Banana Leaf - Idli with a Difference

Please say 'Aye' if you are a fan of hot pipping Idli which when dipped in super awesome sambhar taste even better but Banana Leaf located at Versova, near 7 Bunglows has changed the full definition of the Idli what we used to eat.

First visit was few months ago after a night out with friends and one of them was insisting we should try it, and after bowing down to her wishes we reach Banana Leaf on lazy late Sunday afternoon and luckily got seats in A/C section which my friend says is minimum waiting of 40 mins during peak hours.

The setting is nice, tall ceilings and enough place between the 2 tables so you do not overhear other people conversation. We started off with Rasam Soup which is regular Rasam with huge quantity of black pepper [If you have a sour throat this is the soup for you forget Hot and Sour or Manchow soups]. Then comes the magic of Banana Leaf the Idlis which is cooked in variety of masalas, I guess around it takes around 3 big idlis per serving cut in 4 pieces we started off with
1. Hyderabadi Tomato Idli
2. Chef Special Dakshin Masala Idli - This one was everyone favorite
3. Mulgai Idli

If you are the ones who love to try out different things well start off with this place and you shall not be disappointed.

For dessert you can go the regular Payasam route or try out the Nutella Walnut dosa which is a must try.

The overall cost per person came around Rs. 300 and it was totally worth it.

Apna Pure Veg Fast Food

The owner once just had a cart which he used to set up at 4 PM at Evershine Nagar (near Shimmer Lounge) and from 4.30PM till 8 PM he could not stop making hot vada, samosa, dal vada, idli, medu vada because in one go whatever used to come out his big hot oil pan used to get over. During that time he, his son and 2 more people used to help him to serve the hungry and repeat customers.

This is how he scene is outside Apna Fast Food

Today, he has his own small shop but the number of customers have increased and his quality of snacks have also increased. Now he opens at 7 am and closes at 9 pm but again still does not have time to breathe because customers keep pouring in. He will serve you Misal Pav, Upma, Vada Pav, Medu Vada, Idli, and many more awesome snacks and in the end it would not cost you more than Rs. 50 for two satisfied people. Now with over 10 people working under him he still has that humbleness and quality still remains the same.

So if you are hungry at anytime of the day and do not want to burn hole in your pocket he is the place to go in Malad. Yes there are many more but I guess none better than him.