Onam 2026 UAE guide: Best places for sadhya and celebration in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
Dubai: Thiruvonam , the most important day of Kerala's harvest festival, falls on 26 August this year, and the UAE's Malayali community is not holding back. Restaurants are running banana leaf spreads with up to 33 dishes, Sharjah is hosting the biggest community gathering in the GCC, and more than 2,500 tonnes of fresh produce and Onam essentials have been flown in from Kerala to Gulf markets by…
Onam 2026 is just around the corner, and the Malayali community in the UAE is gearing up for a grand celebration. Thiruvonam, the most important day of the Kerala harvest festival, falls on August 26th, marking the start of joyous festivities throughout the region.
Restaurants across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are serving up generous sadhya spreads to honor this special occasion. Sharjah is hosting the biggest community gathering in the GCC, with over 2,500 tonnes of fresh produce and Onam essentials flown in from Kerala by air, courtesy of Lulu Group.
The thiruvonam sadhya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, features a variety of curries, vegetables, pickles, savories, and desserts. Expect to find classics like sambar, avial, olan, erissery, kalan, thoran, and rasam, all finished with payasam. Eaten by hand, the meal is a communal experience that demands seconds. Reservations for restaurants are highly recommended, so plan ahead to ensure a spot.
In Dubai, notable spots for Onam celebrations include Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai, Calicut Paragon, Indian Coffee House, Jamavar at Address Residences Opera District, Kovalam Restaurant, President Hotel, and Punjab Grill at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, among others. Prices range from Dh37 to Dh195, with many eateries offering lunch and dinner options. Many also provide takeaway or delivery services, making the experience accessible to those who cannot dine in.
Sharjah's festivities include the largest community gathering in the GCC, with multiple locations hosting traditional Onam celebrations. In Abu Dhabi, Madras Beats hosts a live concert with an authentic sadhya on August 28th. The Onam Bazaar at BurJuman Mall in Dubai runs through the month, featuring festive fashion, accessories, decor, and traditional food. There is also an Onam Sadhya event with live performances at the mall.
For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Lulu Events offers a prepared 24-item sadhya in a box, complete with a banana leaf and unlimited payasam refills. The Kitchen by Lulu across the UAE provides the same experience.
Onam 2026 promises to be a vibrant festival for the Malayali community in the UAE, with a wide range of options for savoring the traditional sadhya feast.
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