You might find it difficult to brave the nippy outdoors right now, but such a journey is well worth it if there’s a spicy hot curry waiting for you.
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We’ve rounded up top curry restaurants in your city to try:
Joburg
With an owner straight from Kerala, it’s guaranteed that this hot curry restaurant doesn’t skimp on authentic flavours. Serving up dishes tapas-style, Thava is treating Joburg with a practised touch to an endless array of spices. Feast on a range of tasting starters before moving on to your main course (if you can bear to choose just one). The curry menu spans five pages, honouring India’s gastronomic variety, so get ready to make a difficult decision!
Where: 44 The Avenue (Corner of Groove Road), The Garden, Norwood, Johannesburg
When: Daily 11:30 am – 10 pm
Contact: 011 728 2826, [email protected]
Some like it hot, and some like it hotter. Red Chilli Spice Restaurant is serving up some truly sensational heat in the middle of bustling Joburg. Fair prices and rich flavours are always in demand with diners, and Red Chilli Spice delivers on both. This is arguably some of the best North Indian cuisine in the city, so abide by the ‘variety is the spice of life’ mantra and order as many different curries as you like.
Where: Colony Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
When: Monday to Saturday 11 am – 10 pm; Sundays 11 am – 9 pm
Contact: 082 727 7798, [email protected]
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Cape Town
A family favourite for over 40 years, this is the perfect atmosphere in which to tuck into a hearty hot curry. Try to book a table if you’d like a glimpse of Table Mountain while you dine, but even at a centre table, you’re guaranteed a wonderful culinary experience. Always a first on returning patrons’ list of choices is the chicken and prawn curry, but the menu boasts both Northern and Southern Indian influence, so there’s something for everyone!
Where: Cnr Kloofnek and Woodside Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
When: Monday to Friday 12:30 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10 pm; Saturdays 6 pm – 10 pm
Contact: 021 424 6607, 071 640 0261
You can’t come to the Cape without having an amazing Cape Malay curry experience. That’s where Biesmiellah comes in. A classic ‘hole-in-the-wall’, any reservations you may have stepping in will be erased the moment you taste the dhal ghos and pienang curry. This is an eatery established on authentic flavour, friendly service, and the perfect fusion of sweet and sour. Embrace the questionable décor and casual ambience and tuck into one of the Cape’s finest hot curries!
Where: 2 Wale St & Pentz St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town
When: Monday to Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm
Contact: 021 423 0850
Durban
Beloved for its consistently delicious food and outstanding hospitality, this hot curry restaurant is one of Durban’s finest. Expect to be spoiled all night under a canopy of fairy lights as you munch your way through chicken biryani, lamb Rogan josh and masala dosa. Don’t worry if you can’t decide on a dish right away – the waiters are known for their helpfulness when it comes to navigating through an abundant menu.
Where: 155 Musgrave Road, Berea, Durban
When: Monday to Sunday 11 am – 10 pm
Contact: 031 201 1121, 072 724 8376, [email protected]
One of the highest-ranking eateries in Durban, Mali’s might fool you with its unassuming décor, but make no mistake; it’s fine dining all the way once you sit down. Nibble on garlic naan while you pour over the curry and mains selections, agonising between classic butter chicken, crab masala, and lamb vindaloo. Anyone who has dined at Mali’s can’t resist returning more than once, so you’ll most likely get the chance to work your way through the menu over time.
Where: 77 Smiso Nkwanya Road (Old Goble Road), Morning Side, Durban
When: Tuesday to Saturday 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm; Sundays 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Contact: 031 312 8535, [email protected]
