Curry restaurants in Cape Town that locals love

Curry bomb shooters, mini bunny chows, punjabi dishes + more

Last updated: Thursday, 30 July 2024 

We took to social media to ask our readers what their favourite curry spot is. The results are in. From curry bomb shooters and mini trio bunny chows to popular Punjabi dishes and a street food bazaar, here’s a guide to Cape Town's best curries, according to you.

MOST NOMINATED: CHILLI BAR

They’ve been around since 1997 and Marlo Paulse swears it’s the “best curry bunny chow you’ll ever have.'' It’s their signature, made with lamb and Durban curry spice. They also serve butter chicken and dahl makhani curry (made of black lentils and kidney beans). If you’d like something else, try their pizzas and grills paired with cocktails. 

Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm to 12am; Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 2am

5 Victoria Road | Plumstead | Cape Town | @thechillibar | Image: Chilli Bar

INDIAN, CHINESE & TURKISH STREET FOOD 

For the “loveliest butter chicken and garlic naan," Ayesha Mohamed Jaftha says you need to visit Eastern Food Bazaar. Carved wooden doors imported from India lead you to a canteen-style eatery filled with bustling stalls. Try Indian butter chicken and lamb curry, served with rice, salad, and dhal, and other dishes at Eastern Food Bazaar.

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am to 9.30pm

96 Longmarket Street | Cape Town City Centre | @easternfoodbazaarct | Image: @anotherafricansoul

CLAY OVEN CURRY FROM KERALA

Seelan Sundoo has created a menu of South Indian dishes that are so good, Rene Mesias-Petersen has gone back three times in one month. “The flavour profile is on point!” There’s briyanis, tandooris, clay oven curries and more, all designed as tapas to be shared. You can visit them in Newlands or Sea Point.

Hours: Daily, 12pm to 10.45pm

77 Regent Road | Sea Point | @sundooindiantapas | Image: Sundoo

THE SOUTHERN’S SUBURBS “BEST-KEPT SECRET”

That’s what Nick Brayant calls Namaskar Express in Kirstenhof. The menu specialises in North Indian cuisine like palak paneer (spinach and cheese curry), korma (meat cooked in a mild curry yoghurt sauce) and chicken or lamb kadai (slow-cooked with tomatoes and spices in a special wok called a kadai). 

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8.30pm

48 Pollsmoor Road | Kirstenhof | Cape Town | Facebook | Image: Unsplash

EVER HEARD OF A CURRY BOMB SHOOTER?nbsp;

It’s the most popular item at Vadivelu. Puff shells with a savoury filling, topped up with a tamarind shooter. According to Sarah Monro Murchison, they also have “the best prawn and coconut curry in the world”. The restaurant has pink jungle wallpaper and curious treats like potato masala dosa (savoury pancakes) and suji (semolina) for dessert. 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm

151 Kloof Street | Gardens | @vadiveluonkloof | Image: Vadivelu

SERVING CURRY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Maharajah’s “lamb on the bone is absolutely fabulous,” says Carolyn Johnson. The restaurant is decorated with paintings of Indian women and brass idols on shelves. All the classic Indian curries are set at modest prices (XL portions from R200) and the parathas are stuffed with anything from cheese and potato to spiced lamb mince. 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 9.30pm; Sunday, 12pm to 9pm

1 Kloof Nek Road & Woodside Road | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town | @maharajahcapetown | Image: Maharajah

IT STARTED AS A TAKEAWAY JOINT

Now, it’s a charming curry den in the middle of the city filled with mismatched decor and carpets hanging from the ceiling. The Curry Club specialises in chicken and lamb dishes, and you can’t beat the restaurant’s homemade paneer (cheese in a butter-style curry sauce). Malene Valoo agrees. 

Hours: Monday, 12.30pm to 9.30pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm to 9.30pm

50 New Church Street | Gardens | Cape Town | @curry_club_cpt | Image: @myranpetersen

GET A MINI BUNNY CHOW TRIO

If you’re looking for proper Durban-style curries, The Burner is always a good choice (so says Kalay Chetty and Elise Timm). This Century City and Bellville gem serves masala chops, roti rolls, kebabs and more. The striking winner is the Trio Bunny – a trio of mini chicken, lamb and prawn bunny chows. 

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 8.30pm; Friday & Saturday, 11am to 10pm; Sunday, 11am to 4pm

Manhattan Suites and Conferencing | 3 Esplanade Road | Century City | Cape Town | @theburnercapetown | Image: The Burner

TRY POPULAR PUNJABI DISHES

Fairy lights hang across the ceiling and tables are lit by candlelight at Shamani. Sian Elston-Lowe says she regularly drives from Somerset West to dine there. The king of Punjabi dishes is butter chicken; there’s also an impressive selection of vegetarian dishes like paneer tikka and dal makhani. And don’t forget to try their mango lassi - it’s a Punjabi speciality. 

Hours:  Monday, 1pm to 10pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm

Ground Floor, 74 Roodebloem Road | Woodstock | @shamaniindiancuisine | Image: Shamani Indian Cuisine

THE “BEST CURRIES YOU’LL EVER TASTE”

According to Sharon Davids, you’ll find it at Food Inn on Long Street. Rogan josh, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, chana masala… you name it. Paired with a roti or naan, Sharon says you won’t be able to resist. “The flavours, the smells, and the spices are just incredible. You’ll love it!”

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12am to 12pm; Sunday, 11am to 11pm

156 Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | @foodinnlongstreet24_7 | Image: Food Inn

By Khadeeja Adams

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