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Welcome to Banana Leaf

At Banana Leaf, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Malaysian cuisine with a vibrant vegetarian and pescatarian twist. Nestled in Philadelphia's Chinatown, our restaurant offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere, accommodating all dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. Our signature dishes, like the crispy Roti Canai and the flavorful Nasi Lamek, evoke the comforting essence of home-cooked meals. Every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients, offering a symphony of spices and textures that tantalize the palate. With attentive service, spacious seating, and a commitment to inclusivity, Banana Leaf is where culinary traditions flourish and memories are made.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Banana Leaf, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's Chinatown. This vibrant restaurant specializes in Malaysian cuisine with a delightful twist, offering an expansive menu that caters to vegetarians, pescatarians, and even the pickiest of eaters. With its accessible location and top-notch amenities, it’s the perfect spot for groups, families, and anyone craving authentic Asian flavors.

At Banana Leaf, you can savor a wide range of dishes that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Highlights include the comforting Roti Canai, a crispy Indian pancake served with a sumptuous curry dipping sauce, and the acclaimed Banana Leaf Chicken Wings, marinated to perfection and wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves. For those looking to explore the depths of Malaysian cuisine, don’t miss the Nasi Lemak—this traditional dish is a savory symphony of coconut rice, tender chicken, and vibrant accompaniments.

  • Appetizer Favorites: Try the Martabak, a stuffed pancake that marries the warmth of spices and savory fillings, or indulge in Banana Leaf Satay, perfectly grilled skewers served with a rich peanut sauce.
  • Refreshing Beverages: Pair your meal with the refreshing Malaysian Ice Tea or the interesting Sirap Bandung, a sweet floral drink that will take you straight to the streets of Malaysia.
  • Casual Dining Experience: The ambiance is casual yet classy, perfect for a relaxed meal without the pretense. With features like outdoor seating and a substantial capacity, it’s ideal for families and larger groups.

Banana Leaf thrives on providing exceptional service, which consistently earns rave reviews from diners. Guests report attentive waitstaff, prompt service, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes each visit special. Many note that reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially on bustling weekends.

In a city teeming with culinary options, Banana Leaf stands out as a place where you can truly taste the essence of Malaysian comfort food. Immerse yourself in the flavors, enjoy the casual ambiance, and discover why this restaurant is beloved by both locals and visitors alike. Next time you find yourself in Philadelphia, let Banana Leaf take you on a delicious journey to Malaysia—all from the comfortable setting of your favorite neighborhood eatery.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Banana Leaf
Mary L.
Mary L.

What a hidden gem! Had the chicken wings, spinach/shrimp paste, and the pad thai. The wings were super crunchy! The spinach with shrimp paste is million out of ten!! Amazing service, very attentive.

Bhavya J.
Bhavya J.

Great food and prices! The roti telur tasted very similar to Indian roti and egg burji. The sauce it came with was tasty. The noodles were really good too, I liked how the tofu was cooked and it had a good amount of spice.

Ling C.
Ling C.

Food: In my opinion, I think they have one of the best value Pad Thais in the city. The noodles and chicken are perfectly cooked and perfectly saucy; generous portions. My favorite dish is the seafood tom yum rice noodle soup. The soup is nice and sour (which I love) but lacks a little spice. I always get a side of chopped chilis and then it is perfect. They have a generous amount of seafood and vegetables. We also always get the roti canai. Sometimes the texture can be a little too soft and doughy instead of nice and crispy. However, the chicken curry is consistent and flavorful. There is usually a piece of chicken and potato in it. Service: It is speedy and friendly. They checked in on us often. Ambiance: It's no frills. They have a well designed interior and it's huge. I would recommend making a reservation for a larger group (8+). They may require you to spend a certain amount. BYOB!

Kat J.
Kat J.

Always a reliable spot when in Philly. The satay is a big hit, particularly the chicken one. Even the pickiest of eaters would gobble them up. Service is friendly and prompt, and never have to wait long for a table despite the size of the party. BYO, make sure you stop by when you are in the area.

Catherine M.
Catherine M.

Located in Chinatown Philly, this tucked away spot was very busy on a Friday night! They brought out my order almost immediately but after waiting 10 mins, we still did not have my husband's entree. Not sure if the order was misplaced but after asking our server they were finally able to bring it out a few minutes later. I ordered the Nasi Lamek with rendang chicken. It was delicious home cooking. The bone in chicken thighs were moist and the sauce was deliciously seasoned. Rendang is considered a dry curry so less liquid than your typical curry. Paired with the cucumber and boiled egg, it kind of reminded me of a Vietnamese dish, thit kho but with chicken instead of pork. My husband ordered the calamari. Unfortunately it was overcooked and dry. The slices were thin so that all you could taste was the flour breading that it was fried in. After the long wait, it just added insult to injury.

Sharika M.
Sharika M.

Came here 7 years later with a larger group and was weary. Thankfully, nothing changed and everyone loved the food! Roti canai - some parts of the roti felt cold but the chicken curry that comes with it was absolutely divine. It reminded my mother in law of her own mother's cooking. I would equate it to standard Bengali chicken with johl. Steamed Chicken Dumplings - would not order these again, if you have a craving for dumplings, maybe the fried ones are better. They were super congealed and lacked flavor and structure. Banana Leaf Chicken Wings - excellent flavor on these wings! Banana Leaf Satay (mixed) - beef was excellent, like a teriyaki jerky taste, the chicken was not as flavorful. Indian Me Goreng - these noodles were packed with flavor and veggies and meat! If you like dan dan noodles, lo mein or a packet of Maggi noodles, these will not disappoint. Sizzling with Black Pepper Sauce - we got this in beef, it was a bit salty but so good! The beef pieces were cut and cooked to perfection. Mama chicken - kind of like orange chicken with kung pao sauce, carb heavy with all the breading Nasi Lamek- if you're looking for traditional Malaysian food, this is where you should start! The rice was cooked to perfection. The boiled egg felt like home. The chicken curry and cooked veggies is authentic to the cuisine. Food came out fast, plenty of seating and does not smell odd inside.