October is known as Vegetarian Awareness Month, and it is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the benefits of following a plant-based diet. While scrolling through the connect posts, I stumbled upon @DeniGu 's Post, where she shared 4 veg dishes recommended by local guides around the world. Additionally, @AnubhaBangia 's Post and @TravellerG sir’s Post, where they shared about the Veg dishes. Their post intrigued me, and I decided to pay a visit to this vegetarian haven myself. Located in Borivali, a bustling suburb of Mumbai, Banana Leaf is a gem of a restaurant that serves delectable authentic Veg. South Indian cuisine.
Photo # 1 Caption: GIF representation of Banana Leaf Special Thali that finished satisfactorily by my self (:P)
As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was struck by its warm and inviting ambience. The walls were adorned with beautiful articles of South Indian culture, setting the perfect mood for the meal.
Photo # 2 Caption: Decoration wall at Dining area.
Photo # 3 Caption: Seating arrangement.
Photo # 4 Caption: The recreation on wall of South Indian Hindu Temple.
But what caught my attention the most were the two Kathakali artist statues installed at the entry doing Namaste and welcoming the Guests. These statues added a unique touch to the ambience and gave the restaurant an authentic South Indian feel.
Photo # 5 Caption: Entrance of the Restaurant and the two Kathakali Artist Statue.
The highlight of my dining experience at Banana Leaf was the special thali that I ordered, which was a feast for both my taste buds and my eyes. The thali consisted of several dishes. Name of the items as per numberings are-
- Payasam
- Cluster Beans
- Daal
- Cowpea Curry
- Paneer
- Coconut Curry
- Rassam Vada
- Raita
- Curd
- Kerala Paratha
- Papadum, Gooseberry Pickle and Masala Curd Chilli hidden under the Papadum.
Each dish was bursting with flavours, and the use of fresh ingredients was evident in every bite. The thali also included a refreshing buttermilk drink, which was the perfect accompaniment to the spicy dishes. The meal was served on the real Banana Leaf. The important feature of this Restaurant is they serve every food item on Banana Leaf.
Photo # 6 Caption: Photo of Banana Leaf Special Plate.
Photo # 6 Caption: Rice cooked in lentils, we call it Khichadi which is included in Thali. You can get normal steam rice too.
Apart from the thali, I also tried the Dakshin Biryani, which was a flavourful and aromatic rice dish, packed with vegetables and spices. It was a perfect amalgamation of South Indian and Mughlai cuisine and left me craving for more.
Photo # 7 Caption: Photo of Dakshin Biryani served on the Banana Leaf Plate with Papadum.
But the highlight of my meal was the cheese masala dosa. Unlike the traditional dosa, this one was served with a generous amount of melted cheese, adding a unique twist to the dish. It was a perfect combination of crispy and creamy, and it left me wanting for more.
Photo # 8 Caption: Photo of Cheese Dosa and the Cocount Chutney.
Leaving my review for the restaurant on Google maps, I was impressed not just by the food but also by the impeccable service and the friendly staff. The servers were knowledgeable about the dishes and made wonderful recommendations. They were also quick in refilling the dishes and ensuring that I had a comfortable dining experience.
Photo # 9 Caption: Store Front Photo of Banana Leaf Restaurant.
Banana Leaf has definitely become one of my top choices in Mumbai. The restaurant not only celebrates vegetarianism but also the rich and diverse South Indian cuisine. And in this month of Vegetarian Awareness, I highly recommend everyone to visit Banana Leaf and experience the mouth-watering dishes yourself.Trust me, your taste buds. They have branches all over Mumbai and India. Click here for the list of Banana Leaf Restaurants in Mumbai.
How to reach:
It is located just 10 mins drive from Borivali Station (West)
Nearest Attraction:
, and your thorough review of each dish is a culinary journey in itself.
