Find the Same, Delicious Keralan Taste in Delhi this Onam: Where to Have Onam Sadhya in Delhi (2019)

For the unversed, Onam Sadhya is a huge meal spread. The term literally means a banquet in Malayalam and is served during the 10-day long festivities of the harvest season of Onam. Traditionally, it is served on a huge banana leaf and if enjoyed without the use of any cutlery. People sit together on the floor and eat with great gusto. The meal in itself has a huge variety and contains around 24 dishes. The usual items in an Onam Sadhya include Olan, Puli Inji, Pachadi, Kichadi, Theeyal, Kootu Curry, Sambar, Rasam, Buttermilk, Papad, boiled rice, stir-fried veggies with grated coconut, variety of pickle among other things. The food is exceptionally delicious and full of exotic flavours. You will find it to be a beautiful culinary conundrum. Every bite will feel sweet, sour, and spicy at the same time. It is definitely a meal fit for a king!

An Onam Sadhya is a ubiquitous meal with several dishes to choose from. Each dish promises an entirely different culinary experience. There is something sweet, something sour, and something spicy. It is a complete burst of flavours. From curries to gravy dishes to appetizers to even chips, a Sadhya has a huge variety for people. It was difficult for us to choose just a couple of recipes, but, somehow we managed to list three of our favourite Onam Sadhya dishes.

Theeyal is a gravy dish which is mostly a shallot based curry. Nowadays, there are several variations to it; however, a traditional theeyal was a gravy dish with red onions or small shallots in it. Today a theeyal gravy is tried out with all kinds of veggies and even with meat and prawns. The dish is famous for its rich flavour and exotic taste. A properly cooked theeyal will taste sweet, sour, and spicy at the same time. It is generally eaten with a serving of rice.

Olan is a signature dish of any Keralan meal; a traditional Sadhya feels incomplete without Olan. It is a stew of ash gourd and cowpeas with coconut milk. It also contains coconut oil and curry leaves. Green chillies give it a further edge. While it is not a very spicy dish, it certainly is flavoured in a very delicious way. You should definitely try a bowl of Olan at your next Onam Sadhya.

While Puli Inji is a condiment and not the main dish, yet, no Sadhya can be complete without it. Making it is also a process as it needs to be cooked at least a day in advance so that overnight, the flavour enhances. It is a unique pickle made from tamarind, ginger, jaggery, and lots of chillies. It is sour, spicy, and slightly sweet as well. This is one of the most popular condiments that Kerala offers.

Delhi, the capital city of India, has much to offer in terms of food. People from all parts of the country (or rather the world) are settled here, and with them, they bring their unique food, culture, and traditions. You can find authentic food from all sorts of places in the city; Keralan cuisine being no exception.

Several good restaurants are serving authentic Kerala food that will satiate your soul. You can find delicious Kodala curry, mutton fry, fried prawns, appam among dozens of other dishes. Restaurants of all kinds are available when searching for Keralan cuisine. You can choose to eat at a fine dining place or go to a budget canteen-style place. Wherever you go, you will surely not be disappointed with the taste and variety of Keralan food on offer in New Delhi!

Listed below are the top 8 restaurants in Delhi that offer lip-smacking Kerala food that you can enjoy for the Onam Sadhya. However, be sure to book a table in advance if you plan to go during the festive days itself as you might have to face a long waiting time.

Savya Rasa is an upscale dining outlet located in Ardee Mall in Gurugram. While the rates are high compared to other similar restaurants, they do serve delicious Keralan cuisine, and you will find yourself going here again and again.

They not only serve Keralan food but serve food from seven regions of South India, including Chettinad, Nasrani, Nellore, Malabar, and even Mysuru. Food served is authentic as recipes have been sourced from local cooks and homemakers after travelling across the southern region of the country. Dining here is an entirely satisfying culinary experience. The décor is also tastefully done and adds to the whole feel of the place. A meal for two at this outlet will cost an upward of Rs. 1,700. They only have an indoor seating option, and it is recommended that you reserve a table on call, especially during weekends.

Almost all the statehouses in the capital city are famous for serving authentic food from their area — the Kerala House in no exception. Samridhi restaurant cum café is located inside the Kerala House and is famous for serving authentic Keralan cuisine at pocket-friendly rates. You will not end up spending much on a full-throttle meal at this classic place.

