Get ready for a banana leaf bonanza. The Malayali New Year falls on Sunday, April 14, and that means one thing: Sadhya. This grand vegetarian feast, served with love and tradition on banana leaves, features everything from tangy sambar to crispy banana chips and sweet payasam. 

Whether you’re missing home or just want to savour the flavours of Kerala, here’s where to dig into a festive Vishu Sadhya across Dubai and the UAE this weekend.

Vishu Sadhya – What’s on the Plate?

A traditional Sadhya typically includes:

• Rice – The base of the meal
• Parippu – Moong dal curry
• Sambar – Tangy lentil stew with vegetables
• Avial – Mixed vegetables in coconut and yogurt
• Thoran – Stir-fried veggies with grated coconut
• Olan – Ash gourd and red beans in coconut milk
• Kaalan – Yogurt-based curry with raw banana and yam
• Kootu curry – Sweet and spicy curry with black chana and vegetables
• Pachadi & Kichadi – Yogurt-based sides
• Pickles & Pappadam – Essential crunchy and tangy sides
• Banana Chips & Sharkkara Varatti – Crispy nibbles
• Payasam (Palada, Parippu, and Semiya) – Sweet endings with three types of traditional desserts

Top Spots for Vishu Sadhya in Dubai

Here’s where to indulge in the festive feast:

1. Calicut Paragon – Karama & Al Nahda
   • Famous for: Generous Sadhya with over 24 items
   • Date: April 14, 2025
   • Price: Approx. Dh35–45
   • Booking: Recommended due to high demand – for reservations or inquiries, you can contact them at +971 4 335 8700
   • Mussafah (Shabia 11) Address: Near Ahlan Supermarket, Shabia 11, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, Phone: +971 2 5527756

1. Salkara Restaurant – Multiple branches

1. Known for: Traditional, homely flavours and quick service
2. Special Vishu menu: Sadhya is served during lunch hours only
3. Dine-in and takeaway available: Al Warqaa: +971-4-266-8551 Al Qusais (Near LuLu Mall): +971-4-263-1110 Media City: 04-874-7150

1. Taste of Kerala – Meena Bazaar

1. Vibe: Cozy and nostalgic Kerala-style decor
2. Extras: They also offer Vishu Payasam for takeaway
3. Meena Bazaar, Dubai, +971 4 353 4499

1. Kumarakom Restaurant – Karama & Al Qusais

1. Offers a lavish Vishu Sadhya with authentic spice blends
2. Option for group bookings and takeaway packs
3. Al Mansour Building, Near Dubai Residential Oasis, Damascus Street, Al Qusais, Dubai. Phone+971 4 220 5858

Lallumma’s – Al Karama

Lallumma’s is celebrated for its 33-dish Vishu Sadya, offering a traditional feast that captures the essence of Kerala cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes home-style flavors and is a popular choice among the Malayalee community.

• Address: Al Karama, Dubai, UAE 
• Phone: +971 56 537 8500 
• Instagram: @lallummas

Grand Entrée

Known for its authentic Kerala flavors, Grand Entrée offers a comprehensive Vishu Sadya menu that includes traditional dishes served on banana leaves, providing an immersive cultural experience.

• Address: Building R18, 16th St 33B St, Al Karama
• Phone: +971 56 567 4440

1. Sadya Restaurant – Karama

1. As the name suggests, it specialises in Kerala feasts
2. Their Vishu meal is a must-try for those who love traditional presentations
3. Phone: +971 56 567 4440

1. Aryaas Vegetarian – Bur Dubai

1. 100% vegetarian restaurant with a delicious Sadhya lineup
2. Best for: Budget-friendly yet authentic feast
3. Phone: +971 56 994 1928

Kadavu Restaurant, Karama

Ring in Vishu 2025 with a delightful 25-dish Sadhya at Karama’s very own Kadavu Restaurant. Priced at just Dh35, this vegetarian feast includes everything from Kutharichoru to Ada Payasam. What’s even better is that it’s served on two days – April 13 and 14. Definitely a budget-friendly and authentic way to enjoy the spirit of the festival.

Call: 04-3971007

Where to Eat Out in Sharjah

1. Salkara Restaurant
   Al Buhaira Corniche
   Trusted name for traditional Vishu Sadhya
   Similar pricing to Dubai outlets
   Call to reserve: +971-6-556-1313

1. Suja’s Kitchen
   Bringing the authentic flavours of Kerala to the UAE since 1999.
   Call: 971 58 532 8286

1. Ragam Restaurant
   Budget-friendly Sadhya and a crowd favourite for Vishu
   April 14 | Dh35–38
   Call: +971553937157

Where to Celebrate in Abu Dhabi

1. Calicut Notebook
   Grand Vishu Sadhya spread served dine-in and takeaway
   April 14 |  Cost: Dh45
   Call: +971-2-443-3411
3. Salkara Restaurant
   Near Madinat Zayed
   Traditional dishes including two types of payasam
   April 14 | Dh45 approx.
   Call: +971-2-631-3777
4. Ustad Hotel (Electra Street)
   A trendy spot with authentic Kerala flavors
   April 14 | Limited slots available
   Call: +971-2-666-6061

Where to Buy Vishu Essentials and Kani Kits in Dubai

Before the grand Vishu Sadhya comes the serene tradition of the Vishu Kani—the auspicious first sight of the Malayalam new year. Setting it up at home requires a thoughtful selection of items: raw rice, yellow konna flowers, fruits, a mirror, gold, a traditional lamp, and yellow cucumber.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look far—several supermarkets and specialty stores across Dubai stock these seasonal essentials just in time for Vishu.

Where to Shop for Vishu Supplies in Dubai

Whether you’re assembling your own Vishu Kani or looking for a ready-made kit, here are some reliable spots to check out:

• Lulu Hypermarket – Widely stocked with South Indian festival items during the Vishu season.
• Choithrams – A good pick for flowers, fruits, and pooja essentials.
• Al Madina Supermarket – Popular for traditional vegetables and Vishu decor.
• Talal Supermarket – Often carries fresh produce like golden cucumber and jackfruit.
• West Zone outlets – Great for last-minute essentials.
• Arpan.ae– Order a complete Vishu Kani kit online with delivery across the UAE.

Vishu Kani Kit from Arpan.ae

For those who prefer convenience, Arpan.ae offers a complete Vishu Kani box for AED 100. The set includes:

• Banana leaf
• Golden cucumber
• Jackfruit
• Sugarcane
• Fresh flowers
• Coconut
• Assorted fruits
• Jaggery
• Camphor and other key pooja items

Shop early to avoid disappointment.