WHEN a Michelin award is being mentioned, foodies can expect a fine dining experience. But here comes a twist.
Apparently there is a Bangkok street stall selling banana fritters that has received the Michelin award. Yes you read it correctly, banana fritters.
According to the Michelin guide, Fried Banana Rama 5 on Sanoi Road is best known for its deep-fried bananas.
“Coated in crispy batter made from coconut and white sesame, they exude a rich coconut aroma. The sweet potato balls are another standout. Be prepared for queues during peak hours,” it said.
Although the stall is in Bangkok, the video post on X by @jancoca has since grabbed the attention of many local netizens who compared it with our Malaysian equivalent.
Praises were also aplenty for Fried Banana Rama 5, which went against the norm since Michelin usually recognised fine dining.
Yes, the Michelin Guide does award stars to street food stalls, recognising their exceptional quality and value.
Singapore was the first country in Southeast Asia to have Michelin-starred street stalls, with the first award in 2016.
“This is how you fry bananas properly, I usually see them dripping with oil and immediately feel sick to eat it,” said netizen @amirulaqilx.
Mcm ni baru betul goreng pisang, biasa aq jumpa mak aii berlemuih dengan minyak… terus rasa muak nk makan
— Amirul Aqil (@amirulaqilx) April 20, 2025
Also, @pis_yang added that all fried stuff should be like this. “Not oil free, but still less oil,” she said.
According to @tj_wong who observed the video, he noted the clear oil being used to dry the bananas instead of the dark, recycled ones used in the stalls at the side of the road in Malaysia.
“I have never seen any banana fritter stall using that oil dryer machine,” said @eeirsuy in reference to the video.
Also, the post has since prompted @IzzatSana2001 to reminisce about eating banana fritters in Paragon, Thailand.
One netizen further said that the Michelin award is not a question of luxury but quality and consistency.
“If the banana fritter is crispy, clean and the service is tip top, why shouldn’t it get recognised? Street food too has a soul, and at times, surpassing fine dining,” he said.
However, @turis_sesat said the banana fritters in Thailand are not delicious. “Ask the tourists. The white people prefer Malaysian food than the ones in Thailand,” he said.
As a proud Malaysian, we can only agree with @turis_sesat, Malaysia being a melting pot of culture, and coming alongside it, all our gastronomic delights.
Hopefully the near future shall see some of our beloved street foods decorating the pages of the Michelin guide. We keep our fingers crossed.—Apr 22, 2025
Main image: @jancoca (X)
