helo.my: There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ meal of banana leaf that hits the spot. It’s simple but delicious, and includes enough vegetables to reach your daily nutrition requirement. (Win-win!)
Most people have staunch preferences when it comes to banana leaf rice, but if you’re open to trying out a few new places to eat, why not give these recommendations in Petaling Jaya a shot?
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Moorthy’s Mathai first started in Brickfields, at the heart of Little India. Now, the family business has expanded to various locations in Petaling Jaya.
They are best known for their unassuming fried ikan tenggiri (mackerel), served piping hot. Even though it may look like a dark-brown brick, break it open for juicy, perfectly flaky fish. Top it off with some thick crab or prawn curry and you have yourself a sea-riously decadent meal.
Locations:
No. 24 & 26, Jalan USJ4/9G
Subang Jaya, Selangor
A26, Ground Floor, Jalan PJU 3/38A
Sunway Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Operating hours:
Everyday 7am to 9.30pm
This relatively new restaurant is a definite change from your typical banana leaf restaurant, instead looking more like a cozy, modern cafe. With plenty of lush plants and high ceilings, take in the aesthetic vibes while you dig in to your meal.
The crab curry comes highly recommended, together with fried squid. However, the curries here are a little on the milder side– still flavourful, but not spicy. You can also upgrade to red rice for a healthier option.
Location:
600-GF, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:
Everyday 11am to 9pm
Acha Curry isn’t really new, but SS2 is a new location for them. Previously, they had made their name based in Jalan Gasing, but now they are located just a stone’s throw away from Taman Bahagia LRT.
Those who love the chaotic mess of banana leaf will love it here with their free-flow curries for a banjir experience, and the salted fish curry comes highly recommended. The specialty here the sambal ikan bilis which comes with the meal, something a little different from the usual meat dishes.
However, this place gets pretty crowded, so it may be best to avoid peak hours for a more comfortable dining experience.
Location:
42, Jalan SS 2/4a, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:
10.30am to 4.30pm (closed every second Monday of the month)
If you’re the kind of person to only care about the food itself, then why not give this humble little food stall a try? Pandian’s Banana Leaf is tucked away in a MBPJ food court, but the hungry regulars are more than keen to line up here.
The prices are on the affordable side without compromising on taste. Here, the food and preparation is simple but excellent, with a wider variety of vegetarian dishes. The dishes are displayed in the open, nasi-campur-style, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian separated.
Other kinds of Indian fare can also be found here if all you’re looking for is a light breakfast instead.
Location:
Stall 4 & 5, Selera Wawasan, Jln. SS 3/33, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:
Everyday 6am – 4pm
Masala Wheels is a social enterprise banana leaf restaurant. It’s pretty simple: all they serve is banana leaf, except on Sundays when they serve briyani.
What makes them stand out is the diverse range of side-dishes, with a plentiful spread of various vegetables and chutneys to go with your meal. They also have the usual meat-based curries, but their specialties are the vegetarian-based curries such as onion, yogurt, and coconut curry which are most definitely worth a hearty banjir.
The fried cauliflower 65 is done fantastically, though they may not always have it available, then wash it down with a savoury masala tea.
To watch Masala Wheels restaurant video, click here.
Location:
4, Jalan 1/3, Seksyen 1, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:
Everyday 11.30am to 7.30pm