{"id":55049,"date":"2026-02-22T12:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T04:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/?p=55049"},"modified":"2026-02-22T12:02:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T04:02:04","slug":"apolo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/apolo\/","title":{"rendered":"Banana Leaf Apolo: Savour Authentic Indian Curry on a Banana Leaf"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>One of the must-try dishes in Singapore is the <strong>authentic curry<\/strong> served in <strong><span style=\"color: #cc0000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/littleindia\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Little India: Immerse Your Senses in Colours, Aromas &amp; Energy\" style=\"color: #cc0000;\" rel=\"noopener\">Little India<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, <strong><span style=\"color: #cc0000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/muthuscurry\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Muthu\u2019s Curry: Michelin-Approved Banana Leaf Curry in Little India\" style=\"color: #cc0000;\" rel=\"noopener\">Muthu\u2019s Curry<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, a popular expat favourite, was featured.<\/p>\n<p>This time, the spotlight is on another iconic establishment: <strong>Banana Leaf Apolo<\/strong>, a long-standing restaurant frequently highlighted in travel guides. It remains a <strong>top destination for Indian cuisine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"List_TOC\">\n<li><span><a href=\"#About\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Local Buzz at Banana Leaf Apolo<\/a><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Access\">\u2022 Top Curry Spot on Race Course Road<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Ambience\">\u2022 Shared Dining at a Local Eatery<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span><a href=\"#BananaLeaf\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Served on a Banana Leaf<\/a><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#SouthIndia\">\u2022 Taste of South Indian Tradition<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span><a href=\"#Foods\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Must-Try Dishes<\/a><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Lassi\">\u2022 Delicious Beginnings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#FishHead\">\u2022 Fish Head Curry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Prawn\">\u2022 Best Curry Picks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Naan\">\u2022 Rice &amp; Naan<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span><a href=\"#FinalThoughts\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"About\" class=\"H2SubEng\">01<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span>Local Buzz at Banana Leaf Apolo<\/span><\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"Access\">Top Curry Spot on Race Course Road<\/h3>\n<p>The restaurant sits along Race Course Road, about a <strong>3\u20134 minute walk<\/strong> from Exit E of <strong>Little India MRT station<\/strong> \u2014 a stretch known for many curry spots, including Muthu\u2019s Curry.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10171 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_Exterior-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"The exterior of Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A signboard depicting a banana leaf \u2014 traditionally used as a plate in India \u2014 marks the entrance to the restaurant.<\/p>\n<p>As the name and logo suggest, the <strong>true highlight of Banana Leaf Apollo<\/strong> is the authentic curry experience served on a banana leaf.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10178 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_Sign-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"Signboard of The Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This dining experience, rooted in traditional Indian customs, attracts a steady stream of tourists daily.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Ambience\">Shared Dining at a Local Eatery<\/h3>\n<p>The spacious interior features a few tables for two or four, but most of the seating consists of <strong>long communal tables<\/strong> that can accommodate 20 or more diners.<\/p>\n<p>As table reservations or specific seating requests are not available, even small groups will be seated at these expansive tables, where sharing with other diners is part of the local experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10170 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_Interior-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of The Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>During peak lunch and dinner hours, the dining room buzzes with a lively mix of tourists and Indian locals.<\/p>\n<p>This <strong>energetic atmosphere<\/strong> adds to the charm, making it a quintessential part of dining at a local eatery.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"BananaLeaf\" class=\"H2SubEng\">02<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Served on a Banana Leaf<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"SouthIndia\">Taste of South Indian Tradition<\/h3>\n<p>Once seated, a tray lined with a <strong>fresh banana leaf<\/strong> is brought to the table.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10168 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_BananaLeaf-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"The dishes at Banana Leaf Apolo are served on banana leaves\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There is something extraordinary about having a meal served on vibrant, exotic leaves \u2014 a unique presentation that instantly heightens the anticipation, making the curry taste even more exceptional than usual.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10167 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_AllSet-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"The dishes at Banana Leaf Apolo are served on banana leaves.\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"Foods\" class=\"H2SubEng\">03<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Must-Try Dishes<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Here are the must-try dishes that stood out as particularly delicious at Banana Leaf Apolo.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Lassi\">Delicious Beginnings<\/h3>\n<p>First up is a classic drink found at any Indian restaurant \u2014 <strong>mango lassi<\/strong>. The one here is rich and creamy, always a safe bet.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10186 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_SideFood-600x600.jpg\" alt=\"Mango lassi, chicken tikka, and samosas at Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As an appetiser before the curry arrives, the <strong>boneless chicken tikka<\/strong> makes an excellent choice \u2014 easy to eat and bursting with flavour.