Every festival in India has its special food and so does Onam, which marks the beginning of the Malayali calendar. The highlight of the Onam feast is the elaborate vegetarian meal known as the “Onam Sadya”. Kolkatans can now enjoy a lavish Onam spread right here in the City of Joy. Served on banana leaves, the Sadya consists of around 25 items that include aviyal (a mixed vegetable curry), olan (ash gourd and coconut stew), sambar (lentil curry), rasam (spiced tomato soup), and a variety of pickles and chutneys. The meal ends on a sweet note with payasam, a rice pudding made with jaggery, coconut milk, and different types of nuts and spices.
My Kolkata brings to you a list of city restaurants that are serving up the authentic flavours of Onam.
Fairfield By Marriot
Fairfield By Marriott brings to you an Onam buffet at its all-day restaurant Kava. The traditional 40-item spread includes Sharkara Varatti (jaggery-coated raw banana chips), Mango Curry, Pappadam, Inji Curry (sweet and sour ginger and tamarind pickle usually served as an appetiser), Pink Palada Pradhaman (payasam), Chukku Vellam (water infused with ginger believed to aid digestion),
When: Lunch timings from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and dinner from 7.30pm to 11pm.
Till: August 31
Cover charge: Rs 1,199 plus taxes for lunch and dinner Rs 1,299 plus taxes for dinner
Call: 76050 86818
Where: Address: CB 218 Action Area 1C, New Town
Surfiré
This coastal-themed south Kolkata cafe has gained popularity for its south Indian menu. This Onam, you will be served an Onam Sadya with about 22 items. Enjoy Kootu Curry (raw banana, yam and black chana curry) or Erissery (pumpkin and coconut curry) with Matta Rice (commonly known as Kerala Red Rice) and get transported to God's own country. Onam Ashamshakal!
When: 11am to 11pm Till August 29
Cover charge: Rs 699 plus taxes
Call: 086971 53007 for reservations
Where: 24 Rajani Sen Road, Lake Range, Kalighat
Tamarind
The much-loved south Indian restaurant known for its south Indian fare has on offer a delightful feast of flavours. “We are excited to host the Onam Sadhya at Tamarind and share the joy of this auspicious festival with our beloved patrons,” said Gautam Purkayastha, proprietor of The Tamarind. The spread will include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis. The vegetarian thali includes Sukku Vellam (jaggery and ginger balls), Pacha Moru (spiced buttermilk), Tapioca Chips, Banana Chips, Lemon Pickle, Inji Curry (ginger pickle), Red Rice, Ghee, Appam and Parippu (moong dal cooked with coconut), Vegetable Ishtew, Potato and Raw Banana Thoran (a dry vegetable dish), Kaalan (vegetables cooked in an yoghurt sauce), Olan (ash gourd and black peas cooked in coconut milk), Drumsticks Theeyal (a soupy curry), Erissery (pumpkin and black-eyed peas cooked with coconut in a curry), Bhendi Pachadi (raita with seasoned with curry leaves and mustard seeds), Sambar, Rasam, Pappadam and Ada Pardhaman (payasam made with coconut milk).
The non-vegetarian thali will include Sukku Vellam, Pacha Moru, Tapioca Chips, Lemon Pickle, Inji Curry, Red Rice, Ghee, Appam, Parippu, Potato Raw Banana Thoran, Bhendi Pachadi, Sambar, Rasam, Erissery, Malabar Chicken and Mutton Coconut Fry, Meen Mapas (fish cooked in a tomato and coconut milk curry), Konju Olarthiyadhu (prawns cooked with kokum and coconut), Papadam, Ada Pardhaman, Coconut Payasam.
When: 12pm to 9pm On August 28 and 29
Cover charge: Rs 675 (veg thali) and Rs 799 (non-veg thali)
Call on 7980865074 for reservations.
Address: 177, Sarat Bose Road, opposite DKS, Deshapriya Park
Hotel Swagath
Another authentic south Indian restaurant in Kolkata, Hotel Swagath has curated an Onam- special menu. Served on a banana leaf in the traditional way, Hotel Swagath's Onam spread recreates the warmth of the festival. Since Onam is a harvest festival, the main attraction of the spread is often the rice, lentils and vegetable preparations. Drop in at Hotel Swagath for a taste of Pachadi, Kalan, Olan, Avial Erissery, Thoran, Parippu, Sambar, Rasam, Puliynji.
When: 8am to 10pm August 28 and 29
Cover charge: Rs 650 plus taxes
Call at 9831722222 for reservations
Where: 37 Hazra Road
Ammini Kolkata
Known for its authentic Kerala cuisine, Ammini brings the flavors of Kerala to the heart of Kolkata. As you step into Ammini, the warm and inviting ambiance welcomes you, and the aroma of the spices tantalizes your senses. The Onam menu at Ammini is a culinary journey through Kerala's traditional dishes, showcasing the rich and diverse flavours of the region. The Onam Sadya menu will be available at this restaurant only on one day! So book your slot today!
Call 081001 16769 for bookings
Date: 9am to 10pm August 29
Price: Rs 650
Address: 22/1C, Manohar Pukur Rd, Kalighat, Kolkata- 700029