Banana Leaf | Rice

In Indian Cuisine

 Food served on a banana leaf in Karnataka, India. South Indian cuisine is usually served on a banana leaf, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh and also in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka. On any festive occasion the food must be served on or in a banana leaf. The banana leaf is also used for wrapping fish, which can then be steamed. It is essential for Indians to use it for cooking and serving food because banana leaf is waterproof, large and decorative.

That's a wrap of the banana leaf history, And to those whom never had the chance of getting served by banana leaf, I'll tell you about what's been served actually. In banana leaf meals, white rice is served with mixtures of vegetables, papadum, pickles. The choice of banana leaves is mainly due to the broad leaves which can actually gives comfy to eat. Typically, only vegetarian gravy (sambar) will be served on the rice as it is meant to be a traditional vegetarian dish. 

However, sometimes boiled eggs, curried or fried meat or seafood are served as well. Traditionally, there will be two servings of rice with the first being served with gravy, side dishes and condiments whilst the second serving will be just rice with curd as a palate cleanser. The banana leaf acts as a disposable plate and it in itself is not consumed.Banana leaf meals are eaten by hand.