Bengaluru's restaurants are offering Onam Sadya meals at prices ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000 this festival season, a sharp rise from last year. The increase is driven by higher costs…
Bengaluru's restaurants are offering Onam Sadya meals at prices ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000 this festival season, a sharp rise from last year. The increase is driven by higher costs of key ingredients such as coconut, vegetables, and spices, according to restaurant owners.

Many eateries have introduced premium Sadya options with additional dishes and upscale presentation to justify the higher price points. Traditional Sadya staples like avial, sambar, and payasam remain central to the spread, but the cost of preparing these dishes has gone up significantly.
Customers can still find budget-friendly options at smaller restaurants and community events, though the overall trend points to a pricier celebration this year. The Onam festival, celebrated by Malayalis worldwide, falls in August-September and is marked by elaborate feasts served on banana leaves.
The Sadya price hike mirrors broader food inflation in Karnataka, where vegetable prices have risen 15-20% year-on-year, according to data from the state horticulture department. Restaurants typically absorb part of the cost but pass on the rest to customers during festive periods when demand is inelastic. For the average Malayali household in Bengaluru, the increase means either cutting back on eating out or opting for smaller community sadhyas organised by associations. The festival's date is determined by the Malayalam calendar and falls in Chingam month, this year it begins on 6 September.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.