Onam is one of Kerala’s most cherished festivals, celebrated with family gatherings, colourful Pookalam decorations and, most importantly, the traditional Onam Sadya. Served on a banana leaf, an authentic Sadya brings together a wide variety of vegetarian curries, side dishes, pickles, snacks and desserts.
For families living in the UK, preparing a complete Kerala Sadya can sometimes feel difficult because many traditional vegetables, spices and festive ingredients are not always available in local supermarkets. Fortunately, you can now order Onam Sadya ingredients online from an Indian grocery store online and prepare your favourite Kerala dishes at home.
What Is a Traditional Onam Sadya?
Onam Sadya is a traditional vegetarian Kerala feast usually served during Thiruvonam. A complete Sadya may contain more than 20 dishes, including rice, curries, vegetable preparations, pickles, crispy snacks and sweet Payasam.
Each dish contributes a different flavour and texture, from mildly spiced Aviyal and creamy Olan to tangy Pulissery, spicy pickles and sweet Payasam.
A typical traditional Onam Sadya menu may include:
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Kerala Matta Rice
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Parippu Curry
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Sambar
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Aviyal
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Koottu Curry
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Olan
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Erissery
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Thoran
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Pachadi
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Pulissery
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Rasam
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Ginger Curry
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Mango Pickle
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Lemon Pickle
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Pappadam
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Banana Chips
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Sarkara Varatti
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Ada Pradhaman
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Parippu Payasam
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Boli
1. Kerala Matta Rice
Rice forms the heart of a traditional Onam Sadya. Palakkadan Matta Rice, also known as Kerala Red Rice, is widely used because of its distinctive texture and traditional flavour.
For an authentic Sadya, Matta Rice is an ideal choice to serve alongside Sambar, Parippu, Aviyal and other Kerala curries.
You can Order Kerala Matta Rice online in different pack sizes depending on the number of guests you are serving.
2. Fresh Vegetables for Aviyal
Aviyal is one of the most important dishes on an Onam Sadya menu. It is prepared using a combination of vegetables cooked with coconut and traditional Kerala seasonings.
Common vegetables used for Aviyal include:
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Drumstick
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Snake Gourd
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Long Beans
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Elephant Yam
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Yellow Pumpkin
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Ivy Gourd
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Green Chilli
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Curry Leaves
Buying an Onam Aviyal vegetable pack can make preparation easier by bringing together the essential vegetables needed for the recipe.
3. Fresh Vegetables for Kerala Sambar
Kerala-style Sambar is another essential Sadya dish. It combines lentils, vegetables, tamarind and aromatic spices to create a comforting accompaniment to rice.
Popular vegetables used in Sambar include:
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Drumstick
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Brinjal
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Ladies Finger
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Tomato
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Shallots
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Green Chilli
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Curry Leaves
An Onam Fresh Sambar Pack is a convenient option for anyone looking to prepare authentic Kerala Sambar without having to source each vegetable separately.
4. Pulissery Ingredients
Pulissery is a traditional Kerala curry known for its mildly sweet and tangy flavour. Different vegetables and fruits can be used depending on the recipe.
Popular ingredients include:
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Kerala Sambar Cucumber
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Ash Gourd
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Orange Pumpkin
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Okra
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Raw Mango
A ready-made Onam Traditional Pulissery Combo Pack can help simplify your festive cooking while ensuring you have the right vegetables for this traditional dish.
5. Coconut and Coconut Oil
Coconut plays an important role in Kerala cuisine. Fresh or grated coconut is commonly used in Aviyal, Thoran, Olan, Koottu Curry and many other Sadya dishes.
Coconut oil is equally important for achieving an authentic Kerala-style flavour.
Useful ingredients to keep ready include:
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Frozen Grated Coconut
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Fresh Coconut
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Coconut Milk
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Kerala Coconut Oil
These products are available from many Indian grocery stores online.
6. Lentils and Pulses
Traditional Onam cooking uses different types of lentils and pulses.
