As Onam preparations accelerate in the UAE and throughout the Middle East, this year’s festival is adopting a more health-conscious approach. Homes, hypermarkets, and restaurants are all set for the grand celebration, with a major trend emerging: a significant shift towards fresh ingredients, especially for the cherished Onam Sadhya.
In recent years, the expatriate community has increasingly prioritized authenticity and quality in their festive preparations. There’s a growing demand for chemical-free produce, native ingredients, and traditional flavors, replacing the convenience of processed or ready-to-eat options. Leading this movement is LuLu Hypermarket, one of the region’s largest retail chains. LuLu is preparing to supply over 2,500 tonnes of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to shoppers across the GCC, including a diverse range of produce from around the world.
Supporting the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, LuLu is also promoting locally grown Emirati produce like drumstick leaves, coriander, beetroot, and cucumber, prominently featured on its Onam shelves. “We are sourcing more than 2,500 tonnes of farm-fresh vegetables and fruits from India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, and beyond,” said Salim M A, director of LuLu global operations. “We’ve curated a special selection for health-conscious consumers. Our sourcing strategy is grounded in ethical practices, including contract farming, to ensure the produce is as pure and fresh as possible.”
Pre-bookings for LuLu’s Onam Sadhya have already commenced across its outlets. These traditional vegetarian feasts include over 23 classic dishes, featuring an extensive range of payasams.
This season, LuLu is offering more than 30 varieties of payasam, including sugar-free and fusion-inspired choices, catering to a wide array of tastes and dietary preferences.
