My Banana Pancake Trail review: affordable comfort food, Special Pad Thai, dumplings, Com Ga Nuong, Milo desserts, and more.
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Some restaurants win you over with fancy interiors and aesthetic plating. Others earn your loyalty the old-fashioned way: good food, fair prices, and a menu that actually gives you choices.
That’s exactly the vibe I got at Banana Pancake Trail. It’s one of those places where you can walk in hungry, order without overthinking, and leave feeling satisfied—like you got your money’s worth and then some.
What I liked most about Banana Pancake Trail is that it feels approachable. It’s not trying to be a high-end dining experience. It’s a casual spot that focuses on what matters: flavor, variety, and comfort.
If you’re the kind of person who loves discovering a place that’s quietly good (and not overpriced), you’ll understand why Banana Pancake Trail is worth talking about.
First Impressions: Comfy, Quiet, and Simple (Even if It’s a Bit Hot)
When we arrived at Banana Pancake Trail, the first thing I noticed was how calm it felt. The place was comfy and quiet, which is honestly a big plus if you’re coming from a busy day outside. It’s a good spot for relaxed dining—whether you’re with friends, with family, or even eating solo.
The only downside is that the place can get a bit hot, especially if you’re there during peak hours. It’s not unbearable, but you’ll feel it. Still, it didn’t ruin the experience.
The seating was comfortable, and overall it still felt like a pleasant place to eat. I’d rather be slightly warm in a quiet restaurant than sit in a chaotic one, and Banana Pancake Trail definitely leans toward peaceful.
The Menu: So Many Choices, You’ll Want to Come Back
One of the strongest points of Banana Pancake Trail is its menu. It’s not a “five-item menu” kind of place. It’s the kind of menu where you pause and think, “Wait… that sounds good too.”
The selection feels broad enough to keep things exciting. Whether you’re craving noodles, rice meals, sides, or desserts, Banana Pancake Trail gives you options. For picky eaters, this is great. For adventurous eaters, even better. It’s also ideal if you’re dining with a group, because everyone can find something they like.
And the best part? The pricing stays on the affordable side. Banana Pancake Trail hits that sweet spot where you can try multiple items without feeling like you overspent.
What I Ordered Dine-In: Special Pad Thai + Dumplings
Special Pad Thai: The Easy Must-Try
Let’s start with the star of my meal: the Special Pad Thai. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was so good. At Banana Pancake Trail, this dish feels like one of those reliable “safe orders” that still manages to impress.
The noodles were flavorful, and the overall taste had that satisfying balance you want in a Pad Thai—not too sweet, not too salty, and not drowning in sauce. Each bite felt well-seasoned and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down because it’s genuinely enjoyable.
If you’re visiting Banana Pancake Trail for the first time and you want a meal you won’t regret ordering, the Special Pad Thai is a great starting point.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Dumplings: Crispy and Addictive
I also tried the fried pork and shrimp dumplings, and these were another win. They were crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. The pork and shrimp combination was satisfying and didn’t taste bland or overly oily.
What I love about side dishes like this is that they can either be forgettable or surprisingly memorable. At Banana Pancake Trail, the dumplings were memorable. The texture and flavor were on point, making them a perfect partner to the noodles.
Takeout Orders: Com Ga Nuong and Sambal Fried Rice
Because the menu was so tempting, we also ordered takeout from Banana Pancake Trail. And yes—some meals lose their magic once packed up. But these held up well.
Regular Com Ga Nuong: Solid and Satisfying
The regular Com Ga Nuong was really good. It felt filling and flavorful, with a comforting “rice meal” vibe that works anytime you’re hungry and want something straightforward.
That said, I do have one small regret: I ordered the regular version when I should have tried the overload. At Banana Pancake Trail, the overload version includes sausage, and I kind of wished I went for it just to experience the full thing. Next time, I’m definitely getting the overload because the base dish already tasted good.
