This family-run banana leaf restaurant is Puchong’s little secret with delicious mutton varuval

When it comes to matters of food, Puchong generally wants for nothing. The town has so many restaurants, cafes, warungs and kopitiams that it can sometimes leave people lost for choice. That said, some of these eateries are more hidden than others. And it is these eateries which are Puchong’s little secret. One such secret is none other than Restoran Chakra, a banana leaf restaurant you might not even notice if for one strange detail.

Hidden banana leaf spot

Image Credit: Big Ben on Google Review (Left), Sean Tan on Google Review (Right)

Also known to some locals as Puchong Mess, Restoran Chakra is located deep inside Bandar Puteri, close to the local Columbia Asia. Drive into Jalan Puteri 7/9 and you will come across a shop lot with signage reading Chakra Catering Services. Instead of a restaurant, you will have a kitchen instead, preparing all sorts of Indian food. Confused? Take a look at the stairway next to the shop instead. It is hard to miss, with the many pairs of shoes placed at the foot of the staircase. Remove your shoes and begin the ascent. You will find what you are looking for soon enough.

No-frills place

Restoran Chakra is located atop its kitchen, a rarity for most restaurants. And unlike most Indian restaurants, this eatery is the definition of simple and no-frills. There are very few decorations and there are only banquet tables which you share with others. Not too different from eating at a school canteen. Despite this, Restoran Chakra tends to have quite the lunch crowd on most days. It seems that everyone in Puchong knows of this banana leaf restaurant.

All sorts of veggies & fruits

Image Credit: VH Koo on Google Review (Left), KK Liew on Google Review (Right)

The restaurant makes up for its lack of frills with its rapid and efficient service. This is a family business which has been operating for over a decade now, so the staff know what they are doing. Once you are seated, you will have your banana leaf with rice laid out before you, always with the vegetables of the day. These can be beetroot poriyal, mango patchadi, vazhapoo poriyal (banana flower), watermelon raita or keerai kootu (spinach). Every new day brings with it new dishes, and you can see what is on offer by referring to a whiteboard next to the entrance.

Must-try mutton varuval

Image Credit: Hon Leong Tiong on Google Review (Left), KK Liew on Google Review (Right)

When it comes to meat dishes, you have several options but one stands out above the rest. In the restaurant’s Google Reviews, many people sing praises of the mutton varuval. This praise is merited, as the meat is perfectly tender and the vavural itself is perfectly balanced with both spices and flavours. Another dish often recommended by customers is the bright red chicken 65. This dish is best enjoyed when its fresh and hot out of the kitchen. As you bite into the crispy skin, you will almost certainly hear a crunch before tasting the flavourful meat beneath.

Seafood dishes

One dish which is available once every blue moon is the crab curry. So, if you happen to come on a day it’s available, feel free to help yourself. The best way to enjoy it is by drowning your rice in generous amounts of curry before eating rice, curry and crab in a single go. If you want another seafood dish, consider giving the fried squid a try. Chewy and with noticeably sweet flesh, do note this dish can be rather addictive. Still hungry? Maybe treat yourself to a hot vadai, fresh out of the wok. Or end your meal on a sweet note with some payasam, a sweet treat of coconut, raisins and sago.

Worth your time?

Image Credit: Krystle Lee on Google Review (Left), Eric CyTeng on Google Review (Right)

Possibly one of Puchong’s better and homelier banana leaf places, Restoran Chakra is worth a foodie’s time. As Restoran Chakra only opens for lunch, it might be a good idea to plan your trip ahead to avoid coming too late. Do also note that the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations. So, first come, first served. Also, if you are planning to enjoy a meal here, bring along enough cash as the place doesn’t accept cards.