Onam 2024: 8 Delicious Dishes You Must Try to Experience Kerala's Grand Feast

Onam, Kerala’s vibrant harvest festival, is synonymous with joy, tradition, and most importantly, food! At the heart of the celebration is the grand Onam Sadya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves, offering a medley of flavors.

Here are eight must-try dishes that will immerse you in the true culinary essence of Kerala during this festive season.

Avial – The Mixed Vegetable Delight
This simple yet hearty dish combines a variety of vegetables, grated coconut, and yogurt, seasoned with curry leaves and coconut oil. Mildly spiced, Avial is a Sadya staple, embodying the true flavors of Kerala.

Sambar – The Tangy Lentil Stew
Sambar, a South Indian classic, is made with lentils and a mix of vegetables, flavored with tamarind and an aromatic blend of spices. Its tangy taste makes it the perfect companion for steamed rice.

Kootu Curry – A Protein-Packed Dish
Kootu Curry is a delicious mix of black chickpeas and vegetables like yam or banana, cooked with spices and coconut. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors adds a unique touch to the Sadya.

Thoran – Stir-Fried Veggies
Thoran is a light, refreshing stir-fry made from vegetables like cabbage or beans, tossed with coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. This crunchy side dish balances the heavier Sadya offerings.

Olan – The Light Coconut Curry
Olan is a delicate dish made from white pumpkin and black-eyed peas, simmered in coconut milk. Its mildly spiced, creamy texture brings a soothing contrast to the spicier dishes on the banana leaf.

Erissery – The Festive Pumpkin Dish
A comforting blend of pumpkin and lentils, Erissery is a sweet and savory dish flavored with coconut and curry leaves. It’s a festive treat that complements the variety of flavors in the Onam feast.

Pachadi – The Sweet and Tangy Side
Pachadi is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish made with fruits like mango or pineapple. Its sweet and tangy flavors provide a perfect contrast to the richer, spicier items in the Sadya.

Payasam – The Sweet Finale
No Onam Sadya is complete without Payasam, a traditional dessert made from rice or vermicelli, cooked in milk and sweetened with jaggery. Garnished with cashews and raisins, it’s the perfect end to the meal.

Bonus: Inji Puli – The Tangy Ginger-Tamarind Pickle
This fiery pickle made with ginger and tamarind adds a sharp, tangy flavor that elevates the entire Sadya. A small spoonful goes a long way in balancing the rich and spicy dishes.

Crunchy Sides: Banana Chips and Papadum
Crispy banana chips and crunchy papadum are essential side snacks during Onam. Deep-fried in coconut oil, they add texture and crunch, perfectly complementing the softer elements of the meal.

Onam Sadya is more than just a meal; it’s a grand celebration of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re in Kerala or celebrating elsewhere, these dishes offer a flavorful way to embrace the spirit of the festival. Bring the joy of Onam into your home with these traditional dishes, and enjoy a feast that truly captures the essence of Kerala.