Toor Dal is commonly used for Sambar, while Moong Dal or other lentils can be used for Parippu Curry and Payasam.
Keep the following stocked before your Onam preparation:
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Toor Dal
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Moong Dal
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Chana Dal
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Urad Dal
These staples can also be used throughout the year for everyday South Indian cooking.
7. Kerala Banana Chips and Sarkara Varatti
No Onam Sadya feels complete without crispy Kerala Banana Chips.
Another festive favourite is Sarkara Varatti, where banana pieces are coated with jaggery and spices to create a sweet and crunchy snack.
These can be served alongside the main Sadya and are also perfect for sharing with family and guests during the Onam celebration.
8. Pappadam
Crispy Pappadam adds texture to the traditional Sadya meal and is usually served alongside rice and curries.
Keep enough Pappadam ready for your guests, as it is one of the most popular accompaniments on the banana leaf.
9. Mango and Lemon Pickles
Pickles provide a sharp and spicy contrast to the milder dishes in a Sadya.
Two popular choices are:
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Mango Pickle
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Lemon Pickle
A small portion of each is traditionally served alongside rice and other accompaniments.
10. Ginger Curry
Ginger Curry, often called Inji Curry, is another important component of a Kerala Sadya.
Made with ginger, tamarind, jaggery and spices, it delivers a combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavours.
11. Ingredients for Ada Pradhaman
Ada Pradhaman is one of the most popular desserts served during Onam.
Essential ingredients may include:
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Rice Ada
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Jaggery
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Coconut Milk
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Cardamom
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Cashew Nuts
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Raisins
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Ghee
Buying these ingredients together as an Onam Payasam Pack can make preparation easier.
12. Parippu Payasam
Parippu Payasam is another traditional Kerala dessert prepared using lentils, jaggery and coconut-based ingredients.
Its rich flavour makes it a popular sweet dish to serve towards the end of the Sadya.
13. Banana Leaves
Traditionally, Onam Sadya is served on fresh banana leaves. The dishes are arranged carefully across the leaf before rice is served.
If fresh banana leaves are difficult to source, paper banana leaves can be a convenient alternative for recreating the traditional Sadya presentation at home.
Onam Sadya Ingredient Checklist
Before you begin preparing your Onam feast, make sure you have:
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Kerala Matta Rice
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Fresh Kerala vegetables
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Drumstick
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Snake Gourd
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Long Beans
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Elephant Yam
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Pumpkin
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Brinjal
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Ladies Finger
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Shallots
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Curry Leaves
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Green Chilli
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Raw Mango
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Coconut
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Coconut Oil
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Lentils and Pulses
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Kerala spices
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Pickles
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Pappadam
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Banana Chips
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Sarkara Varatti
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Rice Ada
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Jaggery
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Cardamom
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Cashews
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Raisins
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Ghee
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Banana Leaves
Order Onam Sadya Ingredients
Preparing a traditional Kerala feast becomes much easier when all your ingredients are available in one place.
At Budget Mart UK, you can shop for Onam groceries, Kerala vegetables, Sadhya ingredients, frozen foods, Payasam ingredients, banana chips, pickles, coconut oil, Matta Rice and other South Indian groceries online.
As an Indian grocery store online, We make it convenient for families to find traditional ingredients for Onam celebrations without visiting multiple stores.
You can also explore ready-made Onam fresh vegetable packs, Aviyal packs, Sambar packs, Pulissery combo packs, Payasam packs, Sadhya essentials and festive snack combinations to make your preparation easier.
Celebrate Onam with Authentic Kerala Flavours
Onam Sadya is more than just a festive meal. It is a celebration of Kerala’s culinary traditions, bringing together different flavours, ingredients and dishes on a single banana leaf.
Whether you are preparing a complete feast for your family or simply enjoying a few traditional favourites, sourcing the right ingredients helps create an authentic celebration.
Shop your Onam Sadya ingredients online and enjoy the traditional taste of Kerala with family and friends this Onam.
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