Banana leaves rice is a dish originated from Southern Indian. In banana leaf meals, the rice is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, pickles, papadum and some condiments (usually curries and dahl). In Penang, the eateries serving banana leaf rice are not that prominent as compared to Kuala Lumpur relatively but there are still a few outstanding ones. For instance, Passions of Kerala at New World Park serves excellent banana leaves rice and has been established ages ago.
Each banana leaf set is served along some vegetables and the option to go for either white rice or tomato rice, with the later incur additional RM 1.
Three different condiments were served in a small bowl to be shared among the tables. Each of the condiments were formulated with different spices to yield different sensation. The curry was real spicy to the extent it cause burning hot sensation, while dahl was more inclined for those who prefers a lighter taste. Pick the one best suit your taste buds.
Often times, banana leaves rice is eaten with hands for maximum savoury. I still recall my lecturer shared to us that eating using bare hands will enhance the taste due to presence of certain enzymes on bare hands. Nevertheless, forks and spoons were provided.
A variety of dishes are available for ordering to complement the banana leaves rice set. As we observed, there are mainly 3 ways of cooking here - curry, fried and masala. Hence we ordered each of the cooking style with different ingredients.
Curry Shrimp (RM 10.00) or Prawn (RM 15.00) is a definite choice for those who like burning hot sensation. It was well spiced with curries and chili, while the burning sensation gradually felt on the tongue after some time.
The tender and crispy Mc Nair's Fried Chicken (RM 7.00) probably is a secret formulation by the chef, partly suggested by its distinctive name and no where else such identical taste was able to be found. It is fried to crisp yet possessing an aromatic scent, and the meat was still tender and succulent.
Mutton Masala (RM 7.00) had a thick and creamy gravy drenching it. The mutton was tender soft, much appeasing to the appetite.
Just a tips on customary on eating banana leaves rice. Upon finishing the meal, fold inward (toward your side) to indicate you have enjoyed the meal and a sense of respect. Fold outward means you did not enjoy the meal and also a rude sign.
Passions of Kerala @ New World Park
102-C-3, New World Park, 102, Jalan Burma, 10500, Penang
102-C-3, New World Park, 102, Jalan Burma, 10500, Penang
Operation hours: 12 pm - 3.30 pm & 6.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Tel: 04- 227 2550
Tel: 04- 227 2550
Location map direction
Passion of Kerala @ Taman Brown
No.5, Lorong Endah 4, Taman Brown, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
+604-2272550
Operation hours: 12 pm - 3.30 pm & 6.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Location map direction
Passion of Kerala @ Taman Brown
No.5, Lorong Endah 4, Taman Brown, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
+604-2272550
Operation hours: 12 pm - 3.30 pm & 6.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Location map direction
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