Located in an old bungalow in PJ, Ganapathi serves delicious and lowkey meals on banana leaves. This hidden gem is highly popular among locals for its flavorful curries and rassam, prepared in a traditional manner. Make sure to arrive early to enjoy their popular dishes before they run out!
“Perfect combination of spiciness and warmth!”
When asking a Malaysian for their favorite banana leaf restaurant, you can expect a variety of opinions and debates similar to the traffic jam on the first day of Raya. People may argue over which restaurant has the best curry, bittergourd dish, fried chicken or squid, or the most tender mutton varuval.
Keeping that in consideration, we make our way to Sri Ganapathi Mess, situated in the center of PJ Old Town. Hidden away in a residential house, newcomers might question if they have arrived at the correct location, if not for the clear indication of the frying station right by the entrance. Upon entering, guests will be guided to one of the various dining areas inside, providing a dining experience similar to eating at a communal food court or in someone’s home.
After you sit down, the servers will promptly place a banana leaf in front of you. You will also be presented with three vegetable options, such as cucumber raita, spinach, and chutney, along with a selection of fish, chicken, and dhal curries. Make sure to sample their famous crab curry, as it is a highlight of the menu.
We sampled all four combinations and found them to be a good match with white or parboiled rice, also referred to as Indian rice. However, the signature mutton varuval was not available on the day of our visit, so we opted for the local mutton curry instead. Additionally, we ordered fish cutlets and fried squid with onions and curry leaves.
The mutton curry was delicious, with just the right amount of spice and heat to satisfy your taste buds. The tender pieces of local mutton were cooked perfectly, and we were happy to find that there weren’t many bony pieces in it like at other banana leaf restaurants. The fried squid was also excellent, with small pieces of squid coated in a light batter and paired with crunchy onions. Everyone agreed that this was the standout dish of the day. The papadam was crispy and fresh, a stark contrast to other places that struggle to get this side dish right. Unfortunately, the crab rasam was sold out, but the fish cutlets we ordered were disappointing as they were dry and poorly seasoned.
The bill was a bit surprising to us because we didn’t order many dishes. While some dishes like the squid were great, the expensive price and bland fish cutlets were disappointing. So, we recommend trying the curry dishes but sticking to the fried squid or fish. Make sure to come early for lunch to ensure you get your favorites. We plan on returning for the mutton varuval and crab rasam next time.
Restaurant named Sri Ganapathi Mess
Foodies’ decision
Warung Sinarnor offers affordably priced steaks at GRUB by Ah Hong. Other recommended food places include Restoran Mahbub for Ayam Madu & Briyani and Uncle Aru’s for succulent Tandoori Thighs in Ampang. Nasi Lemak Bumbung and RM7 Biryani Fried Chicken at Nasi Beriani Tajudin KL are also worth trying. Enjoy guilt-free Roti Canai at Valentine’s Almost. Stay updated on food events like ieatNasiLemak and Nasi Kandaq Fest in KL. Don’t miss out on the FriedChillies Seafood Festival at Sunway Putra Mall on June 22-23, 2024.