South Indian Food in Kuala Lumpur (Vishalatchi Banana Leaf Meal)

One of the absolute best reasons to visiti Malaysia is for its abundance of outstanding cuisine. And while local Malay and Chinese food are both insanely good, the Indian food is equally amazing. In Kuala Lumpur, much of the Indian food originates from the South of India, and much of it has Chettinad or Tamil Nadu influence. Banana leaf, as this meal is known throughout Kuala Lumpur, is basically a pile of rice sitting on top of a banana leaf that surrounded by a variety of vegetable curries and then one can also order meat or fish dishes on the side as well. The vegetarian curries change by the day, whatever fresh ingredients are available at the time are used. This particular day, there was an excellent beat curry, daal lentils, and some sort of okra curry.

Have you ever gone to a restaurant that was so good, you had to eat there multiple times in a row? That's exactly what happened to me at Vishalatchi Food and Catering Sou Indian Food restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. I had heard about it, and decided to go on a food excursion to go check it out. My first meal so so extraordinarily that the next day I returned fro breakfast and ended up eating nearly the same thing. I also returned again the next day for the same awesome feat, this place is literally that good! For this meal, I was greeted by the awesome South Indian staff, and when I began to film, they all were curious and wanted me to take their photos, it was great!

As for South Indian food, it's amazing. Along with the vegetarian side dishes at Vishalatchi, the meat and seafood is great. After long contemplation I finally decided on a bowl of dry fish curry known as fish puttu. It was nicely spiced and went extremely well with the pile of rice and other dishes. Another thing I really enjoyed was the bowl of yoghurt provided along with the meal. It just kind of brought all the South Indian food together in a harmony of flavors. The entire meal was so good, I simply could barely even believe it. For most of the meal, I honestly had to just close my eyes and savor every single bite! Another bonus of eating banana leaf meals like this in Malaysia is that you can basically eat as much rice and vegetarian dishes as you want - they will keep refilling your leaf until you surrender. If you do visit Kuala Lumpur this is one of the ultimate must eat at restaurants in the city, I know you'll love it!

Vishalatchi Food and Catering
Prices: I paid 13 RM for this meal and that includes rice and vegetarian sides (as much as you want), and also the fish dish and a tea
Address: 18 Jalan Scott, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lum 50470, Malaysia
Here are some direction on how to get there: From KL Sentral, walk down Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4 and take a left on Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad. Then you need to take that until it curves to the left but keep straight until you get to Jalan Scott where you make a left. Vishalatchi Food and Catering is on your left hand side before you get to the Hindu Temple.
Music used in this video:
Song Title: Firebrand
Author: Kevin MacLeod

[joanilsonsantos]

How incredible can culture be... I'm brazilian and I never imagined people in India ate with their own hands using a banana leaf as a plate. Very different from us... Great hug from this brazilian.

[aayushs]

I'm a North Indian living in Tamil Nadu and mate I gotta tell you I can't go a week without eating that meals. Plus they serve it with such happiness and joy. The taste that comes from that banana leaf will not come on a regular plate.

[yumsme]

I lived in Kerala for five months last year, and I have to admit that south Indian food is probably the best I've had anywhere in the world. Penang comes a close second! :-)

[MarkWiens]

Awesome to hear you've gone back to a restaurant twice in a row as well, sometimes the food is so good you just have to! Thank you for watching, I appreciate it!

[soumyapriyambada]

hello mark....u r the only person who eats the indian food in the right way with hands...i m impressed

[MarkWiens]

Thank you, I'm so glad to hear this, and I appreciate you watching my videos!

[klaasbarends]

Nothing beats eating food with your hands :-) 

[paulism]

knifes and forks are an evil western plot

[priyasri]

Its amazing Mark that inspite of not being used to eating with fingers you enjoy and appreciate food from different countries and cultures. You hardly complain and eat almost anything put in front of you. You are truly an inspiration!

[cecin]

If I ever get to stop by Malaysia I will bookmark this page . Looks so good . Thank you for your tips.

[navkaursidhu]

I love ur expression after eating every bite .. :)

[USAUSA]

It really is awesome to see foreigner eating Indian food and really really enjoying it, because I am an Indian. This is what we eat everyday at home. My wife cooks these awesome food, but we don't eat on banana leaf. However, we do eat with our hands. I don't understand why it is disgusting to use your own hands. If you wash them good before you eat, then you shouldn't have to worry about anything. I have been eating with my hands all of my life and I haven't gotten sick. I guess that's just WHITE mans etiquette thing. LOL.

[basheembash]

Am I the only one who is here from Tamil nadu

[MarkWiens]

Thanks Joel. Man, if you were there eating this feast, I don't think you could have even kept your eyes open - they would have been shut the entire meal out delicious disbelief and satisfaction. This was an epic meal dude!

[MarkWiens]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your support!

[riena]

I ate there many times...I'm so surprised you found this place ! quite hidden from the Brickfield main road....the food is so exceptionally delicious....

[MarkWiens]

Yes!!! Great to hear that, glad you loved it too!

[bassmania]

yea man south indian food is the treasure of the culinary world.. mmmm

[MarkWiens]

Thank you very much, I appreciate you support!

[adukaputra]

Malaysia have the best and most delicious Indian food outside of India, the food is authentic enough because there are a sizeable Indian community living in Malaysia, malaysian indians are special because basically they are still indians inside and outside..