Banana Leaf & More @ Fierce Curry House, Bangsar, Malaysia
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Choice of curries
Fish biryani Cooling coconut
Basic banana leaf
Crab curry
Prawn curry Mutton curry
Ice lemon tea
Pan fried squid
Juicy drumstick
Battered and fried tingirri
Even babies come for the biryani 🙂 Payasam – south Indian tapioca dessert
Sweet ending – Nutella roti canai
Not only does Fierce Curry House have a reputation for the best Hyderabadi Dhum Biryani in KL they do a mighty fine weekend banana leaf too. The traditional set of white rice, four vegetables, crispy papadams, deep fried bitter gourd, fried chilis, rasum (a sour soup) and your choice of curries – fish, chicken or dahl, sells for 5.50RM. Once you’ve seen their selection of other curries and fried proteins though you’ll want to start adding some things to your leaf – no matter how small or large your stomach. Choose marinated meats from the cool box and they’ll be lightly fried up in front of you – squid that is tender not chewy, chicken that is so juicy and soft that you’ll be gnawing the last bite off the bone, and flaky fish quickly pan fried to maintain its moisture. Or, take a gander at the curry buffet. Choose from at least 10 different styles, prawn and crab being my top picks. Although you will probably be stuffed by the time you get through lunch, do save a little space for dessert. With NUTELLA, peanut butter and banana roti canai all on the menu, you have no option but to finish with something sweet.
Constantly watching my ‘lines,’ the lack of oily puddles surrounding the food is highly appreciated and somewhat unique compared to previous banana leaf experiences. When asked why the fish didn’t taste fishy, the prawns clean, the squid not chewy and the chicken not dry (again unlike some unnamed ‘other’ vendors), Herukh, the passionate owner, replies that it is due to the fact that all ingredients are purchased fresh daily and nothing is kept for the following day. Originally feeling cautious with a name like “Fierce” (I was expecting inedibly spicy dishes), we were happy to find the tactful use of ‘kick’ balanced with the other subtle seasonings, allowing all flavours a chance shine on the playing field. And now for a cultural tip: If you agree with me that the food is worth the trip, fold your banana leaf towards yourself when done. This indicates signs of contentment and an intention that you’ll return.
Opened for less than four months, Fierce Curry House has made a tremendous start, but there are still many exciting things to look forward to. Soon they will have a FULL selection of tandoor with the coming of their own oven. Their gourmet biryani aspirations (lobster, scallop, venison) are on their way to being perfected and there are even whispers that another outlet will be opening in the near future.
