Sri Paandi

Its a pity when you’re let down by a restaurant you used to go regularly to. Sri paandi is an example. A convenient hang out spot for the neighbourhood, it was a weekly haunt for my friends and I in the mornings. Now, we’ve resolved to not go there anymore. Why the harsh judgement?
Well for one, they are dishonest. Since gst implementation, it is to be expected to have your meals charged an extra 6% and it was no different here. That was to be expected. Well, on one occasion when we asked for the receipt, boy, did they kick up a fuss. Apparently, when there is no receipt they can conveniently pocket the extra 6% for themselves. It left us shocked by how rude they were when it came down to this.
Food is typical of an Indian mamak but our treatment left a bitter aftertaste, sure to be there for a long while.

Sri Paandi’s is a so-​so banana leaf restaurant. I frequent the one in Briekfields and i feel it has deteriorated over the years. The restaurant is not very clean, and its way to packed for my liking. The service is okay, they serve you your banana leaf etc. quickly but for papadom and acar etc you need to wait for a bit as they can get pretty busy. A downside to eating here is that parking is god awful. I mean it is Briekfields right?
I would opt to eat at Devi’s Corner or Nirvana although its more expensive. Its tastier and clean too. Way more worth it taht Sri Paandi’s.

There an only be one authetic Sri Paandi’s and this is it. Yes, folks, you heard it here. All other places named Sri Paandi’s are not branches, only frauds. The only branch of Sri Paandi’s I know is also somewhere in PJ near Jalan Gasing but it has since closed so as far as I know there is only this one.
Sri Paandi’s is the ultimate banana leaf rice experience and eating with your hands will make the whole meal better. Trust me. Their veges come to your table piping hot and you get to pick smaller plates of fried or spiced chicken or fish. I personally recommend a plate of deep fried bitter gourd to go with your banana leaf meal.
As always, if one has enjoyed one’s meal in a banana leaf restaurant, this is usually indicated by folding the leaf forward towards you, which I have done many times here.

Every now and then, hot rice served with curry and vegetables on a banana leaf is something I look forward to.
One of my regular spot for banana leaf rice is Sri Paandi in Petaling Jaya. They have been around for decades and only recently, say 3 years ago, I only came to know about this gem.
This place is usually packed during lunch hours and it may take some time for the waiters to bring your orders to you.
It can get pretty chaotic at times, when there are too many customers coming in and out. One time I had to wait about 15 minutes then only I was served. Sometimes, it would only take less than 5 minutes.
However, be it 5 or 15 minutes, the food is worth the wait. Their fried chicken and fried squid is superb! I would usually go for either or when I feel I need some pampering, I would order both!
One negative point is that the vegetable that goes with the rice can be inconsistent and at times it doesn’t look very presentable.
Banana leaf rice is only served at 12noon onwards, anytime before that, they will serve typical Indian breakfast; roti canai, dhosai, chapatti and etc.
I recommend going for the breakfast too.