Traditional Indian Banana Leaf Rice (Muthu) at Acheen Street

BY CK Lam

There are several iconic banana leaf rice eateries in George Town and one of them is Traditional Indian Banana Leaf Rice. Most Penangites would not have realized this eatery although it is located in the UNESCO heritage zone.

This eatery also known to many as Muthu was once located in Lumut Lane (Lorong Lumut). It has since shifted to a shop house in the neighbouring Acheen Street (Lebuh Acheh). There are a few small tables leaning against the wall and another long communal table on the right side of the entrance. It caters mostly to the lunch time crowd who are mainly regular local Indians.

The banana leaf rice is a kaleidoscope of flavours. A serving comes with white rice, three choices of condiments and side vegetables (rotated on a daily basis).  The vegetable choices are taugeh in tumeric (bean sprouts), dalca and ‘limau’ based chutney which has a slightly spicy and sourish flavor.

 

Customers can enjoy the white rice with three choices of gravy – chicken, fish and crab served  in metal buckets. Together with the different medley of mild curry flavours, the rice is simply delicious.

The white rice, chutney, vegetables and curry gravies are refillable, so ask for a second helping if you do not have enough.

 

There is a small variety of meat and seafood dishes – mutton tripe curry, deep-fried fish, chicken curry and stir-fried chicken, all served on metal plates. Particularly enjoyable is the stir-fried chicken which is full of different spices.

Dry stir-fried chicken dish

Mutton tripe curry

Dishes of deep-fried fish and chicken curry 

 

This hidden gem without a signboard is not fancifully decorated but it serves cozy home cooked dishes with right blend of flavors. Click here for the Map Location.

 

Non-air-conditioned interior

 Look out for the small building with white facade

 

Traditional Indian Banana Leaf Rice
143 Acheen Street (Lebuh Acheh)
10200 Penang

Business Hours: Early to late lunch

Closed on Sundays