Malaysian food is incredibly complex -- it's basically the best parts of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisine, melded into one rich, flavourful entity.
Although their food is delicious, we actually don't have very many Malaysian restaurants around these parts. Unlike other southeast Asian countries, notably Thailand and Vietnam, it hasn't quite penetrated the mainstream Western palate.
In Edmonton, we have Tropika (west and south) and Island Cafe & Bistro. I love both restaurants, but that's pretty much it for choice. In Calgary, you have a few more options, all small and family-owned which is nice to see.
We decided to check out Banana Leaf Tropical Cuisine for a quick early dinner before heading back home. It's equal parts hidden gem and hole in the wall. Located in the northeast, its neighbouring businesses are mostly automotive-related, including a Midas, Hertz, and Kal Tire. There's an Asian supermarket in the strip mall as well, which we checked out before going in for dinner.
Despite the early dinner time, there was still a few tables already occupied. Then again, it was a holiday weekend. I hear it does get full fast during peak lunch and dinner.
There's an unwritten rule to always order roti canai at a Malaysian restaurant. For $5.25, you get two pieces of roti canai along with a curry dipping sauce. The roti was crispy and flaky, but unfortunately dry and stiff. Dipping it into the spicy curry didn't do much to soften it up. I don't know if we just got a bad batch but I prefer a softer and chewier roti.
Also a must-order for me, satay chicken ($11.95 for six skewers). They do warn that the satay takes a while to prepare so we actually received them after all the other dishes came out. It didn't bother us in the slightest but just a heads up for those who are finicky about the progression of their meal.
The satay came out piping hot. A bit different than the satay I'm used to as these had a very prominent lemongrass flavour. Still good, just different.
My mom wanted to get their Hainanese chicken rice ($13.50), which we actually packed up for my dad so we didn't get to try it. It's a good portion of Hainanese style rice with almost half a poached chicken. You also get the traditional accompaniments of ginger and chili sauce.
Last but not least, we got their signature curry laksa. Laksa is a spicy coconut curry noodle soup, popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. At Banana Leaf, you can get laksa with toppings of beef brisket, Hainanese chicken, fish ball, pork ball, beef ball, vegetables, or seafood ($13.50), which is the version we got. You also have a choice of yellow noodles or vermicelli. Both are good but the yellow noodles have a bit more bite and substance to them.
No frills about it. It's an honest place, honest food.
Banana Leaf Tropical Cuisine
3330 32 St NE
Calgary, AB
(403) 450-3880
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