Sri Lankan food at Banana Leaf

New York never ceases to amaze me with all their hidden gems. I find a lot of the smaller, homey places make some of the best food. Recently, I went to dinner with a few friends, and one of them introduced us to Banana Leaf, a Sri Lankan restaurant tucked away on 28th street. This was actually the first time I ever had the cuisine and had no idea what to expect. If YOU’VE never had it, let me prepare you: HOLY SPICE!

Of course, there were a lot of similarities to Indian food, but so different in taste and seasonings. We started off small with the veggie and fish cutlets (don’t let them fool you, they’re spicy too!), and moved on to deviled shrimp. I’m not generally a fan of seafood, but I love shrimp and the chili-infused sauce was delicious.

The hoppers were totally new to me, but they are a Sri Lankan staple. They are wafer thin, bowl-shaped type crepes made with rice flour and coconut milk. The bottom is slightly spongey but the edges are more crispy. I ate them with the beef curry and some of the coconut sambol (a common side dish which give a nice zest to the meal). I’ve read that Sri Lankan food is inspired by several different ethnicities, blending indigenous ingredients and techniques with influences from Indian, Dutch, Malay etc. Everything had so much flavor!

But the reigning champion for me was the biryani. Unlike most biryani’s I’ve had, this one came with nuts, raisins, and a boiled egg in the middle. So much happiness in one dish.

By this time, you’re having heart burn, and the faluda (a mixed drink with syrup, ice cream, and basil seeds) is a must to cooldown.

I totally want to check out more Sri Lankan restaurants after this — anyone have any favorites?

REPORT CARD
Meal: Dinner
Occasion: An excuse to get together
Price: $$
(Out of three stars)
Ambiance: * There’s nothing fancy about this place, and with no music playing when we went, it was a little too quiet
Food: ***
Service: **
Would I go back?: Yes, and I’ll be taking some Tums along with me.

Restaurant Info:
Banana Leaf
227 W. 28th St.,
btw 7th and 8th Ave
New York, NY 10001
(212) 494-0000
Chelsea

x
Shy

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