Tamara brings Onam flavours and memories to the festive table

MUMBAI: Onam is not just a feast, it is a full plate of memories. This year, Tamara Leisure Experiences is bringing those memories to the table with ‘A Sadhya of Memories’, a festive programme combining traditional Kerala cuisine, cultural performances and stories from the kitchen.

The celebrations will take place across four Tamara properties in Guruvayur, Trivandrum and Coimbatore, with each property offering its own take on the festival through curated food and cultural experiences.

At the centre of the campaign is a special chef series featuring Chef Suresh, corporate chef at Tamara Leisure Experiences. The series explores the stories and traditions behind some of Kerala’s much-loved Sadhya dishes, including Mango Pickle, Beetroot Pachadi and Erissery.

The idea goes beyond recipes. For Tamara, the traditional Sadhya is a celebration of family kitchens, festive gatherings and recipes passed down through generations.

“The beauty of a Sadhya lies in how every dish has a story of its own,” says Tamara Leisure Experiences corporate chef Suresh. “With ‘A Sadhya of Memories’, we wanted to explore that emotional side of Kerala cuisine and celebrate the traditions that continue to bring families and communities together.”

At Raé by Tamara in Guruvayur, the Onam celebration will take place on August 26 during lunch, featuring more than 27 traditional Kerala delicacies.

Guests can choose from a restaurant Sadhya priced at Rs 499 plus taxes, a packed Onam Sadhya at Rs 650 plus taxes, or a Kids’ Sadhya for children below 12 at Rs 299 plus taxes.

At O by Tamara in Trivandrum, the celebrations will culminate on August 25 and 26 at O Café and Opus Ballroom. The programme will combine food with the visual and cultural traditions of Onam, including grand Pookalam arrangements, Kerala-inspired décor, a Maveli appearance, cultural performances, traditional games and family activities.

The festive Sadhya at the property will be priced at Rs 1,599 plus taxes.

Meanwhile, O by Tamara in Coimbatore will kick off its celebrations with a Kerala Food Festival from August 20 to 22 for dinner and on August 23 for brunch.

The buffet will feature regional Kerala favourites, a live Thattukada counter, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Appam and Dosa live counters, traditional desserts and special mocktails. Prices start at Rs 1,799 plus taxes for adults and Rs 999 plus taxes for children.

On August 26, guests can return for a traditional Onam Sadhya served on a banana leaf. The meal will be priced at Rs 1,399 plus taxes for adults and Rs 899 plus taxes for children. A takeaway Sadhya for two will also be available for Rs 2,799 plus taxes.

Food will share the spotlight with Kerala’s living cultural traditions across the properties. Guests can expect elements such as Vadamvali, Onappattu and Thiruvathirakali, adding music, movement and community spirit to the celebrations.

Through ‘A Sadhya of Memories’, Tamara is positioning Onam as more than a seasonal dining occasion. The experience brings together familiar flavours, festive rituals and cultural traditions, while giving guests an opportunity to create new memories around the banana leaf.

This Onam, Tamara’s message is simple: sometimes the best way to celebrate tradition is to sit down, share a meal and let the memories take their own seat at the table.