75 Battersea Rise,
Battersea,
London,
SW11 1EH
0871 971 7689
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Banana Leaf Canteen
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Great food, great service and great prices. Nothing beats this place for a none fuss eating out experience, period!
Bit of a 'mixed emotions' rating really. My girlfriend and I went to Banana Leaf Canteen last Saturday - was the first time there, which is odd as I live so close!
After waiting to get in (it IS a very popular place) we were seated and given menus. We were also advised that on account of there being no 'cloakroom' as such to place our coats under the table on the 'trays' that hang of the table.
We ate. We drank. All good so far and I have to say I was impressed with the food. But once we had finished eating, our plates and glasses were whisked away, given the bill and gently lead out of the place. No time to savour the food or surroundings, as it's a veritable production line in there. Once you're done, you're out.
The main gripe happened later. Once home again (a very short walk) my girlfriend realised that her (brand) new coat had now black marks all over it. First time worn, and the only place this could have happened was while the coat was under the table on the provisioned 'trays'. We went back the next afternoon to ask about it and see whether they would stump up the money to have the coat dry-cleaned, and they flat refused to do anything about it.
They claimed that the under-tables were cleaned twice a week, and that if the coat got dirty there, it would not be their fault, and nor would they pay for it.
To be honest, it's the ONLY place that coat could have gotten that dirty that evening (or it's whole 'life' as it was brand new).
I run a business of my own, so thanked them for their frankness and less than helpful attitude, and told them they still had a lot to learn about running a business. And then left.
Pity, cos the food is pretty good. But on principles, I have to say that service levels and regard for their patron stinks somewhat.
Been a regular at the Banana Leaf Canteen for almost two years since moving to Clapham. This is a unique venue for almost all occassions except if you want a quiet romantic dinner! The atmosphere is extremely lively and vibrant but has a warm undertone, service is friendly and unfussy and the food is spot on and reasonable.
You may have to queue for 15-20 mins but it's worth the wait. Do not miss the laksa, simply wicked! And their Mamak Lamb Curry is hugely satisfying with it thick fragrant sauce. And if you are still not satisfied after that, you must order their coconut pancake. Yummmm!
My sister, cousin & I went to the Banana Leaf Canteen last night & it was OK. Price wise it is relatively cheap but the food (I tried) was very average. I had a yellow chicken curry with rice & all the trimmings (prawn crackers, salad & corn cakes). The corn cakes were delicious! Unfortunately though, they were the best thing about the meal. The curry was sickly & the chicken was cheap cuts of meat - extremely fatty & gristly. The rice had been cooked long ago & was dry & hard as a result.
The service was attentive though & the staff were friendly. However, they added a 10% tip to the printed bill & when we paid (in notes), they gave us change for the whole bill (taking the tip without even asking) which was a little rude. I would give the Banana Leaf Canteen another try & have something different as some other peoples meals looked nice, but it wasn't the best Eastern meal I've had.
Banana Leaf Canteen is a must try! There's really superb food at reasonable prices. I have been here many times and love it. The desserts are the best too and the staff are very friendly. Top service! The only downside about Banana Leaf Canteen is that each time I've been there it gets quite noisy and hot - you can end up shouting to be heard. However, the range of dishes and service at Banana Leaf Canteen more than make up for it.
Banana Leaf is fantastic. The food is superb. Such a great choice and very reasonable prices. Always incredibly busy and you may have to wait up to 20 mins for a table but well worth the wait! (They will take bookings if there are 6 or more people)
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