For those who love to eat spicy food, it’s impossible to resist the delicious banana leaf rice. One of many staple dishes you’ll find in Malaysia, this delectable combo features steaming hot rice drenched in various curries with vegetables on the side. Of course, for your meat-lovers, there are meat and seafood accompaniments.
But since banana leaf rice is a staple dish, you’ll find that people feel very strongly about their favourite banana leaf restaurant. That said, there are those that stand out from the crowd, and here are some of Selangor’s most popular ones. So, if you’re in the mood for some banana leaf rice, these are the best places in Selangor to get it. Let us know if your favourite joint made it to the list!
1. Yap Kee Banana Leaf, Klang
Restaurant Yap Kee Banana Leaf, despite being a 99-year-old kopitiam (traditional coffee shop), is known for its banana leaf rice and is well-liked by both tourists and residents. Spicy fried chicken, fried fish, chicken curry, fish curry, or lamb curry served with papadom and cabbage are all must-try items on this restaurant’s menu! Try the amber juice as well, which is a great way to round out the meal.
2. Kanna Curry House, Petaling Jaya
The delicious banana leaf rice at Kanna Curry House in Section 17 Petaling Jaya is a must-try if you visit! Since 1976, the restaurant has been offering banana leaf rice. There are a number of side dishes to choose from, such as fish curry and fried squid, just like in other places.
3. Sri Nirwana Maju Restaurant, Subang Jaya
Now, this right here is definitely a fan favourite. And although you’ll see people flocking and lining at their KL outlet in Bangsar, the branch in Subang is no less popular. Sri Nirwana Maju Restaurant, located at USJ 9, Subang Jaya, serves unique banana leaf rice with a variety of sides, including crispy bitter gourd. Additional menu items include fried noodles, fried rice, and many more! We especially love the fish cutlet.
4. Laxmi’z Kitchen, Rawang
Do you enjoy eating crabs? If so, you’ve come to the right location to savour some of the best crab masala around. If you’re in Rawang, you must visit this restaurant! But if crabs aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there are also prawns, mutton, and chicken cooked i a plethora of choices to choose from.
5. Acha Curry House, Petaling Jaya
Petaling Jaya’s Acha Curry House serves the most mouthwatering banana leaf rice. The restaurant offers a variety of curry selections, including chicken curry, salted fish curry, fish curry, and crab curry. You can also select from a range of vegetable options, including pumpkin puree, pickled cucumber, bean sprouts, and more!
6. Matahariis Banana Leaf, Seri Kembangan
Since 2004, Seri Kembangan residents have enjoyed Matahariis Banana Leaf as a go-to spot to sort out their banana leaf cravings. The banana leaf rice is served with a variety of veggies and sides, as well as white rice or turmeric rice. There’s also the restaurant’s famous thosai to try in addition to the banana leaf rice.
7. Macha & Co, The Curve
Macha & Co serves a delectable banana leaf rice that’s a family recipe. So good, it’s been passed down for several generations and now everyone’s welcome to enjoy it! For those on a diet, Macha & Co offers a brown rice option, which is higher in nutrients.
8. Ricksha, Bangsar
Among the many banana leaf rice eateries in Bangsar, Ricksha stands out with its boutique approach. Sample an array of South Indian cooking with dishes from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Ingredients here are locally sourced and carefully selected for that farm to table freshness. Their banana leaf rice set features four types of vegetables and a choice of seven curries that change daily!
9. Raju’s Banana Leaf, Petaling Jaya
Raju’s Banana Leaf restaurant is known as one of the best banana leaf restaurants in Petaling Jaya. Try their crab masala, fried squid, or mutton curry to accompany the rice. If you’re not feeling like rice, swap it out with roti canai.
10. Sri Ganapathi Mess, PJ Old Town
This hidden restaurant operates out of a converted bungalow in PJ Old Town and may be easily mistaken as someone’s home. Their mutton varuval and fried squid are must-tries. For the homebodies, they are available on GrabFood and Food Panda.
If you’re drooling at the notion of banana leaf rice, what are you waiting for? Bring your friends or family to ‘Pusing Selangor Dulu’ and feast on banana leaf rice at one of the restaurants mentioned above.
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 18th January 2022 and has been updated to include more locations.
