The Banana Leaf Apolo image

The Banana Leaf Apolo

Restaurant Indian restaurant

👍👍 Nice selection of Indian cuisine. The food here taste good and there different types of rice to choose from. This restaurant is fairly large and able to hold quite a number of diners, though we do find our table for 6 a bit cramp in size. People often mention fish, rice, curry, Indian, good, head, time, ordered, restaurant, briyani,


Address

54 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218564

Website

www.thebananaleafapolo.com

Contact

+65 6293 8682

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

3.90 (3.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Saturday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Sunday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Monday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fish (25) rice (23) curry (20) Indian (14) good (13) head (13) time (12) ordered (11) restaurant (10) briyani (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kelvin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice selection of Indian cuisine. The food here taste good and there different types of rice to choose from. This restaurant is fairly large and able to hold quite a number of diners, though we do find our table for 6 a bit cramp in size.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam Toh (. 5 months ago on Google • 198 reviews
    Apollo Banana Leaf Indian Food is a culinary delight! The Briyani Mutton is a flavor explosion - tender, fragrant, and perfectly spiced. The Tandoori Prawn is a succulent masterpiece, charred to perfection. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff enhance the experience. Whether you're a foodie or a spice enthusiast, Apollo is a must-visit for a mouthwatering journey through Indian cuisine. This place is a true gem that satisfies cravings and ignites a love for authentic Indian flavors. Don't miss out on this remarkable culinary adventure!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrew K. 2 years ago on Google
    Less crowded now n so it’s a good time to visit. The cooking is right on point, authentic n definitely tasty. The Fish Head curry is what they are famous for n it is a must to have a go at it. I had the Bryani rice set which comes with free flow of Bryani rice, n 2 sides. These two sides are equally tasty n the Bryani rice is fluffy n not oily. Overall, very hearty lunch.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vivien T. 7 months ago on Google • 648 reviews
    Came here for late lunch avoiding the lunch crowd on Saturday. Ordered the large fish head, Gobu Manchurian, Bhindi Masala. Overall food was good, the spicy really hit our expectation. Fish Head Curry was really good. Service wise pretty prompt.

  • 5/5 Dennis Y. 1 year ago on Google
    First time dining at this famous Indian restaurant with my overseas friend. The standard of food here was great. By lunchtime, it starts to get crowded. We will definitely be back to try other food from their menu.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 suzen 2 months ago on Google • 481 reviews New
    It had been the longest time since the last visit. Was caught in sudden heavy downpour. Might as well to dine-in at, since along the shophouses. Still as delicious. Recently been to other outlets at Nex & Steven Road. PS : should be at Sixth Ave outlet. At Nex, it isn't under Banana Leaf 😋

  • 4/5 Belle O. 2 months ago on Google • 101 reviews New
    Had this many times in the past but recent visit for a birthday celebration is really expensive. Though the food are generally delicious, some of the portions are too small for the price we paid. Given the high price, not wise to indulge like this all the time as there are many other cheaper options out there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 randall 2 months ago on Google • 406 reviews New
    Haven't been in decades, and prices have really gone through the roof. No wonder I always hear people complaining about their prices. Thankfully, food is still good! Portions are okay too, but you can tell they're losing customers to the competition along the street. Heard a couple talking and the guy told his gf, he's eaten them all, and they're not that different. I'm not familiar enough with the food to judge, but at least I like the food here! Plus the brand name for Apolo. We ordered the black squid, gobi65, medium fish head, 2 garlic naan, rice, 2 mango lasi, 2 coke zeros. S$120+, inclusive of tax. So yeahhh.. it's really not that cheap

  • 3/5 Sally T. 2 months ago on Google • 350 reviews New
    Squid, Teh and Pappadum were good. Dum briyani rice was very peppery and spicy. Mutton cube was good and briyani each comes with one egg. Serving was medium size. Suitable for sharing. We wasn’t offered any vegetables as done by other restaurants nearby. Pricing is steep. Order from the menu, enjoy your food then pay at the cashier.

