An enclave laden with fancy eateries and artisanal grocers, Dempsey Hill is a hot-spot among expatriates, most of whom flock there during the weekends for its laid-back vibes and beautiful scenery.

Yet, hidden among the slew of posh restaurants lies an old-time classic, selling not just solid Indian food, but a rich history that has been passed along three generations since it was first set up as a roadside stall in the early 1950s.

Samy’s Curry is iconic and many—regardless of ethnicity—can ascertain to the sheer quality of their food. The restaurant dishes out a wide array of Northern and Southern Indian food but the highlight and a definite must to order is their highly acclaimed fish head curry.

Set amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Samy’s Curry is a curry oasis that will fill you with tasty food and solid vibes.

A symphony of warm and complex flavours, Samy’s Fish Head Curry (S$21 for small, S$28 for medium & S$33 for large) is a dish that, to us, represents all that Indian cuisine is—that is a beautiful medley comprising fresh ingredients, bold spices and emphasis on flavour over finesse.

The curry was well-rounded with a tinge of sourness to balance out the mild fishiness of the fish head. Best appreciated when spooned over steamed basmati rice, each mouthful was an explosion of rich flavours that, while assertive, still allowed the taste of the fresh fish to shine through.

You will not find a table in the restaurant without it and for good reason.

Samy’s Curry has no shortage of Northern and Southern Indian dishes to choose from and one in particular that we simply cannot do without is the Black Squid (S$9).

Tender and savoury with a mild sweetness from the dark-coloured sauce it comes served with, this dish makes for a great accompaniment to the fish head curry.

Situated in an old colonial house, Samy’s Curry sports an old colonial look that wows diners with its old-school vibes and a stunning veranda that overlooks the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill.

Samy’s Curry
25 Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 6472 2080
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

Curry fish head, like chilli crab or chicken rice, is one of the iconic dishes in Singapore. When it comes to curry fish, one would immediately think of the famous places like The Banana Leaf Apolo, Muthu’s Curry, and of course, Samy’s Curry Restaurant.

I do not know what took me so long to try Samy’s Curry, but I finally did one night when my dining companion and I could not decide what to have for dinner. And oh boy, I wondered why I never had it earlier.

I like the fact that Samy’s Curry Restaurant is located in Dempsey – one of the most popular dining enclaves in Singapore – but unlike most of the places there that are overpriced yet often under-delivers, it serves good Indian food at affordable prices.

If you are dining in a big group, you can share a curry fish head ($18 for small, $26 for medium) and get several ala carte items – butter chicken ($8 for small, $12 for big), black squid ($7 for small, $10 for big), chicken tikka ($8 for small, $12 for big) – from the menu.

If you just want something light, you can have rice and order individual portions of the dishes. Rice is being served on a banana leaf with two complimentary vegetarian side dishes and papadum. Alternatively, you can also have nasi briyani or naan topped with garlic, butter, or cheese ($2.80).

Given that many mediocre restaurants and eateries serve their fish head curry for prices ranging from $20 upwards, I feel that Samy Curry’s Restaurant is undeniably one of the more value for money options. We shared a small fish head, and it was more than enough for the two of us. The sauce is tangy, not too spicy and packs a punch. And I like that it leaves a pleasant after taste in your mouth.

Samy Curry’s is definitely the place if you do not have an adventurous palate but would like to have a go at Indian cuisine. It is also a place where I would bring my overseas friends to enjoy an authentic Indian feast.

Samy’s Curry Restaurant
25A Dempsey Road
Tanglin Village (Dempsy Hill Green)
Tel: +65 6472 2080
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tue)