Onam is one of the most important festivals for the state of Kerala, and in 2023, it will be celebrated for 10 days starting on 20 August and ending on 29 August. Every year during Onam, a delicious Sadhya feast is prepared in every household in Kerala and beyond. Loaded with vegetarian delicacies, the Onam Sadhya, also known as Onasadhya, is a feast that not only celebrates the fresh harvest of the region but also the return of King Mahabali.
What makes an Onam Sadhya even more special is the fact that it consists of everything from delicious beverages and pickles to snacks, main course dishes like Erissery, Pulissery and Chaaru, and end with a variety of Payasams. Kerala is anyways a state famous for a variety of snacks that are consumed and shared on a daily basis. So, naturally then the Onam Sadhya feast must be loaded with many snacks, right? Yes, of course!
What’s more, Onam is usually celebrated during late monsoon, a season when Kerala blooms and looks greener than ever—and many fruits and vegetables also come into season during this time. So, the snacks on an Onam Sadhya platter matter even more since they capture the festive spirit of Onam with the flavours of monsoon and its local bounty. Wondering which Onam-special Kerala snacks you should be adding to your Sadhya platter? Here are some for you to try out.
Video Credit: YouTube/Authentic Kerala
Sarkara Varatti
Made with ripe bananas and coated with jaggery, this Sadhya snack is very difficult to nail—which is why even today, it is predominantly cooked in Kerala households by mothers and grandmothers. The ripe bananas are cut into slices or wedges and then deep-fried. A separate syrup is made with jaggery, ghee cardamom, ginger and other spices and the fried bananas are tossed in the syrup to make crispy, spiced and sweet Sarkara Varatti.
Ethakka Upperi
Crispy and savoury banana chips are a staple during Onam and beyond that during evening teatime too. To make them at home, thinly slice raw bananas, soak them briefly in a mixture of turmeric water and salt, and then deep-fry until golden brown. The result is a delectable snack that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea and can be a part of traditional Sadhya meals too.
Parippu Vada
Parippu vada is a savoury lentil fritter made from a mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas), spices, and herbs. The crispy texture and rich taste make it a beloved snack during Onam and is usually served as a part of the Sadhya feast. Serve it with coconut chutney for a wholesome experience.
Pazham Pori
A Sadhya meal always has different banana elements to celebrate the local Nendran bananas grown across Kerala. Pazham pori, or banana fritters, are a sweet and indulgent treat that capture the essence of Kerala cuisine and is traditionally served as a part of Sadhya. Slices of ripe banana are coated in a spiced batter and shallow-fried until golden and caramelised. It is a very satisfying snack to enjoy in the evening with tea.
Uzhunnu Vada
Also known as Medu Vada in other parts of South India, this doughnut-shaped deep-fried snack is a part of an Onam Sadhya platter. To made this dish, urad dal is soaked for hours and then ground into a fine paste. Onions, chillies, ginger, curry leaves and asafoetida are then added to the batter. Handcrafted and then deep-fried with care, Uzhunnu Vada is served with coconut chutney.
Kaliyadakka
Also known as Uppu Seedai, Kaliyadakka is a monsoon-special snack that is always served during Onam, which is also celebrated during late monsoon season. A very thick batter is made with soaked rice and urad dal. To this, sesame seeds, grated coconut, cumin seeds and salt are added. The batter is then divided into small balls, deep-fried and served while still hot.
Kappa Chips
Kappa, or tapioca, is a starchy root vegetable widely enjoyed in the state. Kappa Chips are a beloved snack that highlights the unique taste and texture of tapioca. Thin slices of tapioca are deep-fried until golden and crispy, resulting in a satisfying crunch that's hard to resist. Seasoned with a sprinkle of salt or spice mix, Kappa chips are a delightful accompaniment to tea or a great standalone snack that you can enjoy during Onam festivities.
Chakka Chips
Chakka chips, also known as jackfruit chips, are a beloved delicacy in Kerala. Ripe jackfruit bulbs are thinly sliced, then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and slightly sweet chip that captures the natural sweetness of jackfruit. Chakka Chips are not only a delightful snack but also a celebration of Kerala's flourishing harvest season.