One of the most recommended places to eat in Little India is The Banana Leaf Apolo. It’s like a turo-turo Indian fast food joint but with a resto format. It’s the perfect lunch spot after the long and appetizing LITTLE INDIA WALK: Dhobis, Saris & a Spot of Curry.
Here’s a preview of the Banana Leaf Apolo experience in Little India, Singapore:
Your Awesome Singapore Series:
- GARDENS BY THE BAY: Singapore’s Super Trees, Cloud Dome, and Sleeping Boy Child Art
- SINGAPORE CHINATOWN WALK: Red Clogs Down the Five Foot Way (A Review)
- SINGAPORE LITTLE INDIA WALK: Dhobis, Saris & a Spot of Curry (A Review)
- BANANA LEAF APOLLO: Indian Food We Love in Little India @VisitSingapore
- THE INTAN: Peranakan Heritage Home-Museum by Antique Collector Alvin Yapp
The resto has a simple family-style dining ambiance (despite the chandeliers and artworks) that makes you feel at home.
It’s interesting to find a carinderia-style display of food in the restaurant setting. Here, you just point to what you like from the display and it will be served at your table.
There’s also an ala carte menu you can order from:
THE BANANA LEAF APOLO MENU: South Indian Cuisine: Squid, Mutton, Chicken, Rice | Fish Head, Crab, Prawn | North Indian Cuisine: Starter, Soup, Salad | Tandoor, Apolo Special Tandoori | Mutton, Prawns, Chicken | Fish, Garden Greens | Breads, Dum Briyani, Rice | Sweet Tooth | Khulfi Delights | Drinks Menu | Red/White Wine 1 | Red/White Wine 2 | Sparkling Wine/Riesling 1 | Sparkling Wine/Riesling 2
I like the different curry choices and other dishes like…
…Chicken Masala,
Crab, and the Prawn Masala.
Rice and vegetables are included in the set and are typically unlimited.
The presentation is very appetizing. 🙂
If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, you can start with chicken and fish dishes to start your meal.
I love the Sambal options and Spicy Black Squid.
Make sure to order the Mutton in Masala or Mysore version.
The main dishes are good for sharing. The banana leaf-inspired plate is topped with actual banana leaves where you can put the rice and vegetables.
One of the appealing aspects of this place for Filipinos is the “rice-all-you-can”.
The waiter is very attentive and will serve vegetables when your plate is empty.
If you like spicy Indian food, you’ll love the different spice profiles of the curries.
The sauce is yummy on its own, very flavorful and spicy — just perfect with plain rice.
You can also opt to eat it with bread, which is good for dipping in the sauce and pairing with a bit of the meat.
Make sure to order sweet lime juice to counter the spiciness of the food.
Although, I prefer milk tea to cap off my meal.
My Singapore travel buddies during the Little India walking tour. 🙂
If you are adventurous, you can try the “chewing gum of the East” or…
…get plenty of mints to keep your breath fresh for the rest of the day.
Overall, I like The Banana Leaf Apolo’s spicy food, casual ambiance, clean surroundings and fast service. This Indian type of cuisine and style of eating is something I wish could be present in Manila.
Each main dish costs between S$5-S$10, which is good in terms of value for money. Order the unlimited plain rice with vegetables, which costs S$3/person.
Highly recommended to try when you are in Little India in Singapore!
THE BANANA LEAF APOLO (since 1974)
Where Dining is an Art
54, Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
Telephone: +65 6293-8682/ 5054
48, Serangoon Road, #01-31, Little India Arcade, Singapore 217959
Telephone: +65 6297-1595
Website: www.theBananaLeafApolo.com
Your Awesome Singapore Series:
- GARDENS BY THE BAY: Singapore’s Super Trees, Cloud Dome, and Sleeping Boy Child Art
- SINGAPORE CHINATOWN WALK: Red Clogs Down the Five Foot Way (A Review)
- SINGAPORE LITTLE INDIA WALK: Dhobis, Saris & a Spot of Curry (A Review)
- BANANA LEAF APOLLO: Indian Food We Love in Little India @VisitSingapore
- THE INTAN: Peranakan Heritage Home-Museum by Antique Collector Alvin Yapp
Singapore Tourism Board
Official Website: http://www.YourSingapore.com/
Facebook: Your Singapore
Twitter: @VisitSingapore
Youtube: Your Singapore
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If you have tips on awesome food and travel destinations, please email me at anton@diaz.ph.
Full Disclosure: Our Banana Leaf Apolo meal was courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board to promote Singapore as a holiday destination for Filipinos. I wrote this blog post myself, and it expresses my own opinions.
I have no business relationship with any company mentioned in this post or any organization promoting it. As a policy, I do not accept advertising from food and travel places we feature in the blog.
P.S. Tip: Make sure to try the original and bigger resto along Race Course road.