Go bananas, tucking into delicious Chettinad food at ‘Bananaa Leaf’. A bit off the beaten track – what with food being served on banana leaves and all, in keeping with the latest concept of hygiene and cleanliness. What’s more, the restaurant is being stage-managed by three enterprising ladies, Katherine Xavier, Nirmala Jayaraj and Shantha Verma, who till some years back were functioning from home as outdoor caterers.

Interestingly, all three partners are Chennaites. A bit surprising when you consider that they’re running a high voltage Chettiar joint in the midst of well populated Adyar. But Katherine is quick to point out that the cooks are original Chettiars, specially brought in from Chettinad, so the grub is authentic stuff.

The menu card when it arrives comes in the shape of a banana leaf too.

So where do we start? Yep…the banana-leaf special, real yummy stuff (specially recommended) consisting of a chicken leg piece immersed in thick, spicy and aromatic gravy, with compliments from the house of the Chettiars. To be relished with paranthas which are just right, not too oily, idlis, kal dosais, aappam or idiaappam. Can be also enjoyed along with biryani -vegetarian, chicken or mutton, to suit your taste buds.

Incidentally, seafood is a specialty at Bananaa Leaf. "Our fish preparations are very fast moving" opines Nirmala. The delicacies being Nandu or Crab Masala, Sora Pattu made of shark fish and Nethili Varuval, a small fish that is fried in a variety of spices and eaten whole. Seems to be very popular with the mixed crowd habitually frequenting this joint. Other appetising dishes are the Kaadai Varuval, a delicacy prepared from a small bird, Brain Masala and Chilly Chicken. Non-vegetarian dishes pre-dominate as Chettiars are supposedly more inclined towards meat preparations, clarifies Nirmala. Nevertheless, Malai Poondu, Nei Kathirikai and Vatha Kuzhambu are recommended for the vegetarians.

For starters, the evergreen tomato soup or Bone soup prevails. Though Bananaa Leaf is yet to launch a dessert section, it offers some unique carrot halwa in a greyish-black shade. Sort of takes you by surprise. A result of mashed dates, gulukand and saffron. Tastes good too.

Incidentally Bananaa Leaf opened recently, just about three months back, but has already become a hit with the Chennai crowd. The typical Chettinad ambience –Tanjore paintings bedecking the walls, a beautifully carved entrance door in the traditional Chettiar style, Aathangudi tiles on the floor and varnished bamboo mats on the roof add the authentic touch. Moreover, prices are pretty affordable, ranging from Rs. 25 for soup to Rs. 65 for Kaadai Varuval, their costliest dish.

So why not check out Chettinad cuisine at Bananaa Leaf this weekend and give the home kitchen a break. Bet you won’t return disappointed.

The restaurant is open on all days from 11a.m - 3 p.m. and 7 – 11p.m.

Address:
39 Mahatma Gandhi Road , 
Thiruvanmiyur
Tel. # 4900928

Shobha Mathur Pandian