Singapore's Banana Leaf

Hidden in the quieter back section of The Original Farmers Market, Singapore’s Banana Leaf stands apart from the flashier food stalls nearby. With its modest wooden sign and illuminated menu photos behind the register, this Singaporean and Indonesian spot has a charm that feels refreshingly unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where the food does all the talking.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the fried roti paratha. Crispy on the outside yet impossibly gooey when you tear it apart, each piece begs to be dunked into the rich, cinnamon-laced curry sauce that accompanies it. The beef rendang is another standout—buttery, nutty, and perfectly balanced with tender chunks of meat that practically fall apart at the touch of a fork. For groups, the mee goreng is essential: those salty, garlicky noodles have a way of vanishing from the table before anyone realizes what happened.

What makes Singapore’s Banana Leaf special goes beyond the food. Everything is made to order, so you’ll wait about fifteen minutes while stealing glances at neighboring tables enjoying their meals. It’s worth every second. Whether you’re grabbing a solo lunch or sharing plates with friends, the experience feels intimate and genuine—a rare find in such a bustling tourist destination.

If you find yourself anywhere near The Grove, make the detour. This isn’t just a convenient pit stop while running errands; it’s a destination worth seeking out on its own merits. The paratha alone is reason enough to become a regular.