Muthu’s is a local institution that is synonymous with one local delicacy, fish head curry, a giant fish head floating in a huge portion of delicious curry soup, its eye staring and teeth grinning. The cheek meat is the best part of the fish, but to be truly polite, let your friend eat the eye. The list of accompanying dishes is long and includes crab masala, chicken biryani, and mutton curry, with fish cutlet and fried chicken sold by the piece. We’re not talking the height of dining elegance here, but Muthu’s really has come a long way since its simple coffee shop opening, with its recent shift to newer, larger digs, with matching tables and chairs! I miss the old grotty ambience, but still it’s a good place to try this dish.
Muthu’s Curry let’s you choose without having to ask for an explanation of the whole menu. For those unfamiliar with Indian food, such as myself, it really helps to see what the food looks like, rather than just try to imagine it. Curry is an English word derived from the Indian word “kari” which means sauce or gravy. One theory is that the Philippine dish “kare-kare” may have had its roots in Dravidian cuisine of using peanut sauce with meats, as is common with its Southeast Asian neighbors. Theory, not a rule. Could be wrong.
Masala is a mixture of spices more flavorful than curry, at least in my opinion.
Fear not, its not as spicy as it seems. When partnered with Naan (Indian oven-baked flatbread) it is incredibleThe star of the show, Fish Head Curry ala Muthu’s. It was delicious. The best I have ever had. The curry was not too hot, just right. The fish is tender yet a little chewy to the bite, which tells you that the fish they used is fresh.
When you visit Singapore, don’t miss lunch at Muthu’s Curry. The average meal will cost around SGD $25 to $30 dollars. Don’t forget to have some of their red wine or their signature lime juice to go with all that curry goodness.
Go either at the start or toward the end of mealtime, so you don’t get lost in the rush and can find staff with more time to help you. They’ve recently opened another branch in town at 3 Temasek Blvd., #B1-056, Suntec City Mall (tel. 65/6835-7707).
MUTHUS CURRY HOUSE
ADDRESS: 138 Race Course Road #01-01Singapore 218591
TELEPHONE: +65 6392 1722
ADDRESS: 3 Temasek Boulevard B1-056Suntee City Mall Singapore 038983
TELEPHONE: +65 6835 7707
WEBSITE: www.muthuscurry.com
CUISINE: Southern Indian
OPENING HOURS: Daily 10am-10pmIncluding
Sundays and Public Holidays
RESERVATIONS: Reservations recommended
PRICES: Small dishes S$4-S$13 (US$2.70-US$8.70/£1.80-£5.85);
fish head curry from S$21 (US$14/£9.45)
TRANSPORT
MRT
Race Course Road – Farrer Park Station
Take E9 Exit to get to the restaurantSuntee City Mall – Cityhall Station
Bus
Race Course Road – Bustop Outside Broadway Hotel
23, 64, 65, 67, 147, 857, 139, 131, NR6, C3 City Bus, 65M
Suntee City Mall – 36, 70, 97, 857, 133, 518