Sambal Fried Rice: Spicy Comfort That Works
The Sambal Fried Rice was another strong choice. It had that warm, spicy flavor that’s satisfying without being overly intense. If you enjoy spice but don’t want something that destroys your taste buds, this one feels like a good middle ground.
For Filipino diners, sambal-style flavors often feel familiar because we’re used to bold sauces and chili-based condiments. Banana Pancake Trail delivers a version that feels flavorful and accessible.
Desserts: The Surprise Highlight at Banana Pancake Trail
Dessert was the part of the meal where I went from “satisfied” to “wow, I need to come back.” Banana Pancake Trail is known for sweet treats, and after trying these, I can see why.
Roti Gluay Milo: Comfort Dessert for Milo Lovers
The Roti Gluay Milo is exactly the kind of dessert that feels designed for people who grew up loving Milo (which is basically most Filipinos). Warm, comforting, and sweet in a familiar way, it hits the spot if you want something indulgent after a savory meal.
At Banana Pancake Trail, the roti texture worked really well—soft with a satisfying bite, and the Milo flavor gave it a rich sweetness that didn’t feel too artificial.
Martabak: Sweet + Salty Done Right
The Martabak was the dessert I didn’t expect to like as much as I did. I honestly had no idea what it would taste like, but it turned out to be an excellent blend of sweet and salty.
This one came with chocolate, cheese, and condensed milk inside, and yes—it sounds like a wild combination. But it works. The sweetness of the chocolate and condensed milk balances surprisingly well with the salty richness of cheese. It’s not a “light” dessert, but it’s definitely a fun one.
If you like trying desserts that feel different from the usual cakes and ice cream, Banana Pancake Trail makes Martabak a good pick.
Drinks: Iced Tea, Milo Godzilla, and Milo Dinosaur
Iced Tea: Simple and Refreshing
During the meal, I had an iced tea, and it was good. Nothing too dramatic—just a refreshing drink that works well with savory food.
Milo Godzilla and Milo Dinosaur: Tasty, But Drink ASAP
For takeout, we ordered Milo Godzilla and Milo Dinosaur. Both were rich and chocolatey, exactly what you’d expect if you love Milo-based drinks.
But here’s the tip: if you’re ordering these from Banana Pancake Trail, drink them as soon as possible. These drinks are best when fresh, cold, and properly mixed. Once they sit too long, the texture and balance aren’t as nice.
So yes, they’re good—but don’t let them wait in your bag for too long.
What Makes Banana Pancake Trail Worth It
After trying multiple items, I can confidently say that Banana Pancake Trail is worth visiting for three main reasons:
- Affordable pricing
You can order a full meal and even add desserts without feeling like you’ve overspent. - Big menu selection
You won’t get bored easily. There’s always something else to try next time. - Reliable taste
Nothing we ordered felt disappointing. Everything delivered on flavor and comfort.
Even the small “it’s a bit hot” downside wasn’t enough to take away from the overall experience.
Who I’d Recommend Banana Pancake Trail For
Banana Pancake Trail is great if you are:
- a traveler looking for tasty meals without high prices
- a Filipino foodie who loves noodles, rice meals, and Milo desserts
- someone who likes quiet places where you can actually enjoy your food
- a person who wants variety (because the menu really gives you options)
It’s also a good place for groups because everyone can order something different and still be happy.
Final Verdict: Very Satisfied, Excited to Return
Overall, I left Banana Pancake Trail feeling very satisfied. The Special Pad Thai was delicious, the dumplings were addictive, the takeout meals were solid, and the desserts were surprisingly memorable. I’m especially excited to come back and try the overload version of Com Ga Nuong—because if the regular one is already good, I can only imagine how fun the overload will be.
If you want a place that feels casual, affordable, and consistently tasty, Banana Pancake Trail is definitely worth adding to your list. And if you’re a Milo lover? You’ll have even more reason to return.
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