The most popular item on their menu is the variety of Keralan thalis in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The veg thali has a variety of tasty dishes, while the non-veg thali provides a variety of meat options like mutton, chicken, and even fish. The best part is that even the food is served in the traditional Keralan style by serving everything on a banana leaf. You will feel as if you are dining in a quaint little café of Kerala. The cost for two would come to around Rs. 350. There is no proper parking service available, and the few spots that they have to get filled up fast. If you are arriving by your vehicle, then you can park at the nearby Patel Chowk Metro Station.

Amma’s Haus serves some of the most delicious Keralan cuisines in the city; however, the only thing is that they do not have an outlet. They are a completely delivery-only service, and you can order anytime between 12 noon to 1 AM. They are delivering out of East Kailash to most areas around them in a reasonable radius. You can also order from delivery applications such as Zomato. Some of their most popular dishes include Chicken Chettinad, Coconut Payasam, Mutton Sukha, Appam, Biryani, and Murgh Ghee Roast. A meal for two people will cost about Rs. 900 only, including delivery charges. Apart from Keralan food, they also make Andhra and Goan cuisine.

Thalaivar is a casual Keralan cuisine dining place situated in Hauz Khas in South Delhi. Apart from its excellent service, it is also well-liked for its colourful, modern décor. It is done up in shades of red, blue, yellow, green, and every other bright, cheerful colour you can imagine. All the décor gives the place a fun vibe. Some of the specialties of the place include mutton stew, keema dosa, roasted mutton, and appam. They also serve tasty filter coffee. Only indoor seating options are available at this place, and there is no proper designated parking space at this outlet. Table booking is recommended for a relaxed dining experience. You will certainly enjoy this place with your kids or friends for a casual outing with good food.

It is a rustic, relaxed dining place that serves lip-smacking Kerala cuisine. The place is beautifully done up as well and transports you back to the serene atmosphere of Kerala. It is decorated with classic wooden décor, which is suitable for relaxed outings with family and friends. It offers a huge variety of Keralan dishes to choose from and is especially famous for its variety of seafood items on the menu. Some of the specialties of this place include Kodala curry, Puttu, and Chukku Kaapi. On average, the cost for two at this place will be anywhere upward of 1,300 INR without any drinks included. They have a full bar service as well. There is proper parking service in the mall, and usually, there is little to no waiting for a table. However, if you plan to visit on a weekend, it is recommended that you call ahead and reserve a table.

Coast Café is located in the Hauz Khas Village in Delhi and is a chic Malabar restaurant that allows you to watch the sunset as you enjoy your delicious meal of Malabar cuisine. The décor is very tastefully done; however, the highlight of the place is the huge balcony view that the place offers. It has a plethora of dishes on offer; some of its signature dishes include the Malabari Cokum Fish Curry and Appam. It is also famed for its choice of cocktails and signature dessert dishes like the Tiramisu.

The cost for two people dining at the Coast Café in Delhi will come to around Rs. 1,400 without any alcoholic beverages. They also have a bar service; you can get a pint of beer here for about Rs. 160. There are outdoor and indoor seating options available, however, due to the crowds, it is recommended that you call ahead and book a table in advance to enjoy a relaxed dining experience.

If you are looking for authentic Keralan cuisine for a reasonable rate, then you should try the food at the Kerala Hotel. It is located in the INA Market in New Delhi. While it doesn’t boast of fascinating décor and interiors, it most certainly promises delicious Keralan dishes that will have you coming back for more again and again. The mutton fry, chicken roast, prawn curry, prawn fry, and appam served here have been a city favourite for years. They also serve fantastic tea which you can try. A full-fledged meal for two will cost about Rs. 400 only. It is mostly crowded during breakfast hours and has only indoor seating options. However, there is no proper parking or table booking service available, so you need to simply walk in and see.

Malabar Taste Buds is located in DLF Phase 3 in Gurugram City. While the place is done up in an all modern food-court style, the food will take you back in the time of traditional, scrumptious Keralan cuisine. It is a popular place in the area and serves some of the best vegetable stew, appam, chicken curry, and buttermilk. They also have a home delivery facility available for a radius of five kilometres. A meal for two will cost an upward of Rs. 1,000. They don’t have a table reservation facility or a designated parking space. You can, however, utilize the mall’s parking space if you are taking your vehicle.