A few weeks ago, I mentioned in one of my posts that I had been craving Briyani. Unfortunately, the restaurant at Adelphi Mall, where I had planned to eat, was closed due to a holiday. At first, it was frustrating, but I eventually forgot about it after a few days. However, my Briyani craving returned, so I decided to visit another place I had noticed while dining at one of the Food Republic food courts. The restaurant’s name is Shami Banana Leaf Delights!
Before I talk about the food, I’d like to share my thoughts on the name of the place first. I’m impressed by the thought that went into it—it has a nice rhyme and gives the impression that they serve authentic and delicious Indian cuisine. So, props to whoever came up with the name because it’s both inviting and cleverly crafted.
The place is quite small since it's part of a food court. They have a separate dining area specifically for their customers, but there's also the option to sit in the main dining space, which is shared by all the food stalls. The advantage of having their own section is that they can customize the restaurant’s design, making it look more upscale compared to the other stalls.
And since they have their own dining area, people often choose to order from them just to get a better table and enjoy a more comfortable dining experience.
But of course, it all comes down to how good the food is—which is exactly what I’m about to share!
Although the place looks and feels like a small restaurant, the ordering system is similar to that of other food stalls. I still had to go to the counter to choose the dishes to accompany the Chicken Briyani, mix and match the sides, and select the type of chicken—either the one braised in sauce or the deep-fried option. I opted for the braised chicken in a thick red curry sauce.
Among the available side dish options, I chose a refreshing mix of cucumber and pineapple. I picked it because I wanted something to tone down the heat of the Chicken Briyani.
I'm quite happy with how I selected all these dishes for my "banana leaf" plate. As a bonus, every Briyani dish comes with a piece of Apalam. I really like this thin cracker because it adds an interesting texture to the meal.
I made the right choice by picking the fresh salad as a side dish—it really helped balance the spice and heat of the curry. I enjoyed this combination!
The meat consists of a quarter of a chicken—the breast and wings. It's acceptable because the lean breast pairs well with the sauce. The curry, however, is a more commercialized version with less spice and heat to cater to non-Indian customers.
In conclusion, my visit to Shami Banana Leaf Delights exceeded my expectations with its clever name, inviting atmosphere, and thoughtfully designed ordering experience. The perfectly balanced flavors of the braised chicken, Briyani, and refreshing sides made for a memorable meal that truly satisfied my cravings. Overall, this food court gem offers a unique twist on traditional Indian cuisine and is well worth a visit for anyone seeking a delicious adventure.
