Featured images courtesy: The New Indian Express

Our childhood memories of festivals are often intertwined with family gatherings and the joy of indulging in traditional, delicious food. Onam, celebrated over 10 days, culminates on Thiruvonam with a lavish feast called Onasadhya. This grand vegetarian spread, served on a banana leaf, features over 20 dishes that tantalise all your senses.

The array of vibrant dishes, bursting with different flavours and colours, is truly a feast for the eyes. Experiencing an authentic sadhya in Kerala is something everyone should do at least once in their life. I was fortunate to celebrate Onam in Kochi last year, where I enjoyed a sit-down sadhya prepared by a renowned caterer. The flavours are still vivid in my memory!

From the crisp banana chips to the sweet paalada pradhaman, the avial, rasam, tangy puli inji, olan, and crunchy papadum served with rice and parippu, the variety is endless. There’s something soft, something crispy, something mild, something spicy — each bite is a unique and unforgettable experience!

So, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself and your family to a feast, here’s a list of 10 dishes that can create a sumptuous sadhya. A little preparation the day before — like grating coconuts and chopping vegetables — will set you up for a lavish meal.

10 Traditional dishes from renowned Malayali chefs and vloggers

1. Avial

This nutritious side dish is a staple in every sadhya, featuring a blend of steamed vegetables in a coconut, green chilli, and curd-based curry. The recipe comes from Shaan Geo, a popular content creator with over 2.57 million YouTube subscribers.

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