For Malayalis living away from Kerala, Onam has a funny way of making you homesick. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived in Dubai or how familiar the skyline has become; come August, the sight of a kasavu saree, the smell of a banana leaf feast or the first mention of Onam Sadhya can transport you straight back home. Luckily, we’re also living in a part of the world with a huge Malayali community and no shortage of Kerala restaurants, which means you don’t have to wait for a flight to Kerala to get your Onam fix. From elaborate dine-in feasts to takeaway spreads, Sadya is being served across Dubai throughout the festive season, and in some cases, well beyond Thiruvonam itself.
Calicut Paragon
The Grand Paragon Onam Sadhya comes with 25 dishes, which is enough to make you question why you thought you could possibly eat dessert afterwards. Available at both Dubai branches, the Sadya is being served for several days around Thiruvonam, with takeaway also available.
Price: AED 52 dine-in | AED 55 takeaway
Dates: August 26–29
Locations: Karama and Al Nahda
Tharavad Restaurant
If you’re after something that feels closer to a homestyle Kerala feast, Tharavad is offering a 28-item Sadya for dine-in and a 26-item version for takeaway. And you don’t even have to wait until Thiruvonam, with the feast starting on August 24.
Price: AED 45
Dates: August 24–26
Location: Al Qusais
Rasam
Rasam is going all in with more than 30 traditional delicacies. And because apparently one Onam Sadhya isn’t enough, the restaurant will continue serving its Sadya every weekend well beyond the festival.
Price: AED 60 dine-in | AED 80 takeaway
Dates: August 14–31, then every weekend until October 4
Location: Discovery Gardens
Papillon
Papillon is serving a 30-dish Onam Sadhya across two days. So if August 26 doesn’t work for you, there is another opportunity to get your banana leaf and payasam fix.
Price: AED 39 dine-in | AED 45 takeaway
Dates: August 26 and 28
Location: San Marino Hotel, Deira
Malabar Tiffin House
The restaurant is offering its Onam Sadhya on four dates, making it a useful option if your calendar is already doing its best impression of a traffic jam.
Price: AED 44 dine-in | around AED 49 takeaway
Dates: August 26, 28, 29 and 30
Location: Sheikh Hamdan Street, Karama
Grand Entree
Grand Entree is getting the Onam celebrations started early, with its Sadya available from August 16 through August 26.
Price: AED 49
Dates: August 16–26
Location: Near Karama Shopping Street
Indian Coffee House
A more budget-friendly option, Indian Coffee House is serving its Sadya on multiple dates around Onam, giving you several chances to squeeze in a banana-leaf feast.
Price: AED 35 dine-in | AED 39 takeaway
Dates: August 22, 24, 25 and 28
Location: Rolla Street, Bur Dubai
Kadavu Restaurant
Kadavu is also stretching the celebrations across several days, with its Sadya available before and throughout the main Onam period.
Dates: August 22, 23 and August 26–30
Location: Near Lulu Hypermarket, Karama
Calicut Stories
For those looking for a Sadya around Karama, Calicut Stories is keeping things simple with a one-day Onam feast on Thiruvonam.
Price: AED 45
Date: August 26
Location: Near Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama
Railway Gate Restaurant
Another wallet-friendly option, Railway Gate Restaurant is serving its Sadya in Al Qusais, with both dine-in and takeaway options.
Price: AED 35 dine-in | AED 37 takeaway
Location: Damascus Street, Al Qusais
Prefer Sadya at home?
For those who’d rather skip the restaurant crowds and enjoy the feast in their pyjamas — arguably an underrated Onam tradition — Lulu’s Kitchen is offering a 24-item Sadya box, complete with a banana leaf.
Price: AED 38.90
Availability: Across Lulu Hypermarkets in the UAE; delivery from August 26–30
So, if Onam has you missing home, you don’t necessarily need a plane ticket. Sometimes all you need is a banana leaf spread across your dining table, a mountain of rice in the middle and someone asking, “Payasam edutho?” before you’ve even finished the avial.
Note: Prices, dates and availability may change, and some restaurants require advance reservations or pre-booking for takeaway. It’s worth calling ahead before you head out.
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