Banana Leaf Broadway & Oak: Vancouver’s Go-To for Malaysian Cuisine
Nestled at 820 W Broadway, Banana Leaf Original blends upscale elegance, lush greenery, and vibrant Malaysian flavours. With an ambience brimming with hanging plants and contemporary florals, it offers a welcoming and Instagram-worthy backdrop for both casual meals and celebratory dining.
What It’s Like Inside Banana Leaf Original Restaurant
- Interior & Vibe: The leafy décor and modern interiors create an elevated dining environment, celebrated by plant-lovers and style-conscious diners alike.
- Service: Reviews consistently highlight kind, attentive staff—welcoming, helpful, and well-versed in their menu.
Cuisine & Signature Dishes
Banana Leaf champions Malaysian-style family sharing: dishes arrive as ready in no strict sequence, encouraging exploration.
Starters
- The Appetizer Sampler is a popular choice, featuring kaleidoscopic bites like BBQ pork lettuce wraps, calamari, spring rolls, and roti canai.
- Lighter options include Roti Canai, Eggplant Fries, Tofu Goreng, and Nyonya Calamari, all crafted with intricate flavour.
Seafood & Mains
- Standouts include Singapore Chili Lobster Tails, Otak-Otak Fish in Banana Leaf, and Abundance of Seafood Gulai—each demonstrating bold Malay spices.
- For meat lovers: rich Rendang Beef Curry, spicy Kari Kambing Lamb Curry, and lively Ginger Beef & Broccoli are top picks.
Rice & Noodles
- Flavoursome classics like Mee Goreng, Nasi Goreng, Singapore Laksa, and Char Kuey Teow are beloved staples.
Desserts & Drinks
- Sweet finales include Pisang Goreng, seasonal Mango Sticky Rice, and Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta.
- Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks abound—from fresh coconut water to lemongrass–ginger tea—and inventive cocktails like Leaf Me Up, a signature lemongrass‑tequila blend.
What Locals Say About Banana Leaf Original Restaurant
- DoorDash reviews award a solid 4.6/5, praising satay and laksa, though noting variation in portions for salads.
- Fantuan rankings hover around 4.2/5, with scores of 4.3 for taste, 3.5 for ambiance, and 3.3 for service, indicating a strong culinary appeal and a polished setting.
- TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews highlight top dishes, such as Rendang Beef Curry, Mee Goreng, and Singapore Laksa, while affirming the quality of ingredients and presentation.
- Reddit offers mixed opinions—some applaud consistent flavour and atmosphere, while others cite occasional blandness, particularly at the Broadway spot.
These contrasts may stem from evolving operations or seasonal variations in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Banana Leaf Original (Broadway & Oak) delivers a refined twist on Malaysian comfort food, appealing to both adventurous palates and mainstream diners. Its lush setting, attentive hospitality, and bold dishes make it ideal for dates, intimate gatherings, or tasting adventures.
Tips to Elevate Your Visit
- Start with the Appetizer Sampler to try a mix of popular bites.
- Seafood curries and laksa are great picks if you like bold, rich flavors.
- End your meal with a coconut dessert or the pandan panna cotta.
- Check if they’re offering a tasting menu—it sometimes includes up to 12 small dishes.
Some guests have mentioned changes in spice levels, but overall, reviews are very positive.
Banana Leaf Original is a great spot for tasty Malaysian food in a cozy, plant-filled setting—perfect for sharing good food with friends or family.
