The idea of banana leaf rice usually conjures up the image of a hot, sweaty and crowded establishment that’s not always comfortable, and possibly with a questionable standard of hygiene.
But located in Section 17 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is an eatery that offers the opposite of the above. Big Leaf BLR promises all the positives of the banana leaf rice experience, in a pleasant setting that ensures diners hankering for this classic Indian cuisine have a memorable meal.
Situated near Happy Mansion, Big Leaf BLR was quite packed during this writer’s visit, although the comfortable seating arrangement more than made up for this.
The restaurant has a high ceiling with good ventilation and numerous ceiling fans in a semi-alfresco setup. It is clean and neat, well organised, and tastefully designed.
Premises aside, is the food any good? Worth a try is the basic banana leaf set (RM8.50), which comes with three vegetable side dishes and papadam, plus an unlimited amount of curry to your heart’s desire.
The crab and fish curries are especially packed with flavour while not being overly spicy, so go ahead and flood your rice!
As a plus point, these are served on actual banana leaves, which adds to the authenticity of the meal in a time when eateries have begun serving BLR on faux foliage.
You’d also be remiss not to try those dishes that are synonymous with banana leaf rice: deep-fried squid, ayam bawang, and deep-fried mackerel.
Here at Big Leaf, they don’t disappoint – the proteins are well-cooked, juicy and flavourful, and served on individual plates that are quite pretty, which is a nice touch.
All in all, with its unique selling points and delicious food, it’s no wonder Big Leaf BLR often has a long queue of diners waiting to get in.
Learn more about Big Leaf BLR via their Facebook and Instagram profiles.
Big Leaf BLR
600-GF, Jalan 17/12,
Seksyen 17,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Read the original article here. Trying to influence your cravings since 2005, Kar Yeong was Guest Judge on Versus 1001 Rasa Baba’s 2018, R.AGE Food Fight Judge 2015 and NTV7 Foodie Blogger 2014. To read more about Kar Yeong’s food journeys, visit his blog at KYspeaks.com.