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"FishHead\">Fish Head Curry<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Fish head curry<\/strong> is one of Singapore\u2019s signature dishes, and it\u2019s available here at Banana Leaf Apolo.<\/p>\n<p>This dish features a <strong>whole fish head<\/strong> immersed in a vibrant, spice-rich curry with a light, soupy texture.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10169\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10169 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_FishHeadCurry-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"Fish head curry at Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">About 35cm across<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Even a small portion arrives on a large platter \u2014 around 30cm across \u2014 offering a <strong>hearty serving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>With its bold spices and substantial volume, it may be overwhelming for pairs or those with a milder palate. Rather than ordering it just because it\u2019s famous, it may be wiser to try one of the other curries instead.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Prawn\">Best Curry Picks<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Among the many curries on the menu, the <strong>Butter Chicken<\/strong> is the <strong>crowd-favourite<\/strong>. This mild, comforting classic, with its tomato base enriched with butter and cream, never fails to please.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10190 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_ButterChicken-600x288.jpg\" alt=\"Butter chicken at Banana Leaf Apolo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"288\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Another must-try is the <strong>Prawn Mango<\/strong>. This curry shares the same mellow, creamy gravy as the butter chicken, enriched with succulent prawns and the fruity sweetness of mango.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10184\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10184 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_PrawnMangoCurry-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"Prawn mango at Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prawn Mango<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">While prawn curry is a familiar sight on many menus, the unique blend of prawns and mango is a hidden gem found <strong>only at Banana Leaf Apolo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">For those who always end up ordering the same Butter Chicken, this might just be the dish that wins you over.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Naan\">Rice &amp; Naan<\/h3>\n<p>No curry meal feels complete without rice and naan.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10187\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10187 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_BiryaniRice-600x288.jpg\" alt=\"Biryani and plain rice at Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"288\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Biryani and Plain Rice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ordering <strong>biryani<\/strong> or <strong>steamed rice<\/strong> comes with two complimentary curries on the side, ideal for mixing into the main curry to adjust the texture or heat as preferred.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10188 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_Naan-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"Naan at Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>naan<\/strong> at Banana Leaf Apolo is soft, chewy, and perfectly fluffy \u2014 truly satisfying.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10176 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Apolo_Feast-600x440.jpg\" alt=\"Dishes at Banana Leaf Apolo\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Once all the dishes arrive, simply serve everything on the banana leaf and enjoy.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"FinalThoughts\" class=\"H2SubEng\">04<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Banana Leaf Apolo<\/strong> rivals <strong><span style=\"color: #cc0000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/muthuscurry\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Muthu\u2019s Curry: Michelin-Approved Banana Leaf Curry in Little India\" style=\"color: #cc0000;\" rel=\"noopener\">Muthu\u2019s Curry<\/a><\/span><\/strong> as one of the area\u2019s most popular Indian restaurants.<\/p>\n<p>Since both offer <strong>comparable prices and equally satisfying flavours<\/strong>, it can be hard to choose between them. Consider the following to help make the choice a little easier.<\/p>\n<h5>Banana Leaf Apolo<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Local, laid-back vibe<\/li>\n<li>Casual gatherings<\/li>\n<li>Shared tables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Muthu\u2019s Curry<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>More polished and refined setting<\/li>\n<li>Special occasions or business meals<\/li>\n<li>No shared tables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<h4>Banana Leaf Apolo<\/h4>\n<div class=\"infocard\">\n<p><strong>Map<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iWsZSxBFboPCtaPh6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">54 Race Course Rd,\u00a0Singapore 218564<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the must-try dishes in Singapore is the authentic curry served in Little India. Previously, Muthu\u2019s Curry, a popular expat favourite, was featured. This time, the spotlight is on another iconic establishment: Banana Leaf Apolo, a long-standing restaurant frequently highlighted in travel guides. It remains a top destination for Indian cuisine. Local Buzz at Banana Leaf Apolo \u2022 Top Curry Spot on Race Course Road \u2022 Shared Dining at a Local Eatery Served on a Banana Leaf \u2022 Taste of South Indian Tradition Must-Try Dishes \u2022 Delicious Beginnings \u2022 Fish Head Curry \u2022 Best Curry Picks \u2022 Rice &amp;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":45466,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[431],"tags":[473,490],"class_list":["post-55049","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-drink","tag-local-speciality-en","tag-indian-restaurants-en","area-littleindia-en"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55049"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55049\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55079,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55049\/revisions\/55079"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merlion-channel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}