Banana leaves have a wide range of applications because they are large, flexible, waterproof and decorative. They are used for cooking, wrapping and food-serving in a wide range of cuisines in tropical and subtropical areas. They are used for decorative and symbolic purposes in numerous Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies. In traditional homebuilding in tropical areas, roofs and fences are made with dry banana-leaf thatch.[1] Banana and palm leaves were historically the primary writing surfaces in many nations of South and Southeast Asia.

South Indian cuisine is usually served on a banana leaf. Especially in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala and in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka. On any festive occasion the food must be served on or in a banana leaf, and a banana is part of the food served.. The banana leaf is also used for wrapping fish, which can then be steamed.