Photos: Fish head curry and a full plate of channa masala (garbanzos), dahl (lentils), dried mutton, raita, and rice.
Last Friday, we were craving good, old-fashioned Indian food so we headed to the well-known (and highly recommended) Samy’s Curry Restaurant on Singapore’s Dempsey Hill. A prior trip to this enclave of expat-friendly restaurants, shops and galleries did not prepare me for Samy’s, which feels very rustic – and local. If you are looking for ambiance, Samy’s probably isn’t your place, but if you want delicious, spicy Indian curries, it doesn’t get any better.
There is no menu at Samy’s, so after we ordered a pitcher of beer, we headed in to look at the selection of food, displayed behind glass. We chose a variety of dishes, pictured above, but the highlight was definitely the fish head curry, a local specialty. Waiters served our food on to large, bright green, banana leaves, which acted as eco-friendly plates. While we used forks, many others opted for the traditional and ate with their right hand.
I’ve spent too little time at Dempsey Hill, the site of former British army barracks converted into trendy shops, galleries, and restaurants, but it’s on my list of places to wander. On this particular evening, we noted the crowds present in some of the other restaurants – and a nightclub atmosphere descending – as we headed home. My brief glimpse of Dempsey Hill piqued my interest, and I made a mental note to return during the day to investigate further this blend of historical and trendy.
You can find Samy’s Curry here:
SAMY’S CURRY (DEMPSEY) PTE LTD
25 Dempsey Road
Singapore 249670
Tel : 6472 2080
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