Curries to die for from SA’s ‘curry capital’ – KZN

To quote the famous English actress, Marianne Jean-Baptiste: “the national dish is no longer fish & chips; it’s curry.” Well, in our case it would probably be, “the national dish is no longer pap & vleis, it’s curry.” But what we do know for sure is that nowhere else in South Africa will you find curries like in KZN. These are the top genuine curry restaurants, according to the most critical judges, our locals.

A bunny chow that explodes in your mouth

One of the most popular curry spots, according to both locals and tourists, is ‘Bunny Hugging’ at 4 Sipho Sethy Rd, Mt Edgecombe, Durban. Some of the many reasons for this is because they are:

• Winner of the Durban Bunny Chow Barometer Competition
• Serves around 30,000 people per month
• Open 24 hours a day

Their signature dish is an extra hot or hot mutton bunny that is said to explode in your mouth from the moment you put that first piece of warm, freshly baked bread dipped in rich masala gravy and tender lamb in your mouth.

A choice of the best curries

If just one curry is not enough for you, you will be delighted with the supreme daily curry buffet at the Ocean Terrace Restaurant that can be found at the upmarket Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks. The restaurant is famous for:

• Dining alongside breath-taking views of the seaside
• Authentic Tandoori and pizza ovens
• Renowned specialists in genuine Indian cuisine

Most importantly, you will be spoiled for choice with a great selection of freshly cooked, top quality curries.

Servings to satisfy the biggest eaters

You will find exceptional curries, great value for money, and a relaxed atmosphere at the ‘House of Curries’ that is located on 275 Florida Road, Durban. These are some of the delectable items you’ll find on their interesting menu:

• A plate with an assortment of 6 mini bunnies
• Chip & cheese rotis that weigh more than a loaf of bread
• Boneless mutton curry

Curry is not just a dish, it’s a culture. At House of Curries, you’ll experience curry just the way the local Durbanites like it! Be served in style at a legendary venue The fabled Capsicum Restaurant at Britannia Hotel, on 1299 Umgeni Road, has a proud heritage and is of one of the most popular curry spots in Durban – for no less than 33 years! Good to know:

• Get to dine in a charming old-world Victorian style setting.
• Famous for its ‘begging to be tried’ spiced chicken and prawn curries.
• Serves exotic bunnies with unusual fillings such as tripe or trotters.

Must-try traditional Indian cuisine at Tandoor Clay Oven in Pietermaritzburg

The Tandoor Clay Oven at 319 Bulwer Street, Pietermaritzburg is loved for its hearty cuisine that is served in the same way as in a traditional Indian family’s home. Dishes are served with naan bread that is freshly baked in a traditional clay oven on a daily basis

Enjoy curry with a difference at The Curry Court in Pietermaritzburg.

The Curry Court, located at 100 Chief Albert Luthuli Street in Pietermaritzburg, prides itself in serving traditional curry dishes that all South Africans love, including bunny chows, roti rolls and ‘curry-and-rice’. But there is a twist – They use home-grown, uniquely blended spices and all their recipes are made through a secret cooking technique that was handed down from generation to generation.

Meet a North Coast legend, Impulse by the Sea Restaurant in Ballito

‘Impulse by the Sea Restaurant’ on Tinley Manor Beach in Ballito has accomplished a legendary status as the “go-to” curry restaurant on the North Coast. Local foodies and fans also swear that their prawn curry is more than worth the drive from Durban. An added bonus is that you get to dine against a backdrop of one of the most beautiful beaches in KZN.

Be sure to visit the Richards Bay, Home of the Bunny Chow

The modest ‘KNK Curries Restaurant’ situated right on the waterfront in Mariners Mall, Richards Bay is known far and wide for serving the best spicy curry in town. Try it for yourself and you will understand exactly why it has earned itself the name of the ‘Richards Bay, Home of the Bunny Chow.’

Curry to satisfy even the most discerning palates at Little India Curry Den Restaurant and Take-Away

Enjoy Indian cuisine the way true Indians do, at Little India Curry Den Restaurant and Take-Away that serves a bouquet of dishes as rich and varied as the Indian culture itself. Dining at the restaurant promises both a culinary and sensory experience, as it:

• Is modern, yet stylish and elegant
• Caters extensively for both meat eaters and vegetarians
• Spices are imported directly from India
• Specialise in regional dishes from all areas of the Indian subcontinent