The moment we heard about the grand opening of BananaBro' first-ever outlet in our charming hometown of Melaka, nestled within AEON Bandaraya, our foodie spirits soared with anticipation. Known for revolutionizing the traditional banana leaf dining experience, BananaBro has rapidly gained popularity across Malaysia, and now it was time for Melaka to indulge in the flavors.
Our BananaBro Review
With our taste buds tingling, my wife and I, together with our eldest son, Jordan , our daughter, Jasmine, and our baby Jadiel, who was just three months old (then), ventured into this new culinary delight. Although Jadiel was too young to join our feast, his gleeful presence added to the warmth of our family outing.
A Bright, Inviting Haven Perfect for Family Gatherings
From the moment we stepped inside, BananaBro greeted us with its bright, clean, and inviting ambiance—creating an atmosphere that was really comfortable. The restaurant, with its modern yet culturally resonant decor, was filled with a gentle hum of chatter, stylishly maintaining the lively spirit of Malaysian dining. For those familiar with the BananaBro experience, you'll appreciate that this outlet upholds the high standards typically expected from this chain. Before this, I have had the opportunity to enjoy BananaBro in shopping malls in KL.
The atmosphere was inviting, yet understated enough to allow the spotlight to remain firmly on the food. This aspect was echoed by other patrons on Google reviews, who frequently praise the establishment for its cleanliness and efficient layout, making it an ideal venue for families and gatherings of all sizes. I do know that baby Jadiel had given his nod of approval by not crying at the outlet. LOL 😂
Innovative Presentation: The Banana Leaf with a Logo
As we soon discovered, dining at BananaBro brings with it more than just sensational food—it’s an experience enriched by thoughtful presentation. Our meals were served on fresh green banana leaves, each leaf uniquely embossed with the playful ‘BananaBro’ logo. This clever touch, combining traditional dining customs with a modern twist, added an element of fun and authenticity that delighted us.
 |
| Jadiel boy when he was 3-month old. 😁 |
This personalized aspect was something that several Google reviewers pointed out as being uniquely delightful, adding that the logo-stamped leaves make it ‘Instagram-worthy’ and a delightful surprise even for adults and kids alike.
BananaBro's Menu
Scrumptious Spread of Flavours
As we settled down to enjoy our meal, the stars of the show were undoubtedly the meticulously prepared curries served attractively upon the banana leaves. We were offered an enticing variety of curries: chicken, fish, dhal, and crab. Each curry offered a depth of flavor, rich with an infusion of spices that teased the palate with traditional South Indian flair.
- Chicken Curry: A must-have which is spicy yet slightly tangy sauce, offering the perfect balance of heat and flavor that made scooping it with warm rice an absolute pleasure.
- Fish Curry: A seafood lover’s dream, this curry that was both zesty and aromatic. The harmony of spices makes each bite a dance on the taste buds when you blend if with your white rice.
- Dhal Curry: A comforting favorite, the creamy texture coupled with the earthy flavor of lentils provided a subtle yet aromatic backdrop to this vegetarian delight.
- Crab Curry: Brimming with rich flavors, this exotic curry was a crowd-pleaser noted for its bold and satisfying taste. No crab meat was spotted but still this was truly good.
In harmony with the curries, we savored a collection of side dishes like the crispy papadum, the intriguingly deep-fried snake gourd, and the refreshing cucumber yogurt, or ‘raita.’ All these accompaniments, as highlighted in several Google reviews, are not only delicious but also refillable—a rare treat that adds immense value to the dining experience at a reasonable price of RM13.90 per person.
Beyond the Leaf: More Irresistible Offerings
Our culinary exploration didn’t stop there. We also indulged in BananaBro's renowned fried squid rings and Chicken 65, both significantly praised in various reviews for their exquisite taste.
 |
| Fried squid and Chicken 65 🤤 |
 |
| Butter chicken 🤤 |
 |
| Let's dig in! 😁 |
- Fried Squid Rings: These were impeccably fried to a golden crisp, each bite revealing the tender, succulent squid inside. The delicate seasoning elevated the natural flavor of the seafood, resulting in a dish that was both savory and delightful.
- Chicken 65: This dish presented pieces of chicken marinated in traditional spices, resulting in a vibrant red coating. Crispy on the outside while moist and juicy within, it delivered layers of complex flavors that resonated well with our spice-loving souls.
- Butter Chicken: We also enjoyed BananaBro's Butter Chicken, a classic Indian dish that was a combination of rich, creamy flavours. Tender pieces of chicken were cooked in a luscious curry-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and a hint of butter. The sauce was smooth and velvety, perfectly complementing the succulent chicken. This dish was both comforting and indulgent, offering a mild yet deeply satisfying taste experience that paired beautifully with our rice.
To complement these mouthwatering dishes, we chose classic Malaysian drinks: Teh O, a refreshing, lightly sweetened tea, and Mango Lassi, a rich and creamy mango yogurt drink that beautifully counterbalanced the spicy notes of our meal.
A Worthy, Highly Recommended Experience
Reflecting on our meal, it was clear that BananaBro offered a dining experience that transcended mere sustenance—it was artfully crafted to celebrate the rich variety of flavours inherent in South Indian cuisine. We could not help but agree with the sentiments expressed in many reviews online—while dining at BananaBro may come at a slightly higher price compared to a traditional Mamak stall, the overall quality, taste, and plentiful options justify every cent.
 |
| Perhaps, next year baby Jadiel 😂 |
.png "Our Banana Bros Review at AEON Bandaraya Melaka")
Conclusion: A Culinary Gem in Melaka
Our visit to the BananaBro at AEON Bandaraya Melaka was a delightful journey across a variety of spices and flavors, firmly establishing it as a culinary gem in our city. The combination of authentic cuisine, fun presentation, and family-friendly ambiance makes it a stand-out choice for both locals (Melakans) and visitors alike, promising an experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. For those seeking the thrill of authentic flavours alongside exemplary service, a visit to BananaBro is an absolute must. We eagerly await our next adventure there, ready once more to delight in the joyful symphony of spices and smiles. Again, my family and I are more than happy that we Melakans have our very own BananaBro now.
BananaBro's AEON Bandaraya Melaka Map
Address: Lot G52 Ground Floor, Aeon Bandaraya Melaka, 2, Jalan Lagenda, Taman 1 Lagenda, 75400 Melaka
COMMENTS