Onamshakal, habibi! The Onam Sadhya, a colourful spread of vegetarian dishes served on a humble banana leaf, is the heart of this harvest festival. It’s comfort food, heritage, and celebration rolled into one. So if you are away from home, we are here with 7 Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi that are serving Authentic Onam Sadhya, perfectly Kerala-style! So come for the food and stay for the vibes.
7 Best Restaurants In Abu Dhabi To Savour Authentic Onam Sadhya
1. Sangeetha Restaurant
Chef Unnikrishnan Kuttan Nair has crafted a traditional spread that’s both soulful and celebratory. Available on 5th and 6th September, the feast is priced at AED 40 for dine-in and AED 45 for takeaway (5th September only).
Picture this: fluffy matta rice, velvety parippu, crispy pappadam, tangy sambar, and a carousel of sides that dance between spicy, sour, and sweet. Served between 12 and 3 PM, this meal is the kind of nostalgic comfort that makes you feel like you’ve gone back home, minus the relatives arguing over payasam portions.
Where: Multiple branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah
When: 5–6 September
Cost: AED 40 dine-in, AED 45 takeaway
2. 1947 Restaurant
Affordable, authentic, and already a local favourite, that’s 1947 Restaurant for you. Their Onasadya is just AED 29, yes, you read that right. And trust me, it doesn’t skimp on flavour.
Served on a classic banana leaf at their ISC, Al Zahiyah outlet, the spread is humble yet hearty, letting the dishes speak for themselves. It’s been crowned Abu Dhabi’s No.1 Onasadya by locals for good reason. Honestly, at this price point, you could take the whole family without maxing your card.
Where: ISC, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
When: Onam days (advance booking advised)
Cost: AED 29
3. Payyannur Restaurant
Some feasts are made for indulgence, and Payyannur has no shame in going all out. Their 26-item Grand Sadhya is unapologetically lavish, the sort of meal where you’ll need both hands to keep up. From crunchy pappadam to creamy payasam, it’s a feast that demands you eat with both hands. Perfect for families who want to celebrate the festival together, and yes, this is one of those meals that lingers in memory long after you’ve cleared the leaf. To be fair, this is the one that lingers in your memory long after the banana leaf has been cleared.
Where: Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
When: Throughout Onam
Cost: On request
4. Suja’s Kitchen
Suja’s Kitchen is the kind of place that doesn’t just serve food, it serves nostalgia. Their Onam Sadhya features over 26 dishes cooked the old-fashioned way, using recipes that have stood the test of time. Think Avial, Thoran, Olan, Rasam, and multiple payasams to keep your sweet tooth happy.
Everything is hygienically packed if you’re opting for takeaway or delivery, but the soul of the Sadhya remains intact. Hosting a get-together? Suja’s is your safe bet.
Where: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah (delivery available)
When: Onam week 2025
Cost: AED 52
5. Kumbakonam Café
Kumbakonam Café is upping the ante with 30 vegetarian dishes for this year’s Sadhya. Available only for pickup on 5th September, it’s priced at AED 37, not bad considering the variety. You even get a choice between Motta rice and Barik rice, which is a nice touch for picky eaters.
Orders must be placed in advance (by 4th September at 6 PM), and you can collect from Hamdan, Khalidiyah Mall, or Mazyad Mall outlets. The only problem? You’ll probably regret not ordering two.
Where: Hamdan 5 Al Ghatfah St – Al Danah – Zone 1
When: 5 September, 12 PM onwards
Cost: AED 37
6. Calicut Notebook Restaurant
Notebook is rolling out its Grand Onasadya with 26 Kerala favourites, and they’re not cutting corners. Whether you sit down at the restaurant, grab a takeaway, or get it delivered, the flavours hit just right, with fresh veggies, bold spices, and that homely comfort Kerala is known for. Honestly, tuck into a plate here and you might just forget you’re in Abu Dhabi and not somewhere in Kozhikode.
Where: Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
When: Onam season (pre-booking required)
Cost: On request
Also Read: This UAE To Kerala Flight Is Serving A Traditional Onam Sadhya 30,000 Feet Above!
7. Punjab Grill
Here’s the curveball. Punjab Grill isn’t your typical spot for Onam Sadhya, but they’re pulling out all the stops. At AED 99, their Michelin-style feast includes 32–33 vegetarian dishes, from Avial and Rasam to the inventive Poori twist.
Desserts are a show-stopper: Ada Pradhaman, Pal Payasam Ice Cream, Elaneer Payasam, and even Jackfruit Pudding. Plus, they’ve got a curated mocktail menu (AED 25 each) to elevate your celebration. Honestly, it’s Onam, but make it luxe.
Where: Anantara Downtown, Abu Dhabi
When: 30–31 August & 5–7 September, 12–3 PM
Cost: AED 99 (includes one drink)
Final Bite
Whether you’re craving budget-friendly comfort or a lavish spread, Abu Dhabi is serving it all. After all, Onam isn’t just about tradition. It’s about gathering around food, sharing laughter, and sneaking in at least two servings of payasam.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Saveurs Secretes from Pexels
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.