Sri Ganapathi Mess

Long heard about this 'must-eat' place especially for mutton-lover like me - so when i finally tried this today - look at the miserable meal presentation, with special attention at the portion of mutton varuval.. Taste-wise just about but what appalled me is the cut-throat price - that mutton portion alone costs RM12!!

Needless to say. That's it for the only visit from me. To editor - please consider remove the place from recommendation in the PJ Old Town Guide to avoid more people being robbed under daylight!

P/S : for much better banana leaf rice in the vicinity at similar lunch time - highly-recommended to head to Acha Curry House off Jalan Gasing..

The secret of Sri Ganapathi Mess is no longer; while it used to be a quiet hideout, this home-based banana leaf restaurant has now become a bustling hub for lovers of the South Indian staple. Hidden past a porch that peddles pottery, this place is best visited with a foodie friend. The Vegetarian Meal (RM6) is laid out in this order: banana leaf, a mound of rice, three vegetables of the day, curry (ask for crab!) and a papadam. While rasam is typically free of charge, their flavour-filled Crab Rasam goes for RM1.50 and it's worth every penny you pay for it. On sides, skip the frying station and make space for the sauce-laden selections — both the Mutton Varuval (RM10) and Chicken Varuval (RM8) pass the taste test with flying colours. Ambience is not their strong suit but for the spicy meal, we're glad that air-conditioning is all-around.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Brian Leow

Super disappointed with their sotong goreng! Look at how thinly sliced it was 😭. Also I think it cost about RM12 for this? Totally not worth it but on the upside, the crab rassam was still A+

Sri Ganapathi Banana Leaf Rice is Located at 47, Jalan 1/10 (Section 1) PJ old town hidden inside the housing estate, the food was just mind blowing. Seated in an A/C room and I'm sweating the chicken veruval is heavily marinated with herb and chili. Fantastic experience as many friends recommended this place but couldn't find time to check it out. Overall rating for this place is 10/10

I've tried making this picture presentable but eventually gave up trying to do so. Haha. I've had my fair share of banana leaf rice, but this place is worth the share. Don't expect a pretty ambiance, but do remember to try the lamb masala and the crab rasam!! Give the fried bitter gourd a pass. Total bill was about RM33 for two.

Banana leaf rice brings you to a few big names. Nirwana in Bangsar and Sri Devi... in Bangsar. Sri Ganapathi Mess is more of a hidden secret amongst the locals. The shop is safely tucked away in one of the small roads of PJ, hidden from those unfamiliar with the territory and going inside is even more intimidating. Rarely do you see people of any other race there and it's safe to say you better go with someone who knows the place. But once you do get in and get seated, be prepared for a world of suprise.

The curry at Sri Ganapathi Mess is definitely preferable compared to Nirwana which I find a little powdery. The crab curry is life changing and the rasem there is also made with crab which gives it a lot of flavour. Papadam is free (Nirwana charges RM 1 for extra) but the deep fried bitter gourd isn't as nice as Nirwana's. However still a nice place to go to all in all. It might seem a little intimidating at first. But the food is definitely worth the experience.