Mahabelly Canteen — Restaurant in Delhi

My family and I were eager to try Mahabelly’s Onam Sadya (the special feast-on-a-banana leaf to celebrate the harvest festival of Onam. Mahabelly has several restaurants across Delhi, but since we would be in the vicinity of Saket, we chose to go to Mahabelly Canteen, which is situated on the road leading to the Garden of Five Senses. It’s a small, more homey kind of space as compared to the more upmarket restaurants in Greater Kailash and DLF Avenue Mall. We had to book our table and pay (@approximately Rs 1100+) in advance, at the same time choosing a date and a time (since the Onam Sadya is available only for a couple of days, with specific time slots open for bookings).

Our time slot was 12.45; we arrived a few minutes earlier and were seated and being served within a couple of minutes. Each table had its own mineral water bottles, wet wipes, and paper napkins; to this were added our banana leaf platters, and on those a series of wait staff placed our food. Papads, rice, dal, three chutneys and two pickles, pineapple pulissery, avial, cabbage thoran, etc. Four disposable glasses beside each banana leaf contained buttermilk; rasam; vermicelli payasam; and elaneer payasam (made with tender coconut). We were offered seconds, thirds, even more helpings if we wished. Also, there was a limited menu of soft beverages and non-vegetarian snacks to choose from, though we decided to pass this up; the food on the banana leaf was already more than enough.

Every item was delicious. Next time Onam comes around, we will be back. This was wonderful, so quick and so good....

This Onam, we had the pleasure of celebrating at Mahabelly Canteen, Vasant Kunj, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and instantly felt the festive spirit of Kerala come alive. The ambience of the Craft Complex added charm to the day and made the celebration even more special.

The Onam Sadhya was truly a feast to remember – delicious, authentic, and beautifully presented on fresh banana leaves. Each dish carried the essence of traditional Kerala cuisine, from the rich avial and kalan to the tangy pulissery, crispy banana chips, fluffy red rice, and the irresistible payasam varieties that rounded off the meal. Every ingredient reflected freshness and authenticity, making it a perfect homage to the cultural richness of Onam.

A special mention must go to Remya, the serving lady, whose warm hospitality and cheerful nature made the experience even more delightful. Her patience in explaining the dishes, ensuring everything was served properly, and her kind behaviour left a lasting impression on us.

Onam is more than just a festival; it is a reminder of equality, togetherness, and prosperity. The Sadhya embodies this spirit – a harmonious blend of flavours served on one leaf, symbolising unity in diversity. Mahabelly Canteen captured this essence perfectly.

We left with full hearts, satisfied palates, and wonderful memories. Kudos to the entire team for curating such an authentic and memorable...

Stepping into Mahabelly canteen for the Onam sadhya was a fascinating experience, not just for the food, but for its setting. The meal, a testament to Kerala’s rich culinary heritage, was served within the newly established 'The Kunj' at Vasant Kunj—a hub dedicated to bringing together art, culture, and craft from across India. This context transforms the dining experience entirely. The very act of enjoying a traditional feast in a space designed to champion Indian artisans felt deeply fitting. The meticulously curated spread, from the vibrant Sambar to the tangy Pulissery, echoed the deliberate artistry visible in the handcrafted goods surrounding us. Every bite felt like a part of a larger, living tapestry of Indian culture. This isn't just about a festive meal; it’s about a cultural convergence. The serene, dignified ambiance of Mahabelly and its sadhya stood in subtle contrast to the modern, bustling nature of the surrounding Vasant Kunj area. Yet, it also found a spiritual home in 'The Kunj', where tradition is not a relic of the past but a vibrant, commercially viable art form. This unique juxtaposition—a centuries-old feast celebrated within a contemporary craft center—proves that our cultural heritage can not only endure but thrive in modern, urban spaces. It makes the Onam sadhya more than a lunch; it makes it a part of a larger, ongoing narrative of preservation...