Alfred Zhang

COVERING 2,500 square meters, Banana Leaf Thai Restaurant is probably the largest Thai restaurant in Shenzhen to date with enough room to recreate a Thai village in the city’s central business district.

Buddha sculptures and dining tables lie in the shade of three huge artificial durian, jackfruit and so-called “fortune fruit” trees. As you walk into the “village,” singers dressed as Thai police and villagers greet you with “Swadika” and hearty singing.

Baskets full of fruit and grain are displayed along the restaurant’s bar table. Apart from the public dining area, Banana Leaf has created many classically decorated private rooms, some large enough to accommodate 100 guests and corporate functions.

Signature dishes include fried crab with curry, Malaysian curry, spicy fried prawns with cashews, BBQ pig stuffed with sticky rice, tom yam seafood and BBQ spicy chicken with honey, prepared by authentic Thai chefs and well-groomed cooks. Portions are standard and the overall quality is good.

The authentic Thai flavors are tasty and memorable as you watch performances by the Thai staff. If you happen to catch their eye, they will be sure to try to get you up and dance. Shows begin every day from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

To understand more about the Thai culture, you can also read Banana Leaf’s well edited menu, or in the reporter’s eye, it’s more like a magazine. It combines not only signature Thai cuisines, but also recipes, comments, and articles on Thai tourist interests, Thai customs and festivals. The menu also matches food with star signs. If Aquarius is your sign, order deep fried squid with spicy salt. For Sagittarius, order BBQ beef and pork neck.