Banana Stem Substitute for Mohinga
Banana stem contributes a mild vegetal flavor and a tender-crisp texture. There is no exact substitute, so the best choice depends on what part of that role you are trying to preserve.
Best practical options
Canned bamboo shoots: useful when texture matters most. Rinse them well and slice thinly; the flavor is different, so use a modest amount.
Tender celery hearts: easier to find and can provide a gentle crunch, but the flavor is more recognizably celery-like. Slice very thinly and use less than you would banana stem.
Omit it: often better than adding a strongly flavored vegetable that changes the soup. The fish, aromatics, rice flour and garnishes still give the bowl its main structure.
What not to expect
No substitute reproduces banana stem exactly. Treat these as home-kitchen adaptations rather than interchangeable traditional ingredients.