Dubai: Jamavar Dubai is marking Kerala’s harvest festival with its first-ever Onam Sadhya, a traditional banquet that pays homage to both heritage and family. Titled “Leelamma’s Onam Sadhya,” the feast runs from 26 August to 5 September 2025, offering diners in Dubai a taste of Kerala’s most cherished festival.

Curated by Samyukta Nair, co-founder of LSL Capital and granddaughter of Leela Hotels’ legendary founders, the Sadhya is a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother Leela Nair — fondly called Leelamma. The menu draws inspiration from Kerala’s rich culinary traditions while also capturing the warmth of the Nair family’s own dining rituals.

“Kerala isn’t just where I come from, but a huge part of my story. Leelamma’s Onam Sadhya is our way of returning to the land, to family, and to the comfort of the flavours I grew up with. It’s also about honouring the memories that shaped me and bringing them to life at Jamavar Dubai. This Sadhya is a celebration of belonging — and a tribute to where it all began,” says Samyukta Nair.

Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, is best known for its Sadhya — a grand vegetarian feast traditionally served on a banana leaf, featuring over 20 dishes symbolising prosperity, joy, and togetherness. In Dubai, home to a large Keralite diaspora, the Sadhya has become a festive ritual, with restaurants across the city curating elaborate spreads to mark the occasion.

Jamavar’s entry into the celebration stands out for its blend of authenticity and refinement. Unlike the often mass-produced festival feasts, Jamavar offers a carefully designed menu that balances traditional favourites with subtle coastal influences, reflecting both Kerala’s culinary diversity and the Nair family’s memories around the table.

Jamavar is part of LSL Capital, the hospitality group co-founded by Samyukta Nair and her parents, Dinesh Nair and Madhu Nair, of the Leela Palaces family. Since opening its first outpost in London’s Mayfair, Jamavar has expanded to Doha and Dubai, with all three earning Michelin stars for their refined take on Indian cuisine.

In Dubai, Jamavar is located at the Address Residences, Opera District, blending regal Indian aesthetics with contemporary elegance. Under the culinary direction of Chef Surender Mohan, the restaurant has become a beacon of Indian fine dining in the UAE.

The Onam offering is available for both lunch and dinner until 5 September, with menus priced at AED 165 (vegetarian) and AED 195 (non-vegetarian). Guests can expect a gastronomic journey that not only captures the festive spirit of Kerala but also tells a story of heritage, memory, and belonging.

For Dubai’s Indian community and global food lovers alike, “Leelamma’s Onam Sadhya” is more than a festive indulgence — it is a Michelin-starred celebration of culture, family, and the enduring spirit of home.

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