Malaysia is well known as a food haven in Asia as it is a country that serves various types of mouth-watering delicacies. One of the staple foods in Malaysia, regardless of race or age, is rice. Hence why the local menu consists of plenty of rice-based dishes.
However, in this article, we want to focus on a dish that is popular among locals and tourists alike: the Banana Leaf Rice.
What’s so special about this rice dish? Well, what makes it stand out is it isn’t served on a plate as meals usually are, instead it is served on a banana leaf. One serving will give you rice, vegetables, curry as well as fried chicken, fried fish, squid, or whatever accompanying dish of your choice.
There are tons of eateries, from restaurants to stalls, that sell this popular dish across Malaysia. But we list down below five shops in the Klang Valley whose Banana Leaf Rice is a must-try!
Kanna Curry House
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| (Photo source: kannacurryhouse.com) |
Anyone living around Petaling Jaya (PJ) or Kuala Lumpur (KL) would be familiar with Kanna Curry House. The restaurant is quite popular as it does have five branches, which are located at PJ Old Town, Bandar Manjarala, Puchong, Bukit Tinggi, Klang and Jalan Gasing. So the residents within these areas won’t have to drive far just for the sake of trying out Kanna Curry House’s banana leaf rice. There are plenty of accompanying dishes that will be sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Eat your fill at the restaurant anytime you want, as it opens from as early as 7am and closes at 10pm.
Acha Curry House
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| (Photo source: bangsarbabe.com) |
For residents of PJ living near Jalan Gasing, there’s another banana leaf rice restaurant in the area that is a must-visit. If you were to dine-in here, you’d get to have a taste of their must-try iconic anchovy sambal. Aside from that, you can also try the restaurant’s best-sellers: the fried mackerel, fried squid, and fried bitter gourd! Don’t forget to enjoy your rice with the salted fish curry and crab curry, too! This restaurant opens daily only from 10.30am until 4.30pm.
Puchong Chettinad Mess
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| (Photo source: thefoodbunny.com) |
If you live in Puchong and are feeling lazy to drive all the way to PJ and yet you crave banana leaf rice, fret not, Puchong also has a popular banana leaf rice restaurant called Puchong Chettinad Mess, located at Bandar Puteri. The restaurant might be a little hard to spot as it is located on the first floor of a quite secluded place, but just look out for the signboard Chakra Catering Services and you should find it. What’s interesting about this restaurant is despite its humble appearance, it offers a huge serving of food that is definitely worth the price you’re paying for. Must-try dishes include the varuval chicken, 65 chicken, and squid curry. This restaurant operates only from 10am to 3pm.
Aunty Manju’s Home of Banana Leaf
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| (Photo source: media.timeout.com) |
The banana leaf rice recipe from Aunty Manju herself is highly popular among TTDI residents. The restaurant also offers plenty of other dishes to go with the rice. Some of the must-try ones are the lamb bone curry, sambal tofu, fish curry and chicken curry. Take note though, if you plan to eat here, make sure to pick a suitable time as it is always packed during lunch hours! The restaurant is open from 7am until midnight.
Moorthy’s Mathai India Rice Stall
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| (Photo source: aradamansara.net) |
When you’re craving for banana leaf rice in Kuala Lumpur, head to Brickfields to look for Moorthy’s Mathai India Rice Stall. The self-service restaurant is famous for its “economy rice”, which includes various dishes, from meat to vegetables, that are sold at affordable prices. Must-try ones include fried chicken and lamb curry. However, this eatery doesn’t open the whole day, operating only from 11am until 3.30pm. So make sure to plan early if you want to eat here!
(Photo source: klfoodie.com)