A Non-Malayalee's Guide To The Onam Sadya

The Onam Sadya (literally translating to what is that deliciousness being served) is a vegetarian feast and a fail-safe way to send you into a happy food stupor. The Sadya is served on a banana leaf, as is the tradition in South India.

Now the Onam meal is not just any ordinary meal! With approximately 25 preparations on the menu, this grand affair pays due respect to all six tastes –salt, spice, sourness, bitterness, sweet and pungency. Interestingly, it’s also one of the few cuisines where the sweet is consumed in the middle of the meal. The Sadya is said to be the ideal combination of healthy and unhealthy from the deep-fried poppadum to the make your doctor happy bitter-gourd pacchadi.

Dear Non-Malayalees, think of this banana leaf as Sparta. You need strategy, cool, wit and an appetite inspired by gluttony to conquer it.

Start with the chips: Think of this as a light stretch. It’s like getting your stomach warmed up for the great feast that lies ahead of you. Quickly follow this up with the tangy sweet and injipuli chutney. These chutneys basically open up your taste buds and prepare you for the grand feast that lies ahead.

Now that you’ve got your army ready to attack, go straight for the neiparippu, which has ghee and dal. Have this with the rice and popaddum. What this does is help speed up digestion. After all, you only have 15 odd delicacies left to consume.

Now comes the best part – dessert. And no, you’re not at the end of your meal. You’re right about in the middle of it. Insider believes in the joys of dessert and clearly the South Indians do too! (Why wait till the end for dessert? Priorities!)

End the feast with some delicious curd rice and top it off with a banana. This essentially is to aid in digestion and give your stomach a pat on the back (wait, what?) for a job well done!Caution: Eat with your hand for best results and wear loose clothing.

Caution: Eat with your hand for best results and wear loose clothing.