Have you ever had one of those weeks — the deadlines, the meetings, the traffic — and just when you’re about to spiral, someone says, “Jom, banana leaf”? Suddenly, the clouds part. There’s just something about banana leaf rice that does that to us, Malaysians.
With its South Indian roots and decades of presence in our food scene, banana leaf rice has become a Friday lunch ritual, a Sunday post-hike reward, and a guaranteed mood-lifter. Whether you’re there for the spicy chicken peratal, the overflowing dhal, or the crisp papadam crunch — there’s comfort in every messy, curry-soaked bite.
Now, if you’re here looking for the best banana leaf joints in KL & PJ, this is not one of those lists. We’re skipping the overpriced, Instagram-only, fusion-what-now nonsense. These are legit spots, the kind where you wipe your sweat with tissue paper from your bag and ask for extra papadam without shame. Let’s go.
Long-time banana leaf lovers will remember Acha’s original location in Jalan Gasing — it was a post-hike pilgrimage spot for those who just conquered Gasing Hill and needed to refuel (read: reward themselves with three types of curry). Now tucked in a shoplot in SS2, Acha still pulls a loyal crowd. Their salted fish curry and crab curry combo is legendary, and the ikan bilis sambal? Chef’s kiss.
Must-try: Salted fish curry, crab curry, ikan bilis sambal
Vibe: Busy, buzzy, no-nonsense. Get in, get fed, get happy.
Location: 42, Jalan SS 2/4a, SS 2
Operating hours: Open daily, 10:30am – 4:30pm (closed every 2nd Monday)
Tucked in the quieter part of Seksyen 17, Big Leaf BLR serves up solid, no-nonsense banana leaf rice that hits the spot every time. It’s a popular choice with the weekday lunch crowd, thanks to its well-balanced curries, crispy fried squid, and a clean setup that gives you bougie vibes without the bougie price tag.
Once a low-key gem, Big Leaf has officially entered the spotlight — partly thanks to its bold flavours, but also due to its very active (and very aesthetic) social media game. With the fame comes a familiar PJ headache: parking. Let’s just say… it builds character.
Pro tip: carpool, or get someone to drop you while you "book table first."
Must-try: Mutton masala, fried squid, crab curry
Vibe: Chill with friends or bring your out-of-town cousin to impress
Location: 600-GF, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17
Operating hours: Open daily, 11:00am – 10:00pm
Looking for a proper budget banana leaf? Kavitha Banana Leaf has been holding it down since 1974 — and yes, they’re still dishing out unlimited rice, veggies, and condiments for just RM8. No gimmicks. Just good, honest food in the heart of the PJ Old Town market.
This place is as old-school as it gets. With over 70 types of South Indian home-cooked dishes rotating through their kitchen, you’ll never eat the same meal twice — unless you keep going back for their famous mutton varuval, fried bitter gourd with onions, or the seriously underrated sura fish puttu.
Must-try: Mutton varuval, fish puttu, fried bitter gourd
Vibe: Classic roadside banana leaf energy — bustling and bold
Location: Jalan Othman, PJ Old Town (next to PJ Old Town wet market)
Operating hours: Open daily, 8:00am – 9:30pm
This place is almost mythical. Hidden in a residential area behind an unassuming gate, Sri Ganapathi Mess is where the real ones go. If you’ve ever tried to find parking here during lunch hour, you know the struggle — but the pay-off is worth every illegal U-turn. Their crab rasam is deep, rich, and unforgettable, and the ambience feels like you’re eating in someone’s home — in the best way.
Must-try: Crab rasam
Vibe: Low-key, hidden gem, very “if you know, you know”. Basically, a secret supper club, but for banana leaf
Location: 47, Jalan 1/10, Seksyen 1
Operating hours: Open daily, 11:15am – 3:45pm
Banana leaf rice with a side of good vibes? Yes please. Masala Wheels isn’t just about great food — it’s a social enterprise that empowers at-risk youth through culinary skills and entrepreneurship. So not only does your meal taste good, it does good too.
You’ll be dining al fresco under leafy trees, surrounded by mismatched tables and the occasional curious cat — and honestly, it just adds to the charm. The food is homey, unpretentious, and full of flavour. And if you’re lucky enough to swing by on a Friday, don’t sleep on their kesari — a warm, sweet semolina dessert that just might heal your soul a little.
Vibe: Warm, casual, with bonus karma points
Location: 4, Jalan 1/3, Seksyen 1
Operating hours: Open daily, 11:30am – 4:00pm
This one’s a bit off the mainstream food radar — and that’s exactly why it slaps. Tucked inside a commercial area, this is where you go for bold Chettinad-style spices, not aesthetics. Don’t expect fancy menus or polished interiors. Their tables are tables are arranged in a canteen-style layout. Do expect fiery curries, tender meats, and rice refills you didn’t ask for but totally want.
Must-try: Chettinad fish curry, mutton varuval, fried squid
Vibe: Mess hall energy, spice-laden chaos, totally worth the sweat
Location: 11, Jalan Puteri 7/9, Bandar Puteri, Puchong
Operating hours: Open daily, 11:00am – 2:30pm
Bangsar is banana leaf central, but Bala’s keeps things chill. Located near TMC in Lucky Garden, it’s the sort of place you duck into for a quick fix and somehow stay longer than planned. Service is speedy, the food is consistently good, and there’s always someone ordering “one more fried fish” while wiping their brow with a tissue.
Must-try: Fried tenggiri, chicken curry + dhal combo
Vibe: Bangsar banana leaf without the Bangsar ego
Location: 5, Lorong Ara Kiri 1, Bangsar
Operating hours: Open daily, 7:00am – 10:00pm
Smack in the middle of Lebuh Ampang, where the smell of spices hits you from every corner, Mollagaa serves up bold South Indian flavours that pack serious heat. It’s a cosy spot with a modern touch, but don’t let that fool you — the food here is as traditional as it gets, with fiery gravies and no mercy for weak palates.
The restaurant gets major points for flavour consistency and fast service, especially during the weekday lunch rush. Their mud crab varuval is rich and spicy, their mutton pepper fry is perfection, and if you’re a fan of variety, try their virunthu sappadu for 4-5 pax.
Must-try: Honestly? The menu’s stacked — just close your eyes and point. You won’t go wrong.
Vibe: City centre spice bomb — come hungry, leave satisfied
Location: 50A, Lebuh Ampang, City Centre
Operating hours: Open daily, 11:00am – 10:00pm
✅ Right hand only, boss – Unless you’re left-handed, eat with your right hand. It’s tradition and lowkey an art.
✅ Fold it right – Fold your banana leaf toward you when you’re done. It means “thanks, I loved it.” Folding it away? That’s funeral territory — don’t go there.
✅ Use your hands – No forks and spoons, please. Banana leaf is meant to be messy, and yes, licking your fingers is totally allowed.
✅ Get a Bru coffee or masala tea – End your meal like a pro with a strong South Indian Bru coffee or spiced masala tea. It’s not optional — it’s culture.
Eating banana leaf rice the proper way means both hands are out of commission — and honestly, that’s the whole point. But if you're still expecting Slack pings, boss texts, or that “urgent” email (you’re ignoring while deep in a crab curry situation), you’ll want a little backup.
With CelcomDigi’s WatchSIM, you can check notifications, reply to messages, or sneakily glance at your schedule — all from your smartwatch. Perfect for those moments when you “run an errand” on a Friday afternoon but actually ended up at your favourite banana leaf spot. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.
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