Passions of Kerala is a very well-known traditional banana leaf restaurant in Penang. Started by Mr Gary Nair, it saw its humble beginnings as a small family sundry store which then turned into the popular restaurant we know now.

They opened their first branch in Gelugor, Penang in 1987 and it is still operating up until today. A second restaurant was opened in 2006 at the New World Park, strategically located in the heart of Georgetown. The owner’s son – Mr Roy Nair has been helping his father in managing the New World Park branch for the last 7 years.

We spoke to Roy and he shared with us that the secret recipes behind their Kerala-inspired dishes originated from his grandmother. Kerala is a state in South India and their traditional dishes use a lot of coconut oil in their cooking. His grandmother kept these flavours but localised it to the local Penangnites’ taste. These recipes were subsequently handed down to his aunt and now, to their kitchen helper and trusted cook, fondly known as “Ah Poh” who spent the last 30 years working with the Nair family.

You cannot visit Passions of Kerala without trying their signature banana leaf rice. Supposedly known as the healthiest food in the world, this is a balanced vegetarian meal served with 4 types of vegetable dishes (papadom, morro, rassam and dhal curry) atop a banana leaf. Diners can choose between white rice and fragrant tomato rice (additional charge of RM 1.00 for tomato rice). At Passions of Kerala, 27 to 30 vegetable side dishes are served on rotation throughout the week so that their returning guests (many of them!) get to sample different side dishes each time.

Papadom served together with rice and dishes.

Rice and dishes served atop the banana leaf.

Different types of curries to accompany your banana leaf rice.

Drown your rice with one of their fragrant and delicious curries.

Besides serving their famous banana leaf rice, Passions of Kerala also offers plenty of a-la-carte dishes. They come with the option of a small, medium or large serving so you don’t have to worry if you’re here alone or with a huge group. Here are some “must-try side dishes” in this restaurant that we had, and you should too.

Deep-fried bitter gourd – thinly sliced bitter gourd battered with spices and fried to perfection.

Deep fried squid (Fried Sotong) – crispy fried squid battered with special spices.

Deep-fried ladies fingers – thinly sliced ladies fingers battered with spices and fried to perfection.

Fried Chicken Sambal – fried chicken served with rich, spicy sauce. Caution: it lives up to its name and is super spicy!

Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian milk-based sweet. A perfect soft texture that isn’t too sweet, unlike other classic Indian desserts we’ve tried before.

Never forget to order the signature Teh Tarik. Sweet, rich and flavourful, this drink complements the spicy dishes served here perfectly.

Passions of Kerala, Penang

Operation Hours: 12.00pm – 3.30pm and 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Address: New World Park, Jalan Burma, Georgetown, 10050 Penang, Malaysia.
www.passionsofkerala.com

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Team

Contributing Writer

The team - Meet the fun, witty & boisterous Penang Marcom family!

About Hpaper editors