ERODE AMMAN MESS | KUALA LUMPUR
SOUTH INDIAN BANANA LEAF KING
There are meals that just conjure all sorts of feelings. Banana leaf is one of them. The ritual. The act of sitting down. Waiting. Being given a tumbler and water. A leaf slides in front of you. Then the wait as the staff buzz around the room in methodical movements to serve each customer at the right time. First the chutneys and pickle. Then the vegetable side-dishes. Then the rice. Then the curries. Then the pappadom. Some ghee and jaggery.
By now you should of course have been to the washroom and got your hands ready. Back to the table, dance of delivery done, attack.
Erode Amman Mess is a popular place. At any given time you're going to have to write your name down and wait outside in the torturous sun before being called in. Once inside the service is quick and professional. The hosts eyes are constantly oogling the staff to make sure they perform correctly. I don't mind it. It's a well-oiled machine.
Being of vegetable fascinations, my knowledge of their meat-dishes is minor. I did have a mouthful of a delicious fish curry that punched above it's weight with deep, umami hits. The vegetarian curries are sublime. Each one with distinct flavours and spice blends. The endless carousel of rice-refils keeps even the largest belt-wearer happy.
Everything is fresh, delicious, and cleanly prepared. You have to think, of all the banana leaf options in Kuala Lumpur, not counting Acha Curry House which is 40 minutes way, but in the downtown umbrella:
Is Erode Amman Mess the best in town? I'd say yes.
