Banana leaf rice is a typical dish in South Indian cuisine.
In banana leaf rice, white rice (or parboiled rice in authentic South Indian restaurants) is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curried meat or fish, pickles, and/or papadum. Usually, only the gravy of the curry will be served and no meat is served as it is meant to be a traditional Indian vegetarian dish. It is traditionally eaten with the hand.
The banana leaf is used as it is believed that the hot rice will release the coating on the banana leaf, which aids in digestion.
In Malaysia, to show one's appreciation after a satisfying meal, the guest will fold the banana leaf inward to signify that the meal was good. Folding in the opposite direction (i.e. upward or outward) signifies that the meal was not satisfying.
Famous quotes containing the words banana, leaf and/or rice:
“I never liked bananas much anyway. Two-thirds of the way down even one banana I am willing to concede defeat smilingly and give the rest to the nearest monkey.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)
“Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaf and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin’ in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin’ in the poplar trees.”
—Billie Holiday [Eleanor Fagan] (1915–1959)
“... there has been a very special man in my life for the past year. All I’ll say about him is that he’s kind, warm, mature, someone I can trust—and he’s not a politician.”
—Donna Rice (b. c. 1962)