Elai

Onam at Elai

Celebrate Onam with us!

A taste of Kerala in the heart of Basingstoke! You’re invited to celebrate Onam with Elai on Sunday 4th September.

What Is Onam?

An event for friends and families alike, Onam is a yearly Keralan Harvest festival. Celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, regardless of religion or creed, it commemorates the homecoming of the beloved King Mahabali!

During our Onam celebration, enter our *flower competition and create your very own Pookalam, enjoy eighteen vegetarian dishes served on a traditional banana leaf and relish in authentic Indian dance! Eat by hand, and indulge in the flavours of Kerala. 

*Our Pookalam competition is available to enter during our 1pm session only. 

  • Lunch Session; 1pm on Sunday 4th September – please arrive from 11.30am for the Pookalam competition. 
  • Evening Session 6pm on Sunday 4th September  – please arrive from 5.45pm.
  • £26.95 per person, including a £10 deposit. Kids above seven will be charged full.

The Food; Onam Sadhya

On a banana leaf, we’ll serve eighteen delicious vegetarian dishes including Sambar, Avail, Thoran, Kaalan and Parippu.

As is the spirit of Kerala, we won’t serve cutlery during Onam. Instead, we’ll invite you to eat with your hands! 

Non alcoholic drinks will be included in the Onam Sadhya. But if you’d like an alcoholic beverage, our bar will be open.

*We recommend that children under 7 share with friends and family as there’s plenty to go around. However, over 7’s will be invited to eat from their own banana leaf at full price.

The Flower Competition; Pookalam

During our lunchtime session, we invite you to take part in our Pookalam competition! An intricate and colourful display of petal rangolis, Pookalams are laid at home and around public places in the honour of King Mahabali.

With the fresh flowers provided, we’ll split your tables into teams of three and guide your Pookalam design. A fun activity for the entire family to get involved in, the teams who create the best Pookalam will receive; 

  • 1st Place – £75 to spend at Elai
  • 2nd Place – £50 to spend at Elai
  • 3rd Place – £25 to spend at Elai 

The Celebration; Lunch

Here’s your itinerary for Onam’s 1pm session at Elai!

  • 11.30am – Arrive at Elai in the heart of Basingstoke.
  • 11.45am – The Pookalam competition begins.
  • 1pm – Onam Sadhya is served, with 18 traditional dishes to enjoy.
  • 3pm – Enjoy a performance from authentic Indian dancers.

The Celebration; Evening

Here’s your itinerary for Onam’s 6pm session at Elai!

  • 5.45pm – Arrive at Elai in the heart of Basingstoke.
  • 6pm – Onam Sadhya is served, with 18 traditional dishes to enjoy.
  • 8pm – Enjoy a performance from authentic Indian dancers.

How Do I Book My Table?

To celebrate Onam at Elai, send us an email or give us a call. Our friendly team will reserve your table, and take your deposit payment.

Restaurant Amenities

Free WiFi

Smoking Zone

Live Music

Parking

"Aliquip habitant ea suscipit ea varius cras habitasse ligula doloremque cepteur vehicula iste nibh, mattis assumenda massa."
- Shamika Smith​

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