I’m sitting at “The Banana Leaf”, a family owned, Singaporean style restaurant in the very famous “Farmer’s Market”. I’m watching a constant flow of varied and heterogeneous people being served by a very friendly and energetic young man behind the counter. His name is Michael Gazal. He seems to be the counter person, busboy, waiter and as I’m about to find out ,…..the proprietor of the Banana Leaf. Michael looks more like he should be playing in a Rock band as he finds a moment to sit down and talk with us. He says “in the 8 yrs. we’ve been open, I’ve watched Singaporean restaurants open and close. I think what makes us different and successful is that we decided to do what we know. This is the food of Singapore I grew up with. Blending Indian, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine but in a way that they would be prepared in Singapore. We’re different…. we’re “Home Style”.
That evening we tasted Rojak Salad. This dish is a cornucopia of fresh fruits, vegetables and fried tofu, served in a spicy peanut-tamarind sauce. I should add at this time that they are happy to adjust the spiciness to your taste. In my case the spicier the better so……. bringit on!!!
Next we sampled the “Rendang Chicken”. This is a dish slowly cooked in coconut milk with spices such as ginger and chili. OMG…. Loved this one, and the Mee Goreng, an Indian panfried noodle served fresh and hot from the kitchen, was the perfect dish to bring it all together. Michael said we must try the “Chendol” a dessert made from palm sugar, coconut, crushed ice and chendol bean. I loved this little court side restaurant with everything served on a banana leaf, giving off smells of far away places and exotic spices, but most of all I loved when Michael said “food like art is an expression of the person who makes it” When someone says something like that you know the food is going to be good.
VISIT THEM TODAY!
Located inside the FARMER’S MARKET at Fairfax & 3rd
Singapore’s Banana Leaf
6333 W 3rd St #122 Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.933.4627 | Yelp reviews