Curry Leaf, Damansara Uptown

This banana leaf lunch happened a couple of weeks ago just because I wanted to revisit Curry Leaf Restaurant to see how I feel about their banana leaf rice.

I have eaten their banana leaf rice before. That was back in 2013 together with my brother, my auntie and my cousin. I remembered that lunch so well because I had just recovered from a slipped disc and was having a bit of trouble getting into my brother's car.

That lunch did not leave much of an impression because it paled in comparison with the banana leaf rice that I have had elsewhere.

There was a time when I used to tapau rice and dishes from Curry Leaf and found their dishes (mutton varuval, chicken varuval and some of their vegetables) to be very tasty. I especially liked a dish made with brinjals and potatoes. It was some sort of dry vegetable curry and it was absolutely delicious. I don't know what it is called.

So I made my way there past 11:30am (still early for lunch) and found the place very quiet save for 3 tables and the staff appeared very busy packing food for deliveries. I was given the menu and I took my time to browse.

After my order was taken, I took a took around and spotted this notice. They tell you upfront that you can refill once only. So don't get any funny ideas about saving money by asking for many refills. Hah!

I ordered the basic banana leaf rice with addition of one mutton varuval. I also ordered a mango lassi.

I admit that when my mango lassi was served, I felt a little discouraged. First, it was the blue plastic mug. And then it was the very orange looking lassi. It looked scary. But I bravely took a sip.

Oh! It was very, very nice! I could tell it was made with fresh yogurt and fresh ripe mangoes. It was none of those commercial yogurt drinks. 

So there you go, my banana leaf rice. The vegetables were cabbage, deep fried bitter gourd and chickpea curry. I asked for fish curry gravy and that piece of ladies finger on top of my rice was very old and fibrous. Ugh!

The mutton varuval was not up to their usual standards and was just passable. They used to make much better tasting mutton varuval.

Overall, not a memorable banana leaf lunch. Flavors were muted and lacked the robust punchiness that I often associate with good Indian cooking. The only good thing that I take away from Curry Leaf was that refreshing mango lassi.