Malaysia in Houston: Our Experience Eating at Banana Leaf Restaurant
- cindyvattathil
- Jan 10, 2015
- 2 min read
To start off our Malaysian month, we decided to embark on a “field trip” to one of Houston’s only Malaysian restaurants – Banana Leaf. Cozy and quaint, it was located in the heart of Chinatown right across the street from its sister restaurant, Banana Leaf II. Apparently the owners felt the need to open a second location since expanding the size of their first spot was out of the question. Just a tad bit bigger than a Subway sandwich shop, the original location could barely fit all of the tables and people that were stuffed into it. And yet, somehow they managed.
When we entered, tables were almost completely full with little room to spare. There was even a clipboard outside, meant for peak-times, which people had to “sign in” in order to get on the waiting list for service. Yikes! Glad we went to this spot around 2:30 instead of noon!
Our first order of business, after getting everyone a seat and a drink, was to order the Roti Canai and Satay Beef. Both were dishes with some familiarity to us, but neither had ever tasted as good as this! The beef was so succulent and tender, the term “melting in your mouth” somehow paled in its usefulness. And the Roti – wonderful, beautiful puff of dough – was like something heaven-sent in its delicious simplicity. I felt sure I could have made a meal off of the appetizers alone, and certain I could have eaten about ten orders of Roti. By myself.
As if this first course wasn’t enough food (and, of course, why would it be?!), we ordered Sambal Shrimp, Sizzling Beef, and Hokkien Stir-Fried Noodles for our main course.
Wow, wow and wow! All three dishes hit the nail on the head of our hunger. Each had its own succulent uniqueness that would quench the needs of any craving. The shrimp was slightly spicy.
The beef was peppery and tender. And the noodles were drunk and oozing with flavor. Simply sensational!
Our meal ended with a fresh coconut drink…which was served IN the coconut. Not too shabby! Though it was not the highlight of our meal by any stretch, it still nicely echoed the sentiments of a beautiful vacation. And just like all good trips, our departure made us ponder a return. Hopefully soon, I thought, but never soon enough.
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