New Banana Leaf Restaurant — Restaurant in Colombo

Wonderful string Hopper biryani and veg curry. Visited on three occasions and received vastly different service and quantity of food. Received exceptionally friendly service on first visit from manager Ala, who's fantastic English, charm and warmth made the meal relaxed and memorable. Based on this experience I'd highly recommend it. Second visit I brought 3 others and was appalled by the slow, disinterested and disorganised service. Ordered the same as previous visit and wasn't even brought all the dishes. 3 of the 4 at the table ordered a biriyani rice and curry, the other rice and curry. The table was brought small dishes (single portion) of dhal, beetroot curry, mix veg curry and salad. When I asked the servers where the rest were they said it was correct. No mango curry, to eggplant. When I asked for a refill of dhal I was made to feel like this wasn't possible. Understandably the types of curries change but I distinctly felt our table was passed over as tourists who wouldn't know the difference. On the third visit I came for takeaway. Food was fine, but was annoyed when realised staff had cheekily asked for 250 on a dish that is 220 and not subject to service charge. A small amount maybe but hardly the way to treat a customer who had repeatedly visited and recommended your establishment in good faith. I'd give 5 stars to manager Ala, 4-5 to Staff when he was on the floor, 2-3 for staff when he was not. I would not visit again unless he...

We recently visited the New Banana Leaf Restaurant at its new location in Bambalapitiya. This place holds a special place in our hearts, as we were regulars at their old branch on Galle Road for many years. Naturally, we were excited to try it again and ordered the chicken biriyani—a longtime favorite.

Unfortunately, the experience did not live up to expectations. The biriyani lacked the signature aroma and depth of flavor that once made it so memorable. It felt bland and uninspired, missing the authentic spices and fragrance typical of a well-prepared biriyani. What was even more disappointing was the use of excessive artificial coloring. All the food seemed unnaturally bright, especially with an intense red hue. After the meal, we noticed our fingers were stained red, which is not only unpleasant but also raises concerns about health and food safety.

On a positive note, the restaurant space is clean, spacious, and welcoming. The staff were friendly and attentive, which made the dining environment pleasant. However, if the food taste and quality are not improved, this may not be enough to retain loyal customers.

We sincerely hope the management considers bringing back the original flavor and avoids unnecessary coloring. Quality and authenticity are what made the old Banana Leaf so...

I recently enjoyed an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry at Banana Leaf, and it was an absolute delight! The meal was a perfect blend of rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques that truly showcased the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine.

The chicken curry was tender and infused with aromatic spices, making every bite incredibly satisfying. The meal also included a variety of delicious vegetable sides that complemented the dish perfectly. The gotukola sambal added a refreshing crunch, the polos (young jackfruit) curry was rich and hearty, and the dambala (winged beans) provided a mild sweetness that balanced the spicier flavors beautifully.

One of the standout dishes was the kiri malu (fish curry), which was cooked in a creamy coconut milk base. The fish was tender and absorbed the flavors of the spices perfectly, adding a deliciously mild and creamy contrast to the meal.

Everything was served with fragrant, fluffy rice, tying all the flavors together for a truly satisfying experience. The balance of spices, textures, and freshness made this meal one of the best Sri Lankan rice and curry experiences I’ve had.

If you’re looking for an authentic, delicious, and satisfying Sri Lankan meal, Banana Leaf is the perfect place to visit. Highly...