  • 3/5 Rose T. 5 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    My parents and me were there for lunch, ordered the medium sized curry fish head with briyani rice and lime juice. The curry and side vegetables were flavourful, of acceptable spiciness . Medium size fish head portion was just nice for 3pax. The bill came up to $80+.. Feel that their food is over-priced. Go to them if u don't mind paying a bit more
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 NaveeN K. 10 months ago on Google
    Visited on a working day for lunch, not much wait time. But the food and service could be improved a lot. Food: we ordered 4-5 dishes and we liked only the chicken 65, Veg meal was the most disappointing item, not worth the money. Most items are standard items like briyani, fish fry and it was all very average. The bill came to around 70$ after gst and tax, which is way too costly for the quality of food and service. I was looking forward to lunch but the output was disappointing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jason O. 11 months ago on Google
    Established in 1974, Banana Leaf Apolo's Curry Fishhead is as famous as their rival, Muthu's Curry. Today, they are still popular with locals and tourists alike. This is my first visit in many years, and since I don't remember my last visit, this was as good as my first time. The place was about 1/3 full when I arrived before noon, and by the time I left, it was more than half full, so I guess they must have their fair share of fans and regulars. We ordered the small fishhead curry, I opted for biryani rice while my friend had white rice. The rice was served on a banana leaf with vegetables, and the fishhead curry was served very quickly, much to my surprise. The biryani rice was fragrant and nice, but I was a bit disappointed by the curry. It was quite watery, and wasn't quite as tasty as I expected. The dish was not very hot, which I suspect was pre-prepared. The fish was also a bit tough. It's not terrible, but there are better curry fishhead around. It's still nice to drop by for the whole eating on a banana leaf experience, which is not common nowadays.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Studio S. 10 months ago on Google
    From savory curries to aromatic biryanis, each dish I tried was bursting with flavors that transported me to the vibrant streets of India. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of the food was impeccable. The Banana Leaf Apolo truly showcases the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Indian cuisine. Service not up to best level. But food top quality. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thayaashangar Theivendran (. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a traditional Indian restaurant, but their food are tastier. One highlighting factor of this Restaurant is if you order the Bruyani (I ordered the Vegitable Bruyani) with other side dishes, you can get unlimited Bruyani portation. You will always leave the place with full stomach. One of the must try item in this restaurant is their Signature dish Fish Head Curry. Careful when ordering this, because it will take minimum four person to finish this dish 😁
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Esmonde T. 1 year ago on Google
    The Banana Leaf Apolo is known for their great selection of North and South Indian cuisines. The spices were amazing and their curry fish head was surprisingly good. For someone that can’t take heat and spice very well, it was okay. Did I mention their had white/Briyani rice is free flow? Not to mention their papadum. Will definitely bring all my friends from overseas there to experience great authentic Indian food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 IVY M. 4 months ago on Google • 264 reviews
    1st visit dated on 4th week Nov 2023. We ordered curry fish head small size but for 2 persons were too much for us as we are small eater and was quite a big whole fish head. Price reasonable. Taste wise not outstanding. Fish meat over cooked and dry. 2nd dish, the Dum briyani mutton meat tender and moist but the rice not fragrance because of the strong mutton smell taken over. The last dish was Bhindi masala, actually is okra with sambal gravy. Tasted good and soft texture.

  • 5/5 Ngj313 5 months ago on Google • 169 reviews
    Ripoff ! The rice which was supposedly free flow is so expensive! Give it a try when you are in little India. Our bill was about $100. We ordered medium fish head curry, tandoori chicken and we got the portion of rice which comes with vegetables and gravy. Masala tea was bad- skip. Overall a nice experience and you can bring your family and friends if they are from out of town! However it’s not worthwhile to order the rice if u r not a big eater !

  • 5/5 Beary B. 2 months ago on Google • 118 reviews New
    All Time Favourite This restaurant has been around since the 1980s and is still a hot favourite. Over the years, they’ve improved on their food and the success of this has been reflected in their always crowded restaurant at meal times. Their signature is the mutton mysore, an all time favourite. Others that shine are the masala chicken and cabbage. Service is as prompt as it can be. Right after you are seated, banana leaves are put on your table. The next waiter comes with the free flow vegetables and puts some on the leaf. Then another comes and puts the rice and yet another the curry gravy. They’ve worked this sequence to perfection. This should happen with 3-4 min after you are seated so long as the restaurant is not over crowded. A couple minutes later, the main dishes are served. Prices are a little on the high side but the food is good. Over the years, I have not been disappointed.

  • 3/5 Gatsby 2 months ago on Google • 67 reviews New
    Liked exotic vibe here. Visited for dinner during holidays, most of seats were fully occupied. Ordered signature menu of fish head curry which is more like spicy soup. It is unique locally food for me so worth to try during travel , but it is not for family with children due to spicy flavor. It goes well with the rice better than nan. And basic rice menu is served with vegetables. Just rice is not in the menu, fyr. Would like to try crab something in next time.

