Banana leaf dining is something that all Malaysians enjoy, regardless of age. Despite it being a distinctly Indian style of eating, you’ll see various races enjoy banana leaf restaurants together.
Here, piping hot rice is served on a fresh and clean banana leaf. Two or three vegetable based side dishes are served together, as well as your choice from three or four curries.
Rice and vegetables are often refillable, as are the curries.
Diners can also choose other sides dishes, including seafood and meats which are charged separately.
Banana Leaf restaurants are family-friendly places, that cater to both lunch and dinner crowds.
Here are some of the best banana leaf establishments in the Klang Valley.
Sri Ganapathi Mess, Petaling Jaya
Located in Section 1, Petaling Jaya, Sri Ganapathi has been serving the local population for decades.
Its name comes from the term used by the armed forces for their dining area, often called a Mess Hall.
Diners often praise this banana leaf restaurant as the best in Petaling Jaya and by extension, Malaysia due to its delicious selection of seafood side dishes.
In particular, they rave about the Crab rassam, deep fried squid, prawn sambal and fried Tenggiri fish.
Address: No 47, Jalan 1/10, Section 1 , Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Contact no: 010-238 9747
Facebook page: Sri Ganapathi Mess, Pj
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Vishal Food and Catering, Brickfields
Brickfields has to be the Mecca of Indian food in Malaysia.
Therefore, no banana leaf restaurants list can be complete without a mention of Vishal.
Interestingly, Vishal is located inside a heritage building, and many regulars hang out here.
This makes for a very familiar atmosphere, in addition to the food which has a home cooked charm to it.
The staffs are known to be very generous with refills, and many recommend the mutton curry which is out of this world.
Seating can get a bit cramp, especially at peak hours but it’s a small price to pay for the great food.
Address: 22, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact no: 03-2274 1995
Facebook page: Vishal Food & Catering
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays, 11:00 a.m.- 9:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Midfields Restaurant, Salak South
Located at a nondescript corner near the Salak South LRT station is Midfield banana leaf restaurant.
They serve three different sides dishes every day, which is always a delicious and pleasant surprise.
Our favourites are their cucumber and onion raita, deep fried bitter gourd and spiced mashed pumpkin.
Additionally, they have pretty good meat based sides.
Their fried chicken is always fragrant, juicy and crispy. Their mutton curry is also extremely splendid.
Apart from these, you can also expect friendly and prompt service from the staff no matter how crowded it gets.
Address: No.86, Jalan Besar Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact no: +60 12-612 2774
Facebook page: Midfields Restaurant
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sri Seenu Curry House, PJ
Sri Seenu used to be known as Sri Paandi’s.
In addition to banana leaf rice for lunch, they also serve a variety of Indian breads for breakfast, such as Chapati, Thosai and Idli.
When you come for lunch, you can choose between having banana leaf or having your meal in an ‘economy rice’ style where you pick dishes from a buffet spread.
If you choose to have banana leaf, do expect a wide variety of side dishes to be brought to you on small plates.
These include vegetables that aren’t part of the bottomless banana leaf selection.
For instance, there’s deep fried bitter gourd, battered cauliflowers, crispy okra, deep fried mushrooms and Masala grilled eggplants.
Address: 39, Jalan Dato Mahmud 11/4, Seksyen 11 Petaling Jaya, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact no: 03-7960 0576
Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Banana Leaf is Best Eaten with Your Hands
In conclusion, this is the best time to expose your children to various styles of eating if you’re a parent.
Furthermore, don’t forget to fold your banana leaf forward when you’re done as a sign that you’ve enjoyed the meal!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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