
Samy's Curry Restaurant
A beloved family-run institution serving authentic South Indian cuisine, famous for its fish head curry and traditional banana leaf dining.

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Samy's Curry Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved family-run institution serving authentic South Indian cuisine, famous for its fish head curry and traditional banana leaf dining.
"Samy's Curry is a true Singaporean icon – and it never disappoints."
Make a Reservation
High demand means reservations are recommended to secure your table, especially during peak times.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Opt for outdoor seating for a unique dining experience amidst lush greenery.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
South Indian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Fish Head Curry
A bold, tangy, and flavorful fish head curry that's a must-try, served traditionally on a banana leaf.

Authentic Banana Leaf Dining
Experience traditional South Indian cuisine served on banana leaves for an authentic and appetizing meal.

Flavorful Indian Specialties
From masala chicken and mutton mysore to chicken ghee roast, savor a range of dishes bursting with spice.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make a Reservation
High demand means reservations are recommended to secure your table, especially during peak times.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Opt for outdoor seating for a unique dining experience amidst lush greenery.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the fish head curry, masala chicken, and mutton mysore – all bursting with authentic flavor.
Free-Flow Rice & Sides
Enjoy free-flow rice, potatoes, and papadum with your meal for added value.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make a Reservation
High demand means reservations are recommended to secure your table, especially during peak times.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Opt for outdoor seating for a unique dining experience amidst lush greenery.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the fish head curry, masala chicken, and mutton mysore – all bursting with authentic flavor.
Free-Flow Rice & Sides
Enjoy free-flow rice, potatoes, and papadum with your meal for added value.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Samy's Curry is celebrated as a Singaporean icon for its authentic South Indian flavors, especially the renowned fish head curry and the unique banana leaf dining experience. While many praise the delicious food, generous portions, and friendly service, some reviews note a slight decline in standards and occasional issues with food freshness or service attentiveness. Nevertheless, its long-standing tradition and vibrant atmosphere continue to draw crowds seeking hearty, traditional Indian meals.
"Samy’s Curry is a true Singaporean icon — and it never disappoints. Nestled in the lush Dempsey enclave, this no-frills spot serves up some of the best South Indian food in town. The fish head curry is the undisputed star — bold, tangy, and brimming with flavour. The masala chicken and mutton mysore are also must-tries, each dish bursting with spice and character. Beyond the incredible food, the staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely hospitable — always ready with a smile and quick to make you feel at home. The banana leaf setup, the generous portions, and the relaxed, canteen-style vibe make it a one-of-a-kind experience. Samy’s isn’t just a meal — it’s a tradition. Highly recommended!"
Joydeep Choudhury
"Very satisfying meal! Rice is served in the banana leaves which makes it even more appetising n taste nicer! The tandoori chicken is a must order fish! So tender! The fish head curry. The fish is very fresh n there is a lot of meat even for the small portion! The beverage is on the higher price other than that it’s super value for money!"
Yvonne Lim
"Best South Indian food in Singapore. I frequent here almost every month and it never disappoints. The staff are friendly, the food is worth the travel to Dempsey, and they are very generous with their portions. A must visit."
A'bidah Shirbeeni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Samy's Curry is most famous for its authentic South Indian cuisine, particularly its signature Fish Head Curry, served traditionally on banana leaves.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak hours or public holidays, due to the restaurant's popularity.
The dining experience is casual and traditional, with meals served on banana leaves. It's a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options, and is recognized for accommodating these dietary needs.
Other popular dishes include Masala Chicken, Mutton Mysore, Chicken Ghee Roast, and crispy fried cauliflower.
Many diners enjoy eating with their hands, as is traditional for South Indian cuisine served on banana leaves.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available, making it a convenient spot for a meal.
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Samy's is set in a charming old open-air hall with fans whirring madly overhead. There's also an alfresco area overlooking lush Dempsey Hill. This is a boisterous, sweaty, eat-with-your-hands kind of place, and people from all walks of life stream in throughout the day—working types in their corporate shirts and ties, locals and expats dressed comfortably, and curious, food-loving tourists.
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Where to try it: Samy’s Curry on Dempsey Hill is a long-standing establishment where you can eat South Indian food on banana leaves; their fish head curry is thicker and typical of South Indian food. Na Na Curry, run by a Peranakan family, has several outlets and curry options, and their sourish Asam-style fish head curry is their bestseller.
