Dressed up turon at ‘Banana Na!’

February 17, 2005

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Filed under Food trips & events;

We hadnÕt had any dinner yet when we arrived at RobinsonÕs Metro East last Wednesday evening to see The Phantom of the Opera. The plan was to bring in some sandwiches and drinks. While my husband went to buy the sandwiches and drinks, the kids and I inspected the food stalls on the aisles trying to find out what else we could bring inside the moviehouse. The kids were waiting for their fries when I noticed the turon stall.

Turon is a banana spring roll and a popular street food. A whole or half saba banana sprinkled with brown sugar, wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper then deep fried in oil. The traditional recipe includes a few strips of langka (jackfruit). Personally, I dispense with the brown sugar and add slices of cheese instead of langka (recipe here).

Anyway, so I saw this turon stall called Banana Na! (below, left) and was surprised at how they dressed up the humble turon–with cinnamon, chocolate, peanut butterÉ I asked if they contained a whole saba banana or just half. The salesgirl said they contained diced bananas. I asked when they had been cooked. She said earlier in the day. I was disappointed but still curious. I decided to buy two pieces–chocolate and peanut butter (below, right). I asked if they were going to be reheated before being packed. The salesgirl said no. But they wouldnÕt be crisp anymore, I protested. They are, maÕam, she assured me. I paid for them and off to the moviehouse we went.

Well, you wonÕt know if something is good or bad until youÕve tried it, right? Banana Na! turon isnÕt any good, unfortunately. Pretty to look at but aside from their good looks, they have nothing else to boast of. Too little banana filling, too much wrapper and too little flavor. Tough, not crisp. Besides, thereÕs nothing like freshly made turon.

IÕll buy from the street vendor any time. Or, better yet, IÕll make my own at home.

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