Being a Malayali, one thing that I look forward to every year is undoubtedly ‘Onasadya’ (Onam meal). No matter if you’re a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, this meal that consists of 25-30 vegetarian dishes will surely give you a foodgasm. Mallu promise 😉

Onam, a 10-day long harvest festival of Kerala celebrates the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali who Malayalees consider as their King. These power-packed ten days of feasting are followed by traditional boat races, dancing and singing. The rich culture of Kerala can be understood in the best form during these 10 days of celebration. Coming back to Mumbai, while there are many groups showcasing the rich culture in India, all that is easy to experience is the food – Onasadya.

My Ammuma (Grandmother) was one of my very first best friends. I often argued with her over different things. I remember her saying (when I tried debating on something), “Mone (Son), I have eaten a lot more Onasadya than you, so stop arguing with me”. Yes, Onasadya is that important to a Malayali. Depending on the number of Onasadya’s you’ve indulged in, your age & wisdom is determined. Talking about the importance of Onasadya in a Malayali’s life, I recently came across this famous Malayalam proverb ‘Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam’ which literally means that one must have the Onasadya even if he is forced to sell his property.

Sadya literally means a banquet in Malayalam and staying true to the literal meaning, the feast does offer a whole lot of 25 dishes (or more) for the foodies.

I understand that being a food blogger, who also happens to be a proud Mallu, brings in a lot of responsibilities. And I also know all that a foodie is doing a day before Onam is searching for places that’ll serve Onasadya. I did that research for all you foodies.

While you can come to my house and indulge, here’s a list of 5 restaurants, where you can enjoy Onasadya:

1. Benzys Palace

No. of dishes: 25

Timing: 11.00 am – 3.30 pm

Cost: 450 per person

Address: Hotel Benzy Palace, Vijay Nagar, Marol Maroshi Road, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai

Phone: 022 30151810

 

2. Just Kerala

No. of dishes: 35

Timing: 12 pm – 3 pm

Cost: 600 per person

Address: Hotel Samraj, Chakala Road, Andheri East, Mumbai

Phone: 022 28363919

 

3. Rice Boat

No. of dishes: 20-25

Timing: 12 pm – 4 pm & 7 pm – 12 am

Cost: 750 per person

Address: 45, Samadhan, Western Express Highway, Gandhi Nagar, Bandra East, Mumbai

Phone: 022 26403030; 022 26558832

 

4. Sneha Restaurant

No. of dishes: 25

Timing: 12 pm till the food lasts 🙂

Cost: 250 per person (if you dine-in) & 300 per person (For parcel) (I highly recommend that you’ll dine-in. It’s a different experience to eat on a banana leaf)

Address: Opposite Paradise Cinema, 53, LJ Road, Mahim, Mumbai

Phone: 022 24456330

 

5. Hotel Deluxe

No. of dishes: 29

Timing: 11.30 am – 4.00 pm

Cost: 370 per person

Address: 28, SBS Road, Pitha Street, Near Hitkari House, Fort, Mumbai

Phone: 022 22042351; 022 66559914

Onasadya is usually a rage among foodies, and tomorrow being a Friday & a working day, with most of the office goers hunting for an Onam feast, it is highly recommended that you either go a little early or a little after lunch time. This meal has to be enjoyed in peace to attain the foodgasm we’re talking about. Wokay Wokay aajaayyye!

Onasamsakal everyone! 🙂