Whether it’s Thai, Indian, Cape Malay or Durban danger, we don’t mind. One thing we do know is that it’s hard to beat a curry that’s homemade. Nevertheless, we’ve got the inside scoop on dishes that might give your mother-in-law’s masala a run for its money.
Warning: conquering this list is likely to leave your mouth watering or have you glued to the loo — but it’s worth it.
Here are the best places to get a curry in Cape Town, as voted by you:
1. Prashad Café
Flavour at Prashad is delivered by mother, son and daughter trio, chef Theresa, manager Krishan Peters and Tereena Cherin Naidoo. Enjoy a quick coffee and a snack, or indulge in the robust taste of pure vegan and vegetarian Indian cuisine.
- Dish recommendation/s: Vegan butter ‘chicken’ with garlic naan and rice / The best chilli bites you’ll ever eat
- Locations: Kloof Street / Rondebosch / Constantia Village Mall / Mojo Market (Sea Point)
- Website: www.prashad.co.za
2. Thali
Working with Chef Nate Coe, Liam Tomlin has built a contemporary Indian restaurant around the concept of ‘thali’. Traditionally, ‘thali’ is a complete meal consisting of ten or more regional Indian dishes (think modern Indian tapas). Taste bites of the best or order a full on dish — the choice is yours. Thali forms part of the iconic Chefs Warehouse group, so you know you’re in for a treat.
- Dish recommendation: Goan-style Octopus Curry / Mango and coconut kulfi
- Location: 3 Park Road, Gardens
- Website: www.chefswarehouse.co.za
3. MoKsh
MoKsh means freedom or liberation. It also means to attain the highest level of satisfaction. At MoKsh, the chefs provide guests with authentic cuisine from North India, famous for its savoury clay oven dishes and exotic curries.
- Dish recommendation/s: Lamb Rogan Josh with paratha / Butter chicken with garlic naan
- Locations: Kenilworth / Durbanville / Paarl / Welgelegen / Somerset West / West Beach / Paddocks / Haasendal Gables
- Website: mokshrestaurants.com
4. JJ’s Indian Cuisine & Takeaway
Described as offering an “authentic Durban curry” this is the place to go for all things biryani and bunnies (bunny chow, that is).
- Dish recommendation: Traditional lamb bunny chow
- Location: 4 Harbour Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
- Website: jjs-indian-cuisine-takeaway
5. Rysars Curry Kitchen
This is apparently the place to go for “a true Durban curry”. In addition to traditional bunny chows, biryanis, and classic curries, Rysars also sells spices to take home and caters for all sorts of functions.
- Dish recommendation: Bean curry and rice / Durban-style biryani
- Location: 23 Milner Street Paarden Eiland
- Website: rysars.spices
6. Yindees Authentic Thai
Known as the charming restaurant on the corner with warm lights and traditional floor seating, Yindees brings a taste of Thailand to Cape Town.
- Dish recommendation: Thai green curry (chicken) with coconut rice / Tofu Pad Thai
- Location: 22 Kamp St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Website: yindees.com
7. The Burner
The Burner Restaurant is a casual dining restaurant specialising in Durban-style Indian cuisine. The portions are generous and rumour has it that the bunny chows are addictive.
- Dish recommendation: Paneer and pea curry served with rice or roti and carrot salad / Boneless lamb bunny chow
- Locations: Century City / Belville
- Website: theburnerrestaurant.com
8. Biesmiellah Restaurant
Biesmiellah is an unfussy, alcohol-free setting serving a selection of Cape Malay curries and other South African dishes.
- Dish recommendation: Baby chicken masala / Mutton Korma
- Location: 2 Wale St & Pentz St Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof
- Website: www.biesmiellah.co.za
9. Shamani Indian Cuisine
Shamani is derived from the names of the husband and wife team, Shakila and Manmohan, as a symbol of their love for each other. Shakila’s artistic touch, with Mani’s passion for food and zest for life reflected in Shamani. Their menu reveals the colours of vibrant spices and incredible flavours. Apparently, “the owner is the best guy ever!”
- Dish recommendations: Paneer Methi Malai / Lamb Tikka Masala / Tandoori Chicken
- Location: Ground Floor, 74 Roodebloem Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
- Website: Shamani-Indian-Cuisine
10. Bombay Chilli
Bombay Chilli has a lekker menu filled with all the classics — and there’s nothing better than a classic done right! Enjoy everything from chicken and prawn curry to lamb vindaloo, in-house or at home. Lap it all up with buttery naan or a divine roti.
- Dish recommendations: Palak Paneer (with creamy spinach) / Lamb Korma
- Location: Muizenberg / Plumstead
- Website: www.bombaychilli.co.za
11. Bihari
Experience the finest Indian cuisine as north meets south in a fiery fusion of exotic and mouth-watering North Indian dishes. South Africa is a melting pot for its many cultures and the Cape Town Bihari Restaurant is a testimony to the Mother City’s diverse locals.
- Dish recommendations: Garlic Lamb Tikka / Daal Fry / Chicken Biryani / Lamb Rogan Josh
- Location: Southern Sun Hotel, Main Rd, Newlands
- Website: www.bihari.co.za
Also read:
WATCH: The 5 best burger joints in Cape Town, voted by locals
Picture: Prashad Café
