Singapore's Banana Leaf

"We love The Original Farmers Market. Yes, it’s touristy and often overcrowded, but it’s also vibrant and fun, and if you can get there before 11am, downright magical. That said, there aren't many vendors here we'd go out of our way for, vs. just stopping by on our way to do some shopping at The Grove. Singapore’s Banana Leaf, however, is an exception to that rule. Located in the quieter back half of the market, this Singaporean/Indonesian spot isn’t just our favorite stall here, it’s a place you need to be eating at whether you have errands to run afterward or not. With its tiny wooden sign swinging from the ceiling and a small menu behind the cash register with light-up pictures of the dishes, it’s a stark departure from the flashier vendors nearby, which only adds to its charm. You’ll order at the register, hang out for about 15 minutes (SBL makes everything to order), and stare longingly at the nearby tables that are already enjoying their food. photo credit: Andrea D'Agosto No matter if it’s 100 degrees out or 60 degrees out, every meal at Singapore’s Banana Leaf needs to start with an order of fried roti paratha. It’s flaky and crispy, yet still gooey enough to tear apart into tiny pieces and dunk into the rich curry sauce that accompanies it. If you’re on a solo lunch mission, go for the beef rendang. The buttery and savory notes balance each other out perfectly, and it comes filled with plentiful heaps of tender beef that could be cut with a spoon if you wanted. If you’re with coworkers or friends, however, go all-out. Load up your table with sweet and creamy laksa soup, moist chicken satay, and a big plate of mee goreng noodles that have a long history of vanishing without anyone realizing it. There isn’t a bad dish on the menu, and that’s reason enough to keep coming back - regardless if you have to stop at Zara on the way out or not. Food Rundown photo credit: Andrea D'Agosto Paratha If there’s a better roti paratha in LA, we don’t know it. Theirs is perfectly-fried, but still retains a flaky translucent quality that allows you to tear it into tiny, gooey pieces and dip into the cinnamony curry sauce that comes on the side. This is a must-order. photo credit: Andrea D'Agosto Beef Rendang Buttery and nutty with just the right amount of sweetness, this is our order if we’re at SBL alone or simply need a plate of food to cry into for a little bit. photo credit: Andrea D'Agosto Laksa This is nowhere near our favorite bowl of laksa in town (on off days, the broth can be a bit watery), but it’s also the only version you’ll find within miles of West Hollywood. That last part should hold significance for locals on cold, rainy winter days. photo credit: Andrea D'Agosto Mee Goreng No meal is complete at Singapore’s Banana Leaf without a plate of their mee goreng hanging out in the middle of the table for everyone to grab at. It’s salty, garlicky, and filled with pan-fried noodles that slowly soak up the sticky, sweet sauce that surrounds it." - Brant Cox

"Choosing a favorite vendor at The Original Farmers Market is like picking your favorite scene that Jennifer Coolidge stole—deeply personal and next to impossible. But for us, it’s Singapore’s Banana Leaf. No matter if it’s 100 degrees out or 60 degrees out, we always gravitate to this tiny stall for excellent Singaporean staples like the sweet and creamy laksa soup and some of the best beef rendang in town, filled with plentiful heaps of beef that could be cut with a spoon if you wanted. That said, no meal here is complete without a side order of their flaky roti paratha and curry dipping sauce. Unlike many stalls at the market, SBL makes everything to order, so expect to wait a little longer for your food, but know that it’s worth it." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Choosing a favorite vendor at The Original Farmers Market is like picking your favorite scene that Jennifer Coolidge stole - deeply personal and next to impossible. But for us, it’s Singapore’s Banana Leaf. No matter if it’s 100 degrees out or 60 degrees out, we always find ourselves gravitating to this tiny stall for excellent Singaporean staples like the sweet and creamy laksa soup and one of the best beef rendangs in town. It’s buttery, yet earthy and filled with plentiful heaps of tender beef that could be cut with a spoon if you wanted. That said, no meal here is complete without a side order of their perfectly flaky roti paratha and curry dipping sauce. Unlike many stalls at the market, SBL makes everything to order, so expect to wait a little longer for your food, but just know that it’s worth it." - brant cox

"Singapore’s Banana Leaf is a staple at the Original Farmers Market. While fans know the outdoor dining marketplace for its produce, doughnuts, and history, it’s the grilled meat satay skewers, laksa curry soups, and pan-fried noodles that help to make this one of the best places for a bite anywhere in Los Angeles." - Eater Staff

"If you live in LA and have accumulated children, spending an afternoon at The Grove is a given. See’s Candy is obviously on the agenda, but before that, head over to Singapore’s Banana Leaf at The Original Farmers Market. You and your kids can slurp down sweet, creamy laksa or the best beef rendang in town. Plus, the tiny stall is located on the back side of the market, far enough away from the hoards of other unattended children in case you and your offspring need to take a full breath or two." - brant cox