Southern Indian or Peranakan, the flavoursome curry stew is cooked with vegetables and, yes, a whole head of a fish in Singapore
There are two variations – Southern Indian, and Peranakan – of fish head curry in Singapore: the Southern Indian version is a richer concoction, with a distinct taste of coconut milk, while the Peranakans prepare their fish head curry with asam (tamarind juice), giving their curry a lighter, tangier flavour. Whether you’re a fan of the Southern Indian or Peranakan version, this list has covered with our picks of the island’s best. Pass the rice!
The Banana Lead Apolo
Mecca for all Indian cuisine lovers, Race Course Road is lined with some of the most authentic Indian restaurants in Singapore. An institution in this part of town, The Banana Leaf Apolo has over 41 years of experience under their belt. Though they offer a mix of North and South Indian fare, like chicken masala, mutton curry, and tandoori chicken, their signature is definitely their rich fish head curry.
The Banana Leaf Apolo, 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564, p.6293 8682
Sakunthala’s Food Palace
Another name that you’ll often hear when visiting Little India is Sakunthala’s Food Palace; a family-run restaurant that’s practically a household name. You’ll find their other outlets along Dunlop Street and Syed Alwi road. Sakunthala’s Food Palace, 66 Race Course Road, Singapore 218570, p. 6293 6649
Muthu’s Curry
Did you know that the ever-popular Dempsey Hill is actually home to one of Singapore’s most famous curry restaurants – Muthu’s Curry (their original outlet is on Race Course Road)? Serving their fish head on banana leaves with a side of basmati rice and crispy papadum, it’s clear that Muthu’s Curry’s swanky Dempsey branch still upholds the good ol’ traditions of Indian cuisine.
Muthu’s Curry, 7 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249671, p. 6474 5128
Samy’s Curry
Another famous Southern Indian restaurant in Dempsey Hill, Samy’s Curry gets our vote for their reasonable pricing. Plus, the taste is not too shabby either and will definitely leave you feeling entirely satisfied.
Samy’s Curry, 25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670, p. 6472 2080
Ocean Curry Fish Head
We love delving into the heartlands to suss out great eats and one of our best finds is Ocean Curry Fish Head (Blk 92, Toa Payoh Lor 4, #01-264). With a second outlet in the heart of CBD and just down the road from our work place), this food stall is where we (and nearly everyone else – the queue is never ending!) go for our lunch time curry fix. Ocean Curry Fish Head, 181 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068629
Rajah’s Curry
Easties should be all too familiar with Rajah’s Curry. Helmed by the jolly Mr Rajah, who carved out a name for himself with his first venture along East Coast, you can now catch him dishing out his famous fish head curry along Joo Chiat. Rajah’s Curry, 263 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427945, p. 9380 7404
Zai Shun Curry Fish Head
Located in the western part of Singapore, this cze char restaurant does a fish head curry so good, us Easties are constantly travelling there for a bowl! Besides ordering their assam fish head, you’ve got to try their steamed version with fermented beans and crispy pork lard for a mouthwatering experience.
Zai Shun Curry Fish Head, 253 Jurong East Street 24, Singapore 600253
Want to try and prepare your own fish head curry? Our South Indian fish head curry recipe will give you a helping hand!
All images were contributed by the talented Nicola McMahon of Bright Star Photography.
Read more about Singapore’s local cuisine at www.YourSingapore.com.
