Go Crazy for Curry At These 6 Banana-Leaf Rice Outlets
Originally from South India, banana leaf rice is curry-drenched rice served on a banana leaf, served with tantalising side dishes that just pulls the whole dish together in the best way possible. Here are our top 6 picks in the Klang Valley where you can savour its flavour.
Sri Ganapathi Mess
This lunch-only restaurant is hidden in a house, facing a school in a residential area; careful navigation on your GPS might be required. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the frying station, where you can choose meat and seafood, including chicken, fish and squid. Peruse the curries and other side dishes to accompany your rice before settling into no-frills rooms reminiscent of mess halls. Mutton curry is a firm favourite, featuring well-cooked, fork-tender meat with bits of flavourful bone marrow. Ask for crab or chicken rasam, full-bodied renditions of spice-fuelled soup.
Vishal Food and Catering
This delightful neighbourhood joint has a communal dining area, so you’ll probably rub elbows with other diners while happily chowing down on the cheap, cheerful fare. The curries here are rich and redolent with spices, easily whetting appetites. Popular items like the fish cutlet and chicken drumstick with yoghurt run out quickly, so time your visit ahead of peak hours. Service is quick and friendly, and the ambience is pleasant.
Kanna Curry House
Situated on a commercial row, Kanna Curry House is abuzz with customers especially at lunchtime. The quality of its meals affirms its iconic status for many fans; go for the deep-fried chicken and squid mixed with onions and curry leaves. The downside is that Kanna has substituted banana leaves with waxed paper imitations, but that’s a minor hitch in an otherwise enjoyable experience.
Sri Nirwana Maju
A local favourite with an extensive menu, this restaurant is located in a shop lot, but the best seats are out on the pavement amid makeshift tables and chairs. Watch passers-by stroll past while you tuck into piping-hot rice and curry. Try the fried chilli chicken and fish cutlet, as well as the outstanding crispy fried bitter gourd. Among the beverages, ask for the aromatic brewed coffee with goat’s milk.
Acha Curry
Acha has an enviable position in a corner lot, with open sides to let in plenty of light and air. The restaurant is generous with its curries and vegetables; the waiters leave serving pots on your table for you to choose from at your leisure. Vegetables of the day might include a lovely pumpkin curry, sauteed spinach and bean sprouts. Curry choices abound, including an excellent crab and salted egg. The variety of side dishes includes juicy, bite-sized fried chicken and spicy chicken varuval.
Gerai Makanan Usha
Located in a modest but popular food court beside a market, Usha is well-known among the local community for its tasty home-cooked meals. The matronly Usha cooks up a storm in her tiny kitchen to deliver delights such as goat’s tripe curry, chicken kurma and salted fish curry to go with your banana leaf rice. The food usually hits the spot, and vegetarian options are also available.
Discover
Directories
Sri Ganapathi Mess
47 Jalan 1/10, Petaling Jaya
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+603 7782 0863 |
Vishal
15 Jalan Scott, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur
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+603 2274 0995 |
Kanna Curry House
29 Jalan 17/45, Petaling Jaya
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+603 7958 4814 |
Sri Nirwana Maju
43 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur
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+603 2287 8445 |
Acha Curry
271 Jalan 5/51, Petaling Garden, Petaling Jaya
Gerai Makanan Usha
Lot 27 Taman Selera, Jalan Othman, Petaling Jaya
