Shobana’s Kitchen @Penang Street

Located next door to Via Pre is Shobana’s Kitchen - a banana leaf restaurant-named after the proprietor’s mother. Almost every table was occupied by Indians so you know the food must be authentic . Shobana’s Kitchen was formerly located in KL’s Jalan Gasing but relocated to Penang in 2020. The interior decor is homely with pictures of Indian ladies on the walls. But there are chandeliers on the ceilings, a nice touch of luxury.

Prices are I think reasonable for the vegetarian banana leaf set lunch with two vegetable curries, papads plus sambal. I think Shobana’s serves top quality basmati rice. The rice portions are huge. If you are a light eater, ask for a single scoop of rice. At banana leaf restaurants, diners can choose to add optional extras like drinks and desserts and meat or fish. I ordered a fish curry (it came with tomatoes and eggplant), fish cakes and the excellent deep fried crispy bitter gourd in batter. Dessert - green peas in a milk based sauce-in a thimble was complimentary.

My total bill was RM36.30.

The proprietor personally took my order and later dropped by my table to enquire about the food. It was of course excellent. 👍