The Banana Leaf Apolo
Race Course Road stalwart serving fish head curry, biryani and banana leaf meals since 1974.
The Banana Leaf Apolo is a Race Course Road stalwart that presents itself as Singapore heritage since 1974. It is best known for fish head curry, banana leaf service, mutton briyani, flower crab, tandoori chicken, naan platters and vegetarian meals. The restaurant began from a traditional thosai stall and later expanded into a wider South and North Indian menu. It remains a convenient option for groups visiting Little India who want a recognisable Singapore Indian meal with seafood, curry and biryani on the table. The mood is casual, busy and family-friendly.
The Banana Leaf Apolo works because it knows what people come for: fish head curry, banana leaf meals and a table full of shared dishes. It is more polished than a coffeeshop meal but still casual enough for families and visitors in shorts. The menu's mix of South Indian curry, biryani and tandoori dishes makes it easy for groups with different preferences. The trade-off is that it can feel tourist-facing at times, and peak meals are not always the most relaxed.
The Banana Leaf Apolo is included for its strong heritage, signature fish head curry, central Little India location and broad appeal to families, tourists and local curry fans.