There’s LOADS of BLR spots around Klang Valley but only a handful truly stand out. That’s why we’ve asked for suggestions from banana leaf enthusiasts and gathered a list of 15 special, must-try restaurants (that aren’t Sri Nirwana Maju or Devi’s Corner? ).
So gather your fellow food enthusiasts and get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of South Indian cuisine that has become a quintessential Malaysian dining experience.
Your quest for the perfect banana leaf feast in KL begins at the end of this article!
Ready? Set!
GO!!
1.Sri Ganapati Mess, PJ
Sri Ganapati Mess located in PJ has been serving delicious and affordable BLR consistently over the years. Be sure to have a taste of their tangy mango chutney that’s slightly sour, adding more range of flavours to your already spiced up meal.
Pair your BLR with their extra kaw, warm teh tarik and it’s a meal time fit for royalty!!
Location: 47, Jalan 1/10, Seksyen 1, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11am – 4pm
Price Range: $ – $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
2. Kavitha Banana Leaf, PJ
Next up we have Kavita Banana Leaf Rice in PJ. Patrons praise the comforting homemade touch of their banana leaf meals, with the must-try Mutton curry stealing the spotlight and choice of either white rice or Indian rice.
You’ll be happy to know that Kavitha Banana Leaf serves around 70 different dishes! Get ready to eat your heart out when you visit this eatery…
Location: No. 19, Taman Selera Jalan Othman , Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open daily, 9:30am – 9:30pm.
Price Range: $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
3. Masala Wheels, PJ
Masala Wheels, located in Seksyen 1, can be easily identifiable by it’s huge tree, the restaurant has plenty of outdoor and indoor (airconditioned) seating.
Masala Wheels specializes in Sri Lankan-style banana leaf rice and their dishes have a slightly less spicier and more creamy thick consistency to them compared to your general South-Indian BLR.
We highly recommend you trying out their Marinated Chicken Claypot dish to amp up the rich tastes of your BLR.
Location: 4, Jalan 1/3, Seksyen 1, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11:30am – 4pm.
Price Range: $$$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
4. Acha Curry House, PJ
Acha Curry House formerly in Bukit Gasing, PJ has since opened a new more spacious branch at SS2, PJ. All of the curries here taste well-balanced with spices, the crab curry and fish curry CANNOT be missed if you ever get the chance to visit this restaurant.
Location:42, Jalan SS 2/4a, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open daily, 10:30am – 4pm.
Price Range: $ – $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
If you consider yourself a fan of BLR then you have to experience the charm of Big Leaf BLR, quaintly located at a neighbourhood in PJ. The dishes here have that comforting home cooked feel that feels like a warm hug.
Highlight dishes from this joint are their juicy fried side dishes of chicken, squid and fish, all cooked fresh and to perfection.
Location: 600-GF, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11am – 11pm.
Price Range: $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
Sri Seenu (formerly known as Sri Paandi) in PJ have been serving BLR to PJ residents for awhile now. They serve decently priced BLR and their curries are always served warm.
Here, you can’t go wrong with ordering any of their chicken dishes, from masala chicken to chicken65 – you’re surely set for a food coma at the end of your meal. Their vegetarian selection is also just as good!
Location: 39, Jalan Dato Mahmud 11/4, Seksyen 11 Petaling Jaya, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open daily, 7am – 10pm.
Price Range: $$
For more information: Website
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
UMAC House, located near University Malaya, was founded almost 50 years ago in a historic colonial English bungalow. They are proud of their original Sri Lankan cuisine, which was passed down through three generations by a Ceylonese matriarch.
Their al fresco seating is surrounded by thick trees, and you’ll forget you’re in the city for a moment!
Location: 1, Jalan 12/5, Pjs 12, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 11pm.
Price Range: $ – $$
For more information: Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
8. Ayyappa Pullingo Pure Vegetarian Stall, Brickfields
This hawker style joint may not seem fancy but their BLR sure is unforgettable. Considered one of Brickfields gems, Ayyappa Pullingo serves purely vegetarian banana leaf rice.
If you want to experience true authentic banana leaf rice, you have to visit this spot!
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♬ original sound – Ayyappa Pullingo Vegetarian? – Ayyappa Pullingo Vegetarian?
Location: 1, Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11am – 10pm
Price Range: $ – $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
9. Madurai Muniyandi Villas, Brickfields
Seafood lovers HAVE to try the Seafood Perattal, which includes fresh mud crabs, squid and prawns all in one dish! Their masala chicken and mutton is pretty bomb too. This spot has been a hidden gem for awhile but it’s starting to be talked about more in the foodie scene..
So grab your chance to experience this South-Indian Shell-Out dining style on banana leaves, perfect for a group makan session! If you love coffee, don’t miss out on tasting their authentic Kumbakonam coffee to finish your meal with (trust us on this one, folks).
Location: 1, Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11am – 10pm
Price Range: $$ – $$$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
Vishal Food & Catering is a Chettinad and North Indian restaurant that serves spicy, authentic BLR. Seriously, all the side dishes like mutton and masala chicken here were extra spicy and rich with flavours compared to the other restaurants on our list!
You’re sure to come here again after the first time. Try to avoid lunch hours as the restaurant is relatively small and it tends to gets very packed. Make sure to request for extra serving of their fried bitter-gourd.
Location: 22, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 7:30am – 10:45pm.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
The founder of the eatery, K.O. Mathai, a Kerala native, founded the restaurant in 1969. This small stall within a Chinese kopitiam allows you to make your own banana leaf rice, similar to chap fan or nasi campur style of dining. It’s mostly a self-service experience at this spot.
Here, there are over 30 different dishes available for you to choose from to craft your perfect banana leaf plate.
Location: Has two outlets, original one in Brickfields, newer outlet located at USJ. 144A, Jalan Vivekananda, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Monday, 10am – 3:30pm. Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am – 3:30pm.
Price Range: $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
12. Madras Cafe
Other than your typical banana leaf rice meals, Madras Cafe also serves mutton briyani that you should also get the chance to try. For seafood lovers, we also suggest ordering their spicy prawn sambal as a side to your BLR.
Location: No. 343, Jalan Ipoh, 51200, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, 343, Jln Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 8am – 10pm.
Price Range: $$$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
Location: Has various outlets in PJ, Puchong and Klang.
Operating Hours: Open daily, 7am – 9pm.
Price Range: $ – $$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Halal Status: Muslim-friendly
Jaipur Curry House has been in operation since 1994 and uses 29-year old recipes that have been passed down through generations! Here, you have the luxury of choosing from various selections of rice such as steamed rice, parboiled biryani or fragrant white basmati rice!
We highly recommend the yummy crab curry. If you’re a true foodie, consider also ordering their rava thosai that’s well loved by their customers.
At this fancy yet cozy, neighborhood restaurant, South-Indian food is served with a modern twist. Yatra features their Thali sets on their menu, with options like a vegetarian thali with parboiled rice presented on stainless steel platters with a substantial dollop of rice, varied vegetables, curries, grilled salted chilli rasam, papadam, yoghurt, AND a soothing, sweet, milky, and nutty payasam. What more could you ask for lah?!
Location: Unit G-5, Block B, Ativo Plaza, 1 Jalan PJU 9, 1, Damansara Avenue, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Weekdays, 9 am-5 pm, 6pm-9pm. Friday 9 am-5 pm, 6pm-9:30 pm.
Weekends, 9:30am-5 pm, 6-9:45 pm.
Price Range: $$$
For more information: Instagram | Facebook | Website
Halal Status: No Pork, Serves alcohol.
