Onam is an occasion and Onam is a special meal. Onam’s banana leaf is filled with curries, vegetable dishes, crunchy sides, pickles and finally a sweet dish of payasam. When all these flavours are combined Onam becomes more than a meal. This is why the Onam Sadya Menu is such an important part of the festival. If you enjoy exploring simple and traditional food ideas, you can also find more food inspiration on the LifeGracious.

Sadya is also the practice of sitting down with family and eating together without haste. If you are curious, about the feast of Kerala and what is usually served there here are 12 Sadya dishes that you should know.

What Is Onam Sadya?

Onam Sadya is a meal that people, in Kerala enjoy during the Onam festival. Onam Sadya is placed on a banana leaf as tradition. Onam Sadya has vegetable dishes, curries, pickles, snacks and desserts.

No single menu is used by all households. The dishes may vary with each family. The idea, behind Onam Sadya is to combine various tastes and textures into one special meal. I love how Onam Sadya brings families together.

12 Traditional Onam Sadya Dishes

1. Parippu

Parippu is a lentil dish that is usually served with rice and a little ghee. It has a comforting taste and is a lovely way to begin the main part of the Sadya.

2. Sambar

Sambar is a dish and is a part of many Sadya dishes. It is flavoured with spices, vegetables, tamarind and lentils. Has a warm and tangy taste which pairs well, with rice.

3. Avial

Avial is one of the famous dishes from Kerala. People make Avial using a mix of vegetables, coconut and yogurt. This combination makes Avial taste mild. Gives Avial a very creamy texture. Because there are many different vegetables, in the mix Avial looks very colorful on a banana leaf.

4. Thoran

Thoran is a dry vegetable preparation mixed with grated coconut. It can be made with beans, cabbage, carrots, or other vegetables. The coconut adds a light nutty taste without overpowering the vegetables.

5. Olan

I find Olan to be a dish that offers a pleasant break from the stronger tastes, in a meal. Olan is usually made with ash gourd, cowpeas, coconut milk and green chilli. Olan has a taste that makes Olan simple to eat with rice.

6. Kalan

I love Kalan, a curry that is suitable for sourness. Kalan is traditionally prepared with banana or yam, yogurt and coconut. Kalan is creamy in texture. Is a special ingredient, in the traditional Kerala Sadya.

7. Erissery

A common ingredient in Erissery is pumpkin, which pairs well with coconut. It is mild sweet and savory with a nice flavor to complement spicy and tart meals. It is another preparation which makes the Sadya plate a varied one.

8. Pachadi

Pachadi brings a flavour to the meal. I love how Pachadi adds a touch to every bite. Most people make Pachadi using yogurt and things, like pineapple or cucumber. Depending on the recipe Pachadi can have a sweet and tangy taste.

9. Inji Puli

Strongly flavored Inji Puli also known as Puli Inji is a sour and spicy blend of ginger, tamarind and jaggery. Inji Puli only needs a serving to notice its flavor. Inji Puli is a highlight of the meal.

10. Banana Chips

Crispy banana chips are a part of Sadya. Banana chips are made from bananas. Add a satisfying crunch to a meal that otherwise has many soft curries and vegetable dishes.

11. Pappadam

Pappadam adds to the crispy texture of the banana leaf. It is commonly served with rice and curries. Can also be broken up in the meal for a crunchy texture.

12. Payasam

Payasam is a treat for people and the star of the feast. Payasam is a Kerala dessert made in varieties and can be made with rice, milk, coconut milk, jaggery or lentils. Payasams sweetness is the finish, after all of the savory foods.

How Is Onam Sadya Traditionally Served?

The banana leaf is one of the recognisable parts of a traditional Sadya. Different side dishes are placed around the leaf and rice is served as the part of the meal.

The exact placement and serving order can vary between families and regions. As the meal progresses different curries and sides are combined with rice giving the eater a different taste, with almost every bite.

Tips for Making Onam Sadya at Home

Preparing a Sadya at home can seem like a big project particularly if Sadya is a new experience. Sadya does not require the creation of every dish. Sadya does not need a number of options to create a traditional feast.

Consider preparing some items of time. Items such as pickles, banana chips and certain vegetable preparations can be cooked before the main cooking begins. A simple menu allows time to spend with family and less time, in the kitchen during the celebration. For more simple food ideas, explore our easy homemade meals.

But keep in mind Home Sadya does not have to be flawless. The key is to have fun and enjoy the meal together.

Final Thoughts

The Onam Sadya Menu brings together a mix of flavours. From the taste of parippu and avial, to the tangy taste of sambar and the sweet taste of payasam the Onam Sadya Menu offers many tastes. The Onam Sadya Menu has textures and flavours and these make the Onam Sadya Menu so enjoyable.

If you are celebrating Onam with your family simply exploring Kerala cuisine and trying the dishes of the Onam Sadya Menu is a delicious way to experience the festive spirit of the occasion.