  • 5/5 Patrick G. 2 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    Kannan was an excellent server; the fish curry and chicken masala were highlights

  • 5/5 OLUWOLE A. 3 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    My best Indian Restaurant in the world. Service perfect. Food is excellent. Signature Fish Head, Prawn Massalla, Lamb Shank...Yummy. Everytime I come to Singapore, I have to do at least one meal here.

  • 5/5 Gokila V. 10 months ago on Google
    Famous Indian local restaurant in Singapore. All menu items are available throughout the day. No lunch hour only, dinner menu only concept. The food quantity is high. Fish cutlet tasted really really awesome with more fish than potato. Once seated they provide papad with mint chutney. I did not see fish briyani in the menu, but when asked they said they do have and we got one. Not my type of fish briyani as i usually prefer the manchurian type fish in briyani. There is a party hall at level1. Fish head curry is the famous item. Its served in a big white basin and it is tempting to taste. Drinks are also available.

  • 5/5 Lesedi M. 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Went to Banana Leaf for dinner with my colleagues while on a business trip in Singapore, we really enjoyed the authentic Indian food. Our food was served on banana leaves which was a really cool experience plus the food was exceptional and tasty. The service was also good.

  • 4/5 Christopher Mun Cheng H. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing Indian food👌🏻 A well-known and well-loved instituition in the SG food scene, the dishes here are bang full of flavour and depth, allowing you to leave very satisfied every time😌

  • 5/5 J 8 months ago on Google
    First time at banana leaf on a Friday evening. Atmosphere was great. Gotta say the fish head curry packed a punch with the rich, tangy flavour of the gravy. Perfect match with the biryani rice.

  • 3/5 Lars F C. 11 months ago on Google
    The food was very nice. In the chicken tikka masala you could taste many different tastes, it was just enough spice. High quality food. Very good indian food, but the room was terrible, it was VERY noisy wherefore I cut the dinner short. The food deserve a highere score, but I cannot due to the noice. It ruined my meal.

  • 5/5 Noremac R. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a 10/10 must have! My wife and I ate here on our first night in Singapore. It was easy to find the Chefs specials so we ordered them. Apolo fish head curry (Snapper) Chicken tika masala Garlic naan I'm not a fish guy but thus curry was amazing. Perfectly cooked, moist fish and such deep flavour in the curry. Even though we ordered medium size, it was big. Enough for 3-4 to share. The chicken tikka was the best I've ever had. That paired with the garlic naan some rice and the cucumber Raita, Wow. Absolutely amazing.

  • 3/5 mahina a. 10 months ago on Google
    Service was very slow but it was also weekend crowd. Food quantity was small for the price paid. $45 non-veg tandoori platter pictured. The chicken gravy we ordered was great! Mutton briyani was below average.

  • 5/5 Bobby C. 9 months ago on Google
    Very friendly and attentive staff 👍 The food is great. Tandoori Chicken is a must try. We found the fish in the Curry Fish a bit tough. The Lamb Shank was lovely and the Mutton and Chicken Briyani, delicious 😋

  • 2/5 shktsui 1 year ago on Google
    I believe the food is quite authentic. I like the Chicken Malsala. We had a causal dinner here last night. I am told this is a very popular restaurant in Little India. We arrived at about 7 and got our seats for 3 people quickly, even the restaurant seemed a bit full. I was pushed to order quickly but I haven't been able to fully study the menu yet. The place is a bit noisy for me. I finished my meal and quickly left.

  • 2/5 C L. 1 year ago on Google
    Found a pretty big ant in my water (which tasted like tap water - charged 20 cents for this?). I only enjoyed the black daal, their star dish, fish curry was a downright disappointment. The fish was soo tough. The biryani rice is filled with too much spices that every mouthful requires me spitting out some spices, really dampens the eating experience. Bill came up to 70+. My neighbourhood Indian food offers better taste, value and cleanliness.

  • 3/5 Aeron G. 1 year ago on Google
    Curry fish was nice. But for those who cant eat spicy, pls be more cautious because its really super spicy. We ordered the tomato stew mixed vege too. This is an interesting dish and taste very nice. The downside was the briyani. The chicken was dry and tasteless. The overall price is abit towards higher end. Overall was just satisfied for me.

  • 5/5 Deepak S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food. Enjoyed it to the max. Value for money but sadly can get real noisy. Not a place for a quiet dining if you are looking for. But you gonna enjoy the food for sure !

  • 5/5 V C. 1 year ago on Google
    We were enjoy the night with friends. First time here. Loved the curry fish head and butter chicken, the lamb was abit salty. Overall was a great experience


Call +65 6293 8682 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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