Onam, the time of the year when the whole Kerala shifts to a festive mood with colourful pookalams, delicious sadhya with payasam, and of course, every kitchen fills with the irresistible smell of frying snacks. If you are Malayali, you would know what I am talking about, the familiar with the smell, sound, and feeling of banana chips being deep-fried in fresh coconut oil, especially at the time of Onam.
Who wouldn't have stayed, eyes wide open with a watery mouth, in the kitchen where hot and crispy golden-coloured banana chips are scooped out of the frying pan? I have. Sneaked into the plate before they cooled and burnt my hands too!
The banana chips, which you may call "kaya varuthathu" or "upperi", have long been Kerala’s culinary identity. It is not just a snack for many, but more like walking down a memory lane that evokes the memories of childhood, family gatherings, and festive seasons like Onam. That’s why MemoryTrain Creatives thought of preserving a piece of these memories in an extraordinary art piece: the Naadan Banana Chips Resin Sculpture.
Banana chips have different names depending on where you are! Here in Kerala, we refer to them as Kaya Varuthathu, Pachakka Varuthathu, or Kaya Upperi. It's interesting how the names and ways of making them can change from place to place. During Onam sadhya, these chips are traditionally essential and are usually placed in the left corner of the plantain leaf, or vazhayila, as a custom. Kerala's traditions, especially Onam, are all about an amazing and extravagant combination of food, language, and culture.
Have you ever tried making authentic Kerala banana chips? The smell of frying delicious banana chips can bring back all those great memories you want to relive again. Here’s how to make the chips, hitting that perfect combo of flavor and crunch.
The commonly used bananas include:
Nendran is the best choice for these chips since it has just the right amount of starch, a great texture, and is the perfect size for frying. It’s what you want for those authentic Kerala-style chips.
Onam and banana chips are a perfect pairing during the Onam season. It's a whole thing in every Malayali household where the pre-Onam chip-making hustle is a must. And for those who aren't making chips at home, you can bet the snack shops are working around the clock to keep up!
It is a must-serve item in the traditional Kerala meal, and a tradition passed down through generations. Even after Onam, these chips are a go-to for tea time, kept in air-tight jars and shared with guests. They’re more than just a snack; they’re a crunchy piece of Kerala’s warmth and tradition.
How about turning this tradition into an artistic keepsake in your living room? The Naadan Chips Sculpture (“Banana Chips Shop”) from MemoryTrain is not just a piece of home decor; it is a small representation of Kerala’s street snack culture, crafted from resin and marble dust, depicting a chip seller frying kaya upperi with bananas hanging above. It’s all in stunning golden detail.
It makes a great, thoughtful gift for Onam that can bring back all those warm Onam memories and preserve a moment for you. Whether you want to gift someone or just show off at home, the sculpture really stands out with a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the space where you keep it. There are many other products from MemoryTrain you may add to your collection, including our handcrafted Kerala figurines set featuring a Chenda artist, Thiruvathira dancer, and Pulikali performer.
For every Malayali pravaasi, banana chips are a taste and memory they crave. It is a reminder of the holidays they spent back home, the warmth, and the belonging. Whether it's packed in a suitcase or purchased from an Indian store abroad, it's an instant comfort, much like opening a window to Kerala. It carries stories, not just the flavour and aroma.
Onam season goes even harder on pravaasis when the cravings grow even stronger for the sadhyas, games, and family gatherings. That’s why our Naadan Chips Sculpture exists: to give you a piece of home that doesn’t expire, even when you’re thousands of miles away. It helps preserve that connection visually, a small slice of Kerala proudly displayed in homes around the world.
At MemoryTrain, we believe little things can hold big memories. A banana chip might just seem like a snack, but for many, it brings back memories of mom’s kitchen and Onam mornings. That’s why we created the Naadan Chips Sculpture, more than just decor, it’s a piece of Kerala you can display.
Perfect for anyone missing home or wanting their decor to tell a story, we turn memories into art. Whether it’s a Kathakali face, a temple bell, or a banana chips sculpture, each piece celebrates our roots and everyday life in Kerala. Memories deserve more than nostalgia; they should have a form to appreciate.
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