Banana Leaf — Restaurant in Houston

I have never been disappointed with Banana Leaf (the main store) until tonight's incident. Although I got there before it closed in 30 minutes, I still planned to leave the restaurant at the middle and get some grocery at Dun Huang Supermarket. When my order came, I made clear to a waitress twice that I was only walking over to Dun Huang to do a quick shopping, and that I would return shortly, she heard that and remembered what I said. I would have just stayed and had my food if I wasn't allowed to do that. I only had left for 15 minutes. When I returned from grocery, I sensed that something wasn't right when the kitchen crew (I believe) outside the restaurant were staring at me complaining something, then I noticed my orders were all removed from my table! The waitress did not transfer my words to her colleagues, but instead telling them that I left, and then accused me for feeling unsatisfactory of their service, which I found to be dishonest. No one was doing anything to resolve the issue! Only one waiter apologized, and asked if I still wanted my kaya pancake, and that I could have it for free. The other staff were just standing there saying and doing nothing but just staring at me, like they still believed the waitress. I ended up heading to another restaurant across the street, taking me half an hour before having my supper fixed.

I had been to Banana Leaf a couple of times since it first started its business. The service in the first store had been excellent and the staff who served me before were all courteous and responsible. But tonight's service is a disappointment to a loyal customer like me, only a waiter remained responsible and professional enough to take care of the issue and did not charge for my orders. The waitress was actually the one who was responsible for the mistake and...

I love Banana Leaf. It is one of those places that you always go to. First things first, always get the Indian Pancakes. There is really no way to describe them. I could say that they are thin, pita-like breads but I feel as though people would get the wrong idea. They come with this really good curry, and usually, my friends and I order one for each person. Another thing that is a Banana Leaf must is their Chicken fried rice or any fried rice for that matter. I like fried rice better than plain rice when I get asian food, unless it is japanese food. It's just a really great side dish and Banana Leaf does it really well. That is just my preference, though. If you like white rice, it comes with any entree dish. Speaking of entree dishes, a couple of suggestions of what to order if you decided to go (because I know how hard it is to order at new restaurants): -Sizzling Beef or Tofu: these come on hot plates and when the dish arrives to your table they are, like their name, sizzling. I like tofu dish (the tofu is covered in what looks to be a batter then there is sauce and vegetables on top) but my brother likes the black pepper beef (same concept as the tofu but without the batter and with black pepper). Stir Fried Flat Noodle W/ Beef -Banana Leaf Curry Chicken There are loads of other stuff that are quite good and after you are done, you could go to Star Tapioca. (When you walk out of the restaurant, look to the left, and you'll see juice box and fufu cafe. To the very right, left if you are facing them, of the restaurants there will be a restaurant at the end that is called Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki). Their tapioca is awesome. I haven't had anyone else that matches. I always get a strawberry shake...

What happened to this place?

I have been coming to Banana Leaf for over a decade and have never been disappointed, but today was different! It felt like a cheap Chinese knock off. My husband and I went in for dinner and were surprised to find that it was relatively empty. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted and given menus. The menu was scaled down from the last time we visited (before they closed temporarily in April-May of 2024) which we thought was odd. We ordered a couple of our usual favorites like the roti canai and beef randang, as well as a few new items to try. The food came out quickly but as soon as we began to eat we quickly noticed the quality and flavors of the food did not match the Banana Leaf we used to know. The roti was ok but the curry for the roti was different, very thick and not quite the same as it had been in the past. The beef randang consisted of a very cheap cut of beef that was full of fat and gristle which made it difficult to chew through and nearly impossible to eat as dinner went on. Needless to say, after a few bites of the beef randang I was completely turned off and had lost my appetite. Overall, the food lacked flavor and quality and is not at all what we remember this place to be known for. I also noticed my favorite waiter (who has been there for years, always greeted customers and seating them) was not there and instead new people serving us. If what the other reviewers say is true and this place has been bought out or taken over by new management, I find it hard to believe my husband and I will ever be back....