Banana Leaf
We were in the mood for Asian, but we didn't want to go for sushi and we wanted something a bit more sophisticated. Thus, we headed out to one of my favourite restaurants, Banana Leaf. The Denman location is small and cozy but it can get a little tight in there when it is busy (which is often). The room, decorated with Malay sarongs and wooden art, is quite tastefully done.
When: Friday, October 27 2006. (7:15 pm plus a 15 min wait for a seat.)
M says: I ordered my favourites: a serving of the Roti Canai appetizer (1 for $3) with the Rendang Beef Curry ($11) with a side of Turmeric Rice ($1.50). Their roti canai is simply the most authentic roti in Vancouver. Granted their version is sweeter and not as good as roti in Malaysia, but it's pretty close and very tasty. Flaky and warm, it's wonderful with its rich, flavourful curry dip. The rendang curry is described on the menu as being a staple of festive occasions. The big chunks of beef cooked in coconut gravy and spices created a very enjoyable curry dish. While T though that the meet was a little dry, I still liked the dish (even though extensive flossing is required after consumption). The rice, flavoured with turmeric was not plain and was a nice surprise. All of this, served with a Tiger beer ($5.50), made for a wonderful trip down memory lane. I left happy, with a smile on my face, nostalgic of my traveling days.
T says: I chose the Lamb Satay (4 for $5) and one of the specials, the Braised Duck in Cumin and other spices ($18) with a side of Turmeric Rice. Everything was properly prepared and was very tasteful, although I did find the meat in the beef curry to be a bit on the dry side. Malaysian food is not normally one of my favourites, even in Malaysia. But after eating here, I can see why M likes it so much and I have to say, I did enjoy it quite a lot myself.
Pro: The food is always tasty and quite affordable.
Con: It's unfortunate that their menu doesn't include the classic Malaysian dish called Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is wonderful when done properly. This is a staple of the diet, available everywhere and always tasty. Malaysia's cuisine is a wonderful mosaic of it's main cultural groups and Banana Leaf would do well by including some of the country's Chinese influences in its menu.
Verdict: T says yea, M says yea. Simply the best Malaysian food in the city.
© freedryk (Jordan Dawe).
Banana Leaf
1096 Denman St
Vancouver BC
604-683-3333
www.bananaleaf-vancouver.com
When: Friday, October 27 2006. (7:15 pm plus a 15 min wait for a seat.)
M says: I ordered my favourites: a serving of the Roti Canai appetizer (1 for $3) with the Rendang Beef Curry ($11) with a side of Turmeric Rice ($1.50). Their roti canai is simply the most authentic roti in Vancouver. Granted their version is sweeter and not as good as roti in Malaysia, but it's pretty close and very tasty. Flaky and warm, it's wonderful with its rich, flavourful curry dip. The rendang curry is described on the menu as being a staple of festive occasions. The big chunks of beef cooked in coconut gravy and spices created a very enjoyable curry dish. While T though that the meet was a little dry, I still liked the dish (even though extensive flossing is required after consumption). The rice, flavoured with turmeric was not plain and was a nice surprise. All of this, served with a Tiger beer ($5.50), made for a wonderful trip down memory lane. I left happy, with a smile on my face, nostalgic of my traveling days.
T says: I chose the Lamb Satay (4 for $5) and one of the specials, the Braised Duck in Cumin and other spices ($18) with a side of Turmeric Rice. Everything was properly prepared and was very tasteful, although I did find the meat in the beef curry to be a bit on the dry side. Malaysian food is not normally one of my favourites, even in Malaysia. But after eating here, I can see why M likes it so much and I have to say, I did enjoy it quite a lot myself.
Pro: The food is always tasty and quite affordable.
Con: It's unfortunate that their menu doesn't include the classic Malaysian dish called Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is wonderful when done properly. This is a staple of the diet, available everywhere and always tasty. Malaysia's cuisine is a wonderful mosaic of it's main cultural groups and Banana Leaf would do well by including some of the country's Chinese influences in its menu.
Verdict: T says yea, M says yea. Simply the best Malaysian food in the city.
© freedryk (Jordan Dawe).
Banana Leaf
1096 Denman St
Vancouver BC
604-683-3333
www.bananaleaf-vancouver.com
Labels: asian, malaysian, restaurant, review
posted by Magalie at 4:45 PM
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