Banana leaf rice

Banana leaf rice is Indian in origin and its finger-licking goodness is loved by all communities in Malaysia.

Eating on a leaf is a novelty much loved by Malaysians and just as much by foreign travellers and expatriates in Malaysia.  A practice that is common in the Philippines, India and Cambodia, people believe that eating on a banana leaf will enhance the taste of the food served on it.

In Malaysia, the term 'banana leaf rice', or just 'banana leaf', is used to describe a popular dish, which is essentially an Indian thali. Originally from South India, the dish consists of a mound of plain rice, with three or four different vegetable dishes served on a banana leaf cut to fit the glorious spread.

The dish is enhanced with chutneys, pickles and the diner's choice of fish, chicken and even crab curry poured over the white rice, while vegetarians have a choice of spinach or onion curries as well as dhall, a chickpea based gravy.

Banana leaf would not be complete without the crunchy pappadom, which are like large crisps made out of lentil, chickpea and gram flour as well as rice flour.

To top it all off, a sour soup called rasam is served, alongside an option of plain yogurt.  Not only is the banana leaf is a very environmentally friendly dish, all this amazing food goes for only five or six ringgit or up to two US dollars - what a bargain!

Don't forget to wash it all down with a refreshing yogurt drink called lassi, most of times made salty or sweet and sometimes with mango.

Banana leaf is usually served at midday till late in the afternoon, while some restaurants offer the dining experience during dinner time.  Eaten with hands or cutlery, all diners dig in with full force, and at times, alongside a chilled beer as served up in Nagasari Curry House on Jalan Nagasari in Kuala Lumpur.

Most places would serve similar curries and vegetable dishes, and places like Devi's Corner in Bangsar dishing up to four side vegetable dishes, including a lovely mango chutney.  Additional dishes can be ordered such as fried chicken, squid, a variety of fish and also mock meat or vegetarian chicken.

Once done with the meal, the diner can express his or her satisfaction with the meal by folding the leaf towards him or her.  Folding the leaf in the opposite direction means that the meal failed to hit the spot.

Mouthwatering banana leaf rice can be found in a dozen places all over Klang Valley, from Vishal's food and catering on Jalan Scott in Brickfields, Raju's in Section 5 Petaling Jaya and Restoran Sri Nirwana Maju in Bangsar, where people form long queues for their chance at banana leaf.