming of Mahabali is a grand affair at the elegant Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks. On offer are traditional flavours — Neyyappa, Kootu Curry, Avial, Olan, Kalan, Thoran, Parippu, Sambar, and more — served on a banana leaf. Round out the meal with some indulgent Paal Payasam.
Address: MOF, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks
Date and time: 15 September, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Contact: +91 73537 59831
Which of these spots are you headed to for Onam sadya?
Hero and feature images: Courtesy of Santhosh Varghese/Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Onam Sadya usually contains an assortment of creations, including — Rice, Parippu, Rasam, Sambar, Kaalan, Avial, Olaan, Koottukari, Erissery, Pachadi, Pulissery, Thoran, Payasam, Pappadam, Upperi, Sharkara Varatti, Inji Curry, Mango Curry, Naranga Curry, Pachadi, Ellisheri, Chor, Chena Mezhkkupuratti, Morru Kachiyatha, Kichadi, Kootu Curry, Neyy, Inji Thayir, Poovan Pazham, Palada Pradhaman, Pazham Pradhaman.
Onam sadya features about 25 traditional Kerala creations. This includes papadam, payasam, pachadi, and poriyal.
Sadya is the hallmark of Onam celebrations, celebrating the harvest as well as the culture of Kerala.
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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