Bananabro, a popular Malaysian franchise, has landed in Queensbay Mall.
The outlet offers a vibrant, air-conditioned alternative to the traditional roadside eateries.
Looking for banana leaf rice with a modern twist in Penang?
Bananabro first caught my attention last year while I was hunting for lunch at 1 Utama.
But it was tucked away at another corner of the mall, and we ended up at a cafe for brunch and cakes instead.
This time, I made it a point to try the banana leaf rice franchise when it opened its spanking new outlet in Queensbay Mall, Penang.
First Impressions at Bananabro Queensbay Mall
I dropped by on Day 7 of operations, just after 1PM.
A queue had already formed, with the restaurant running close to full capacity.
The team looked understaffed—some tables had been cleared, others were still waiting.
I found out later that a few staff were out sick, including the manager, who still showed up to help out.
That kind of dedication deserves applause.
Despite the early chaos, I was seated within 20 minutes.
Why Try Bananabro in Penang?
Penangites are spoiled for choice when it comes to banana leaf rice—Little India alone offers a dizzying array of authentic options.
Homegrown brands like Passions of Kerala have a loyal following.
Places like The Garden serve vegetarian banana leaf meals in serene, garden-like settings.
So how does Bananabro, a franchise that started in KL in 2018, compare?
Known for their all-you-can-eat rice and curry sets, Bananabro offers a more polished, contemporary banana leaf experience—something new even for seasoned Penang foodies.
Bananabro Menu at Queensbay Mall
Bananabro’s menu is filled with South Indian and Malaysian fusion favourites.
Currently, the menu is smaller than other outlets.
Here’s a breakdown by category:
Chicken
- Butter Chicken – RM9.90
- Chicken Varuval – RM7.90
- Ayam Goreng Berempah – RM7.90
Ayam Goreng Berempah RM7.90
Seafood
- Fried Sotong (Squid Rings) – RM11.90
- Prawn Masala (Claypot) – RM24.90
- Fried Tenggiri – RM14.90
- Tenggiri Giri (Claypot) – RM19.90
Mutton
- Mutton Varuval – RM19.90
- Sambal Petai – RM9.90
Other Sets
Banana BRS (Unlimited Refill Banana Leaf Set) – RM13.90
- Gobi 65 Set – RM7.90
- Gobi Manchurian Set – RM9.90
- Onion Pakora Set – RM8.90
- Fried Peria – RM6.90
- Maggie Goreng Telur – RM11.90
Drinks
- Mango Lassi – RM9.90
- Teh Tarik Lawa – RM7.90
- Lemon Tea Cold – RM7.90
- Lychee Juice – RM9.90
- Sunset Lime – RM9.90
Bananabro is halal-certified and aims to deliver bold flavors in a vibrant setting.
Perfect for groups, families, and Instagrammers alike.
Final Verdict: Bananabro Penang
Bananabro Penang is a great spot if you’re curious about modern banana leaf rice dining in a mall setting.
For me, the food isn’t as authentically spicy or rich as what you’d find in Little India, Penang.
But it offers value, variety, and a polished experience.
If you’re the kind who can ride out early service hiccups, Bananabro Queensbay Mall still delivers a hearty, satisfying meal.
Many diners on Day 1 gave it five stars—perhaps helped by the free meal promo.
Just manage your expectations, and you might leave pleasantly full and a little nostalgic for the original banana leaf joints in George Town.
BananaBro Queensbay Mall
3F-03A, Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, such as free meals, monetary payment, or services, has been received from featured establishments.