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Restaurant, Indian, Asian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Fast Food. Samy’s Curry Restaurant began as a cure for Indians’ homesickness after settling down in Singapore. Founded in the 1950s, this restaurant is a family run business that has been passed from generation to generation.
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This family-run restaurant was founded in the 1960s and enjoys a loyal fanbase that vehemently attests to its menu. A long-time stalwart of the Dempsey area, customers keep going back for popular dishes such as masala chicken, fish head curry and Mysore mutton – all still cooked using recipes painstakingly created by its founder. Hearty fare that’s stood the test of time, you can’t go wrong with Samy’s Curry if you’re seeking comfort food and a place to share one or several dishes with family and friends!
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Samy's is something of an institution in Singapore, having been dishing up cheap Indian cuisine in informal surroundings since the 1950s, making it one of Singapore's oldest Indian restaurants. The large mess-like brightly-lit hall sees groups of friends tucking into Signature dishes such as Masala Chicken, Mysore Mutton, Fish Cutlet and Masala Prawns. Whichever dish you choose, it will be unceremoniously sploshed onto your banana leaf along with as much rice, dahl and vegetable curry as you can manage.
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Instagram: @samyscurrysgAddress: 25 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249670. From its humble beginnings, Samy’s Curry has grown to become a beloved and award winning Singaporean landmark, famed for delicious food and friendly service. Customers come from across the island to enjoy the lush Dempsey Road setting and sumptuous dishes, especially the legendary Masala Chicken, Fish Head Curry, Fish Cutlet and Mysore Mutton made from secret recipes consisting of different blend of spices.
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Stepping into Samy's Curry Restaurant is like stepping into a time machine, taking you back to the heart of traditional Singaporean cuisine. Founded by the excellent chef Mr. M. Veerasamy in the 1960s, Samy's Curry Restaurant remains a cherished family-run institution to this day. This beloved and award-winning Singaporean landmark beckons diners from across the island with its charming Dempsey Road location and a reputation for mouthwatering dishes and warm hospitality.
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From chilli crab at JUMBO Seafood, prettily-plated Modern European delights at The White Rabbit, or fiery Indian fare at Samy’s Curry—the options are endless at this charming lifestyle destination. Once you’re done with dinner, don’t leave just yet. Dempsey’s also known for its cluster of drinking spots—RedDot BrewHouse is perfect for craft beer lovers, and The Rabbit Hole at The White Rabbit offers a curated selection of refreshing gins mixed with their very own tonic.
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Situated at Dempsey Road, Samy’s Curry is the oldest and most authentic South Indian restaurant specialising in its signature Fish Head Curry and other Indian dishes that are undiluted and original to its taste for the past 50 years. No visit to Samy’s Curry is complete without ordering Samy’s Fish Head Curry (S$25 for small, S$30 for medium, S$35 for large). Just note that the small option is good enough for two persons, and is perfect for sharing!
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Chef Vijay Shanmugam was working at Waldorf Astoria Maldives for three years before returning to Singapore to helm the kitchens of the new Hilton Singapore Orchard. On his days off, Shanmugam likes to go to Samy’s Curry at Dempsey, an iconic spot for fish head curry and vegetarian accompaniments served on banana leaves. Shanmugam says, “I usually order masala chicken, Mysore mutton and cabbage with yellow dhal.
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Fish head curry is a Singapore fave, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better version than at Samy’s Curry. Just the fact that the restaurant has been around since the 60s should tell you something right there. Order up some basmati rice on a banana leaf and then opt for a small, medium or large pot of fish head curry served with a fresh snapper head swimming in a beautiful sauce laden with big bold spices.
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Samy’s Curry accommodates 300 people and has a spacious and inviting atmosphere with plenty of natural light. The restaurant has played a significant role in popularising the iconic dish known as fish head curry. While they may not have invented the dish, their culinary expertise and unique preparation methods have supercharged its popularity among locals and visitors alike.
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If you are new to Singapore then you may not be familiar with Samy’s. This eaterie in Dempsey Hill is a true Singapore stalwart, having been serving up spectacular home-cooked Indian fare since the 1950s. Be prepared for an authentic experience where your food is placed not on a plate, but a banana leaf, and you have the option of scooping the fare up with your hand.
