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Tucked away in a lively corner of the city, BANANAS is the kind of restaurant that feels like a hidden gem—but not for long. Even on a Tuesday night, the place was packed, buzzing with energy and excitement. And after dining there, it’s easy to see why. With an inventive menu, impeccable flavors, and phenomenal service, BANANAS is making a bold statement in the local food scene.

Plenty. BANANAS is more than just a playful name—it’s a statement. The restaurant is the brainchild of executive chef Kyaw Lwin and managing partner Chris Ng, two industry veterans who set out to redefine Asian cuisine in the American dining landscape.

Ng, a Queens native of Chinese American descent, grew up hearing the term “banana” as a way to describe Asian Americans who are “yellow on the outside, white on the inside.” Instead of shying away from it, he’s reclaiming it, using the name to showcase the complexities of identity and the beautiful intersections of different cultures in food.

Lwin, originally from Myanmar, brings years of experience from some of New York’s top kitchens, including Michelin-starred Shmoné. Together, the duo has crafted a menu that blends traditional Asian flavors with unexpected twists, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and daring.

The menu at BANANAS is anything but predictable. It blends familiar flavors with unexpected twists, creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting. We dove right in, starting with the BBQ octopus, a dish inspired by New Orleans BBQ shrimp. The octopus was tender yet chewy in the best way, paired with perfectly toasted bread that soaked up every bit of the sweet, smoky sauce. It was the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after the last bite.

Next up: the Caesar salad. Simple, right? Not at BANANAS. This version took things up a notch with the addition of ramen, which added a fun crunch to the fresh, well-seasoned greens. It was a small but genius touch that made the dish stand out.

Then came the Dynamite Fried Rice, a dish that lived up to its name. Soft and flavorful, it had a melt-in-your-mouth quality that made every bite incredibly satisfying.

But the real star of the night? The Char Siu with banana. This dish was an experience. The sweetness of the banana complemented the rich, tender pork in a way I never expected. It was bold, slightly sweet and sour, comfortably salted, and absolutely unforgettable. If you think banana doesn’t belong in a savory dish, BANANAS will prove you wrong.

Great food is one thing, but great service can elevate a meal into an experience—and the team at BANANAS has it down. From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive. They guided us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, making sure every dish that hit the table was perfect.

And then there’s the space itself. Designed by Shoucair Design, BANANAS is fun and inviting, with cove lighting, whimsical banana-themed décor, and even a bathroom that features a banana shrine with disco balls. The vibe is lighthearted, but the food is serious business.

For a restaurant that’s still new, BANANAS is already drawing crowds, and for good reason. It’s fun, unexpected, and full of personality, just like its name suggests. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or a dining experience that surprises and delights, BANANAS is the place to be.