Banana Leaf Buffet Restaurant, Middlesbrough

it’s fantastic to witness that trade within ‘Banana Leaf’ is seemingly as strong as ever despite the obvious financial woes that have hit this sector of the economy hard in recent times.

I was compelled to drop this review a quick commentary regarding my own recent visit, as a result of which I had the opportunity to deploy my ‘tactical strategy’ acquired in part from earlier comments made right here on this review page!

With a hasty 3 pints of Fosters proficiently put away, I decide moved my strategy to the next phase, I ordered 2 bottles of Desperados, again capably dispatched in quick time. The bravado boost from this course of action provided the environment which meant I swaggered into ‘Banana Leaf’ emitting an aura of ‘meaning business’

My preparation work done and the early exchanges going to plan, I decided to crank things up by moving to what I call ‘buffCOM3’, with a bottle of ‘Tiger’ in my grasp, I began my inventive scheme of consuming a traditional meal of three courses, ‘WHAT!!…….’ I hear you gasp, sharp intake of breath!

Now here’s the twist, I have entered the Banana Leaf with ‘crosshair’s’ set firmly upon the sweet trolley, plate in hand I soon came within reach of my ‘starter’ which encompassed mandarin segments, pear halves and fruit cocktail, not sure if this counts towards your ‘five a day’ but it was a light opening nevertheless even if the syrup/juice was not sitting well with my bottle of ‘Tiger’ and preceding beverages.

Main Course was covered by ‘hot off the press’ banana fritter with a modest side of vanilla ice-cream, at this juncture I began to notice inquisitive looks and the odd raised eyebrow! My resolve and steely doggedness intact I proceeded to make inroads into my mountainous fritter ensemble with an approach of cavalier haughtiness

I became aware of the fritter section being refreshed as my opening plateful of ‘Main Dessert’s’ was coming to a successful conclusion, imagine my delight when I happened to stumble across ‘Pineapple Fritter’ which was affably welcomed to the bounty gathered on my secondary visit regarding ‘Main Course’ .

It was at this point that I noticed ribs being nudged and when I ‘caught a stir’ the protagonist would break to pretend viewing a poster or wall mounted information leaflet.

Tertiary course incorporated a wondrous concoction of both Chocolate Cup and Sponge Cakes together with a delightful first-rate Gateau and in spite of the occasional quizzical gaze, I consider several of the ‘Banana Leaf’ patrons that evening bought into what I endeavouring to accomplish. The staff had allowed me the good grace of going about my business without intrusion, a ‘the customer is always right’ approach for want of a catchier phrase

‘Success’ for my visit was to be gauged by the application of a very simple formula, for consumption to be greater than outlay, incurring costs of £8.90 for my ‘Grand Buffet’ visit, the assumed ‘cake walk’ to victory if you’ll pardon the pun was looking a little premature as the effects of my alcohol intake began to dissipate.

I initiated retrospective data collection instantaneously regarding the likely consumption costs for ‘Banana Leaf’ against my expenditure and was galled to learn that the price of a full tin of ‘pear halves’s and other tinned fruit is just 70p, that a 5 pack of bananas is available from the Asda for just £1.00, when you begin factoring in my fatigued performance during the final ‘dessert course’ and the pricey nature of the ‘Tiger’ bottles I consumed, it’s probably fair to say the my strategy was a comprehensive failure. A proposal was put forwarded that I should have perhaps concentrated my efforts on bovine products, but on reflection I will take the positives from this experience, I hear Pizza Hut operate an unlimited lunch buffet weekdays until 3pm

it’s fantastic to witness that trade within ‘Banana Leaf’ is seemingly as strong as ever despite the obvious financial woes that have hit this sector of the economy hard in recent times.

I was compelled to drop this review a quick commentary regarding my own recent visit, as a result of which I had the opportunity to deploy my ‘tactical strategy’ acquired in part from earlier comments made right here on this review page!

With a hasty 3 pints of Fosters proficiently put away, I decide moved my strategy to the phase, I ordered 2 bottles of Desperados, again capably dispatched in quick time. The bravado boost from this course of action provided the environment which meant I swaggered into ‘Banana Leaf’ emitting an aura of ‘meaning business’

My preparation work done and the early exchanges going to plan, I decided to crank things up by moving to what I call ‘buffCOM3’, with a bottle of ‘Tiger’ in my grasp, I began my inventive scheme of consuming a traditional meal of three courses, ‘WHAT…….’ I hear you gasp, sharp intake of breath!

Now here’s the twist, I have entered the Banana Leaf with ‘crosshair’s’ set firmly upon the sweet trolley, plate in hand I soon came within reach of my ‘starter’ which encompassed mandarin segments, pear halves and fruit cocktail, not sure if this counts towards your five a day but it was a light opening nevertheless even if the syrup/juice was sitting well with my bottle of ‘Tiger’ and preceding beverages.

Main Course was covered by ‘hot of the press’ banana fritter with a modest side of vanilla ice-cream, at this juncture I began to notice inquisitive looks and the odd raised eyebrow! My resolve and steely doggedness intact I proceeded to make inroads into my mountainous fritter ensemble with an approach of cavalier haughtiness

I became aware of the fritter section being refreshed as my opening plateful of ‘Main Dessert’s’ was coming to a successful conclusion, imagine my delight when I happened to stumble across ‘Pineapple Fritter’ which was affably welcomed to the bounty gathered on my secondary visit regarding ‘Main Course’ .

It was at this point that I noticed ribs being nudged and when I ‘caught a stir’ the protagonist would break to pretend viewing a poster or wall mounted information leaflet.

Tertiary course incorporated a wondrous concoction of both Chocolate Cup and Sponge Cakes together with a delightful first-rate Gateau and in spite of the occasional quizzical gaze, I consider several of the ‘Banana Leaf’ patrons that evening bought into what I endeavouring to accomplish. The staff had allowed me the good grace of going about my business without intrusion, a ‘the customer is always right’ approach for want of a catchier phrase

‘Success’ for my visit was to be gauged by the application of a very simple formula, for consumption to be greater than outlay, incurring costs of £8.90 for my ‘Grand Buffet’ visit, the assumed ‘cake walk’ to victory if you’ll pardon the pun was looking a little premature as the effects of my alcohol intake began to dissipate.

I initiated retrospective data collection instantaneously regarding the likely consumption costs for ‘Banana Leaf’ against my expenditure and was galled to learn that the price of a full tin of ‘pear halves’s and other tinned fruit is just 70p, that a 5 pack of bananas is available from the Asda for just £1.00, when you begin factoring in my fatigued performance during the final ‘dessert course’ and the pricey nature of the ‘Tiger’ bottles I consumed, it’s probably fair to say the my strategy was a comprehensive failure. A proposal was put forwarded that I should have perhaps concentrated my efforts on bovine products, but on reflection I will take the positives from this experience, I hear Pizza Hut operate an unlimited lunch buffet weekdays until 3pm

I can't wait to do this in China China in Swansea. Sounds like a gut-busting laugh. I usually leave fat and full, and then half an hour later peckish, so I'll try your fat-fast diet of puddings and alcohol only.

Great stuff guys.

Since I wrote the review about the Banana Leaf Buffet restaurant, I have found myself to be completely enticed with the deserts from Chinese 'Buffet' restaurants. This obsession of mine has suddenly become noticeable wherever I go. I walk in the restaurant and make every effort to look charmed by the food on display. Then after wetting ones whistle on a pint of cider, I go direct to the desert menu and fork all the chocolate gateaux into a huge heap on my plate to the disgust of the other diners. Why do people or waiting staff in general, get so frustrated with this mere self act of sinfulness. Gluttony is one of the deadly sins, but I am doing no different to what the other diners are doing - I'm just simply being more focused on my choice of food. I tried this once in a Chinese take away, however the guy simply ran out of Cornettos.

I did it, I did it, I went to the Banana Leaf on Wednesday evening. I ordered a bottle of beer from the bar and decided to only munch on desserts for the duration of my visit. As I was about to replenish my plate with another sizable helping of gateaux, a young gentlemen ushered me to one side and asked me "Sir, what on earth are you doing? Why don't you try some of our delicious main course options". I replied "no thanks pal, I'm enjoying satisfying my sweet tooth too much, but thanks anyway mate". Following a minor scuffle near the trifle, I was asked if I would give up my quest, settle my bill and leave. I was not happy. So much for their all you can eat policy.

I will probably return to Banana Leaf in the future, but I think I will keep a lower profile. If they'll let you have it, I would really recommend two bowls of Mango pudding.