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Samy’s Curry Restaurant has been a beloved institution since the 1950s, offering a true taste of South India. Located at 25 Dempsey Rd, this restaurant is housed in a heritage military barracks, adding a unique charm to the dining experience. Known for its family-style meals and bold flavors, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving authentic South Indian cuisine.
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Samy’s Curry offers a mix of traditional and vegetarian curries served with fluffy rice, making it a popular destination in the Dempsey Hill area. Comfort South Indian curries: Flavorful vegetarian options like sambar, dal, and mixed vegetable curry. With its cozy ambiance and delicious food, Samy’s Curry is perfect for relaxed, family-friendly dining.
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Samy’s Curry Restaurant is a family-run spot that started in the 1960s and is recognized as one of the best Indian restaurants in Singapore. Located in the Dempsey Hills area, it offers a relaxed setting that appeals to both locals and visitors. Its long history and convenient location make it a comfortable place to enjoy a casual meal.
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Samy’s Curry Restaurant in Singapore (image courtesy: Mustsharenews.com). Samy’s Curry Restaurant is a family-operated restaurant that started back in the 1960s and has a loyal following throughout Singapore in the Dempsey locality. Customers keep coming back for both sumptuous non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes alike.
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Taking a step inside this Indian restaurant in Singapore, you will feel as if you entered a restaurant in India. The ambience of Samy’s Curry restaurant reminds you of India with its Canteen-style atmosphere. It has been a family-run restaurant for many decades, focusing on serving the best Indian cuisine.
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Next on the list is Samy’s Curry, a longstanding and famous Indian restaurant in Singapore. They’ve been around for more than 60 years, and were one of the first few restaurants in Dempsey Hill. They specialise in South Indian cuisine, which is characterised by the use of tamarind, coconut milk, and rice.
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Samy’s Curry is a South Indian restaurant that has been family-run for seven decades and defines itself by its longevity. Located in the lush, green surroundings of Dempsey Hill, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional flavors with a serene outdoor setting.
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Samy's Curry was founded by the excellent chef Mr. M. Veerasamy in the 1960s, and it is still run by his family to this day. Mr. M. Veerasamy was born in Tamil Nadu, India. He arrived in Singapore to work as a cook for a group of Indian merchants who came to do business in Singapore.
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Located in the serene neighborhood of Dempsey Hill, Samy’s Curry Restaurant is a must-visit for curry lovers. This dining spot specializes in South Indian cuisine, but there are also North Indian dishes available here. You can’t go wrong with the butter chicken paired with naan.
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Why go: This old-school Indian canteen in lush Dempsey Hill is a dining institution. It’s been doling out curries and dahls to locals since the 1950s and still sticks to tradition. Rice and curries are served tableside by friendly staff who spoon them out on banana leaves.
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Head to this family-run restaurant for a no-frills yet satisfying meal. Since the 1950s, customers have been flocking here for its legendary fish head curry served with a basket of pappadums. Spicy with a hint of sweetness, it’s a bubbling pot best enjoyed with some rice.
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Established by Mr. M. Veerasamy, Samy’s Curry is one of the go-to Indian restaurants in Singapore. They are known for their authentic cuisine and high-quality service. They were also awarded several awards and accolades including from Tripadvisor.
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The restaurant has existed since the 1960s and serves authentic Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. It needs to be enjoyed the traditional way!. Masala Chicken, Fish Head Curry and Mysore Mutton is what Sam’s is famous for.
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Located in the lush, tranquil surroundings of Depmsey Hill, Samy’s Curry is an extremely popular Indian restaurant but ordering a biryani here is a little different from some of the other Biryani joints.
This family-run fixture has been serving mouth-watering Indian dishes since the 60s, and now holds a permanent position as Singapore's go-to Masala Chicken and Mysore Mutton spot.
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Signature dishes: Chicken Tikka, Curry Mutton, Fish Cutlet, Butter Chicken, Masala Chicken, Fish Head Curry, Mysore Mutton. Price for Two: 40 SD. Phone no.: +65 6472 2080
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Samy’s Curry was founded by the excellent chef Mr. M. Veerasamy back in the 1960’s and the restaurant remains a family run establishment to this day.Mr.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit