Philadelphia | Banana Leaf

I never expected that Banana Leaf, a Malaysian restaurant, would become one of my favorite meals in Philadelphia, probably because I have a thing for water spinach (kangkung). My partner and I ordered a variety of dishes and managed to finish everything, so the portions aren’t particularly large. The entrance looks a bit intimidating, but once you step inside and see that it’s empty up front, don’t be discouraged—the dining area is spacious and located at the back. The staff can speak Chinese, which is helpful, although the dish names are so unique that we ended up ordering in English. The ambiance and service are just average. 🥢 Roti Canai: This is a must-try! The flatbread is delicious, especially when it’s still warm and freshly made. It’s chewy and pairs perfectly with the accompanying soup. 🥢 Satay Mix: The chicken and beef skewers are incredibly tasty. My boyfriend prefers the chicken, but I think both are equally good. The meat is sweet and tender, and five skewers just aren’t enough. 🥢 Chow Kueh Teow: This stir-fried rice noodle dish surprised me—it wasn’t sweet at all. It includes squid, bean sprouts, and shrimp, and it has a great wok hei (the unique flavor from stir-frying). It’s not overly greasy, though I felt the portion was a bit small. 🥢 Kangkung Belacan: This was the star of the meal! The water spinach is stir-fried with shrimp paste (belacan) or fish sauce, and it’s amazing. I was thrilled to see water spinach on the menu. The dish isn’t salty at all; it has a slightly fishy aroma but tastes very fragrant and delicious. I could have easily ordered another plate. At the end of the meal, we noticed the popular dishes and the bill. Paying with cash can save you some money, but we only realized this after we had already paid by card and left a tip. #PhillyFood #WaterSpinachLover #FoodieDaily