Banana Leaf
1009 Arch Street
(215) 592-8288
As you walk through the glass doors, passing the dark fa‡ade and flashing neon sign, you come across the invitingly large and well-lit dining room of this relatively new BYO. Opened in 2006 by Siong Ho, Banana Leaf is already generating buzz for its authenticity and warmth.
The menu boasts a wide variety of dishes, each coming in generous proportions, so sharing is recommended. As a vegetarian, I dove into the Malaysian Buddhist ($9.25), a stir-fry of broccoli, egg, snow peas, baby corn, chewy shitake, carrots and the rest of your standard-Asian mix. In place of a brown sauce, the fresh and crunchy vegetables were tossed in an exquisitely simmered bean-curd sauce - a nice variation from your traditional stir-fry. My guest enjoyed the mango chicken ($13.95) topped with succulent mango chunks and a tangy sauce that left a wonderful impression. The third dish - and our favorite - was the Thai-basil noodle ($7.95).
It didn't take much convincing for us to order the fried ice cream and bananas. When it comes to a ball of cold-coconut ice cream engulfed in warm, fried batter and cooked bananas, drizzled with powdered sugar and fruit jam, what's not to like?
To top off what didn't need to be topped off, we ordered the refreshing Malaysian iced coffee ($1.95). Naturally sweetened with condensed milk, this beverage brings Wawa to its knees.
With an enjoyable ambiance, a friendly staff and a diverse and delicious menu, there's no question that Banana Leaf is worth the trip to Chinatown.
