Traditional Onam Sadya gets modern twist at Chennai hotel

"It is true Keralites are generally tradition bound. But our restaurant J.Hind is already into spherification, foaming, nitrogen freezing of food. We thought of extending that to the special Onam dishes," Senior General Manager Shabin Sarvotham told IANS.

According to Sarvotham the response to the special Onam Sadya that the restaurant started offering from September 10 for lunch (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and dinner (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) has been good.

The Onam Sadya consisting of 25 Keralite dishes is available till September 14, which marks Thiruonam.

"The idea is to give authentic Kerala food a modern twist. The Kuzhi Paniyaram will have spherication (culinary process of shaping a liquid into spheres), while the dessert chakka pradhaman payasam will feature nitrogen freezing," Sarvotham said.

The menu will also have some non-vegetarian dishes -- though traditionally the Onam Sadya is a vegetarian affair. These too will be special and have a smoked effect.

"The atmosphere will give our customers a feel of being in Kerala. Our team will be dressed as actors in the blockbuster movie 'Premam'. Mahabali in his attire would be visiting all the tables. All our waiters will be coloured like Puli. Photo booths and Kerala centric props are also arranged," he added.

There will be festive flash mob at intervals during lunch and dinner sessions, when waiters will entertain customers with Thiruvaathira and Vallamkalli dances.

Ladies wearing traditional Onam attire can win prizes and there is also a pookalam -- flower rangoli-- design contest.