Thanks to @macchiata who took the picture so I don't have to retake
Today while finally set most of the work done during the weekday after last meet-up on Tuesday, I could get out of my usual care-taking routine and take a trip all the way to Batu Caves to meet up with Cemy and hive friends.
Unfortunately, due to religious respect and my health condition, it wasn't wise to visit the Hindu temple as it is deemed sacred and holy. So I decided to meet them after their climb and visitation
Apologies I didn't tag everyone as I didn't know everyone's screenname yet
I think the server did get a bit frustrated while trying to help us take the photo because some of the food arrived and the attention has been drifting to the food haha.... but it is still great to have everyone in the picture.
While waiting for the rest of the food to come, the banana leaf rice (that I am taking in the end, because others decided to get the Nasi Lemak Bamboo version) condiments arrived. Every single restaurant is very different with their condiments for the banana leaf, and the sauces for this restaurant is more on the sambal (special umami chili paste with anchovies base), but the dhall (lentil soup) is still very yummy, together with the dilute curry and sour soup.
I was a little disappointed that there were no deep fried spiced bitter gourd slices, those were my favourite; but the rest are still pretty good.
(Though I feel it is a tiny bit overpriced because it is beside the Batu Caves, touristy area)
Next time when @macchiata and/or @aswita come again we should try another one which is slightly different but with a lot more condiments, and also they will have roti tissue available after breakfast time haha.
I digress!
Other than the banana leaf, I think the this restaurant's biggest attraction would be the Nasi Lemak Bamboo , which is super unique and you don't get to have that on a usual Banana Leaf eatery. The knocking for the rice to come out got everyone excited, though the sambal can be a little challenging for @walterjay but he was still very sporty and determined to overcome the spiciness.
@akumagai on the other hand was super excited with the sambal as it was a very great pair with the rice, gladly enjoying while wondering how he could buy some home later.
Every single Banan Leaf Restaurant must pass its popularity with the "Mango Lassi" (or any Lassi) test. A good Lassi (cold Indian yogurt drink) washes down all the spiciness and the oiliness of every bite, and its yumminess is the ultimate "fire extinguisher of the mouth" for those who are not able to tolerate spicy. Of course, if one is lactose intolerant, then it will be an unfortunate miss.
Overall, it is still a nice place to go to, as this is a multi-chain restaurant, but if I get a chance to visit a Banana Leaf restaurant, it would be Jaipur Curry House, the very first restaurant I fell in love with Banana leaf rice and Masala Tosai for the very first time.
(I do hope their quality is still as great as ever with affordable price tag, as I noticed theirs is below 4 stars rating now 😐)
And this is just part one of the adventure
Until Then
Stay healthy, stay curious and learn new things, and stay happy!
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@Walterjay looks like 1 week gained 5 pounds liao 🤣
Oh, he'll loose again after a few more flights haha.
I think he looks great compared to his first post on HIVE haha.
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Looks like you had a lot of fun connecting with all these new people!
Yes the Nasi Lemak seems to look more appealing than the banana leaf rice set 😂