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Onam, Kerala’s vibrant harvest festival celebrated for its community spirit, cultural rituals, and, above all, sumptuous feasts, comes alive in Mumbai this year with The Great Bombay Sadhya with Kari Apla. Curated by Urbanaut Experiences, this one-day-only festival invites food enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich flavours, heritage, and joy of Onam. While the festival is celebrated across communities for its cultural significance, it is the sadhya — a grand, elaborate feast that steals the spotlight here.
Kari Apla is the inventive culinary venture led by chefs Ebaani Tewari, a Maharashtrian with Karwar roots, and Mathew Varghese, a Syrian Christian from Kerala. Together, they craft a menu that bridges regions, cultures, and histories, offering a feast that is as much about storytelling as it is about taste. Aptly named, Kari Apla’s culinary philosophy plays on language, blending traditions and ingredients to create a menu that brings a refreshing twist to the old familiar tastes.
The sadhya itself is a sensory journey served traditionally on a banana leaf. Guests can choose between a vegetarian or non-vegetarian 17-item spread, each dish prepared with reverence for seasonal produce and centuries of culinary tradition. The 'vegetarian sadhya' features delights like Boiled Red Rice, Moringa Podi, Mango Mustard Pickle, Beetroot Pachadi, Avial, Pumpkin Erissery, Jackfruit Cutlet, and the indulgent Parippu Payasam. For those seeking a heartier experience, the non-vegetarian version incorporates delicacies such as Meen Curry, Syrian Mutton Cutlet, and Chicken Pepper Roast alongside the vegetarian staples. The dishes balance spice, sweetness, and the earthy richness of Kerala’s traditional flavours, making the meal a celebration of both taste and heritage.
Adding to the culinary experience is a rice wine by Offscript, complementing the feast. Guests can also explore the Travancore Lounge, an intimate upstairs retreat inspired by Kerala’s royal elegance. Here, drinks inspired by South Indian flavours await, alongside music curated by Bombay’s Revolver Club, creating a space to linger, sip, and soak in the festive ambience before or after the sadhya. For collectors and culture enthusiasts, the lounge also features a pop-up store with curated set.
The Great Bombay Sadhya is thoughtfully designed for a diverse audience, welcoming families and groups, with ticketing applicable for children above five years. From the intricate menu to the immersive lounge, it underscores the warmth, community spirit, and festive grandeur that Onam embodies. This celebration of food, culture, and connection takes place at Pioneer Hall, Bandra, Mumbai, on Saturday, August 23, with multiple sessions to ensure everyone gets a taste of this unforgettable sadhya.
