For all Indian food lovers, Kavitha Banana Leaf is the ultimate spot for a hearty and comforting meal that won’t break the bank.
Dishing out over 80 authentic South Indian delights, this spot is a local sensation. The best part? Their basic banana leaf meal is priced at only RM7, and the portions are unlimited too!
Situated in a food court in PJ Old Town, as the clock strikes noon, a bustling crowd of hungry patrons gathers around this humble shoplot. Since its inception in 1974 as a simple food stall, Kavitha is now in the hands of the second generation, having expanded to three thriving outlets in Petaling Jaya.
“We started selling breakfast items like putu mayam, appams and idlis on the roadside,” owner Jeyacanth Govindraj told FMT Lifestyle. “My dad came from humble beginnings and all of this was his hard work.”
In the 1980s, Kavitha transitioned to serving complete banana leaf meals, which Govindraj asserted was the first of its kind in PJ then.
The reason Kavitha has stood the test of time? Let’s begin with affordability.
For just RM7, diners can relish a traditional, complete banana leaf meal featuring four vegetable dishes, plenty of sides and hearty curries to soak in the rice – with top-ups free of charge – talk about value for money!
During FMT Lifestyle’s visit to the eatery, there was mint chutney, mango pachadi, papadom, sun-dried chilies, tomato rasam, and a variety of vegetable dishes like bottle gourd, cabbage, bean sprouts, and cucumber salad.
Mixing and eating everything together with your hands, the traditional way, will ensure your taste buds are in for a wild ride. Each dish creates an explosion of flavours and textures – from refreshing, tangy and spicy, to crunchy, and tasty.
And, if you’re in the mood to indulge, Kavitha doesn’t disappoint. Meat lovers will be spoilt for choice with their array of non-vegetarian side dishes that can elevate your banana leaf meal to a whole new level.
There’s everything from the classic chicken varuval, one of their best-sellers, to more unique options like fish cutlets, goat stomach curry and quail egg sambal.
And, if you’re craving for deep-fried food, just pick your piece of chicken or fish, and the spice-marinated protein will hit the hot oil, arriving at your table perfectly crisp, hot and juicy.
Out of the dishes FMT Lifestyle sampled, the mutton masala takes the cake. Featuring rich and succulent meat that effortlessly pulls apart with a touch, the dish offers a spicy kick without being overwhelming. The Indian spices complement rather than overpower the meat’s flavour, and when eaten with all the other dishes on a banana leaf meal, it becomes a true flavour sensation.
Amidst the multitude of banana leaf outlets in the area today, Kavitha stands out with its home-cooked flavours reminiscent of the good old days. “We grind all our spice mixtures ourselves; there’s no instant method to our cooking,” Govindraj shared.
In fact, everything is freshly made daily, with the kitchen firing up as early as 4am to prepare food for all three of their outlets. By the end of lunchtime, you’ll find most of the popular items have run out.
Though renowned for their banana leaf meals, customers may also opt to grab a plate of their preferred dishes with rice.
In fact, the vegetarian section alone has over 30 dishes for you to choose from — root vegetables like tapioca and pumpkin to fresh cuts like long beans and ladyfingers. They even offer unique options like bean curd not typically found in Indian restaurants. It’s truly a paradise for vegetarians.
Kavitha Banana Leaf
Taman Selera, PJS 4
46050 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours:
8:00am-9:30pm daily
Contact: 03-7782 6498