New opening on Mill Street, Banana Tree Cardiff review
- Brendan John
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Mill Street just got a major glow-up.
Enter Banana Tree, Cardiff’s latest foodie hotspot - and it’s making one hell of a first impression. With room for 249 diners inside and another 38 basking in the open-air buzz outside, this is a tropical titan with swagger, soul and plenty of spice.
The vibe? Think Balinese beach bar meets Bangkok backstreet café. It's modern and spacious, all open-plan on two levels, with leafy banana plants, gentle bird sounds wafting through the entrance, and a laid-back, sunny charm that instantly whisks you thousands of miles away. The welcome is just as warm: the staff are genuinely lovely - charming, chatty, and as enthusiastic about the menu as we were.
Starters that sing
We kicked things off with the Bang Bang Broccoli, a golden, crunchy triumph. Lightly battered florets seasoned with turmeric and a cheeky pinch of spiced salt, made for dipping into a sweet chilli sauce. It’s snackable, punchy and dangerously moreish.
The Sweetcorn Fritter Balls were another delight - crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, each bite bursting with golden kernels of sweetcorn. Crafted by Banana Tree’s in-house chefs and paired with a vibrant sweet chilli sauce, they’re comfort food with flair, and perfect for sharing (though you won’t want to).
Then came the Malaysian Satay Skewers, and these are the real deal. Tender, chargrilled strips marinated in a recipe honed over 32 years, inspired by the founder’s own mother from Kajang, Malaysia’s satay capital. Smoky, nutty, citrusy... they’re everything satay should be, and then some.
Mains that mean business
The showstopper? The Legendary Beef Rendang - and trust us, it’s earned its title. A rich, nutty, slow-simmered coconut curry born in the hills of Sumatra, this dish feels like a warm hug from a faraway home. The beef is melt-in-the-mouth tender, the sauce deeply layered with spice, lemongrass and love. It’s soulful, comforting and utterly addictive.
Alongside it, we dived into the Thai Green Curry with Chicken. Vibrant and velvety, it’s a lush balance of creamy coconut milk and that unmistakable green chilli kick. Bursting with bamboo shoots, carrots, sweet basil and lime leaf, it’s a flavour bomb that packs a punch and a must-try for Thai curry devotees.
Sweet endings
Dessert here is far from an afterthought. The Chocolate Bao Bomb is the stuff of dreams - a crispy-fried bao bun, golden on the outside, fluffy inside, oozing with creamy ice cream and drenched in hot chocolate sauce. This doughnutty ice cream sundae is worth the trip alone.
If you prefer to end things on a lighter note, the green Coconut Stuffed Thai Pancakes hit the mark. Delicate pandan crêpes wrapped around roasted coconut caramel, topped with vanilla ice cream and sesame seeds - a tropical treat that’s sweet, nutty and refreshingly subtle.
Cocktail goals
The cocktail list here is a playful twist on classics, all easy-drinking and expertly mixed. The Piña Colada is creamy, juicy sunshine in a glass. The Lychee Martini is floral, slightly tart and totally Insta-worthy. The Pornstar Martini is a sweet, passion-fruity riot - with a bubbly side of Prosecco, of course. But the standout? One Night in Bangkok - rum, peach schnapps and passionfruit juice that’ll have you planning your next visit before the glass is empty.
The verdict
Banana Tree isn’t just another chain restaurant - it’s a joyous celebration of Southeast Asian street food, done with care, charm and bold, unforgettable flavours. It’s vibey, affordable and absolutely made for group dinners, date nights or just popping in for cocktails.
Cardiff, you’ve scored big. Banana Tree is a sultry, spicy, delicious new player in the city’s dining scene - and it’s already one of the most exciting openings of the year.
