Samy’s Curry Has Been Around Since The 1960s—Does It Still Live Up To The Hype?

Samy’s Curry is a popular Indian restaurant at Dempsey Hill 

Having grown up in the outskirts of Little India, I’ve never had to look far for good Indian food. From late-night mamak stalls that always satisfy supper cravings, to household names such as Muthu’s Curry and Copper Chimney, the neighbourhood has no shortage of excellent options. As a result, I’ve rarely felt the need to venture elsewhere for Indian food, but there was one still legendary name that I simply had to cross off my list—Samy’s Curry at Dempsey Hill. 

One of Singapore’s most storied Indian restaurants, Samy’s Curry was founded by the late Indian-born chef Mr. M. Veerasamy, who first set up shop along Tank Road in River Valley in the 1960s. As demand for its offerings grew, the restaurant later relocated to Pearl’s Hill Centre before settling at its current home in Dempsey Road in the 1970s, where it continues to draw diners from all corners of the island to this day. 

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Food at Samy’s Curry 

Samy’s Curry offers an extensive selection of both South and North Indian dishes, with signatures such as the famed Fish Head Curry ($25++/$30++/$35++) and Mysore Mutton ($16++). However, we decided to keep things simple, opting instead for the comforting classics that hit closest to home. 

Of course, we had to start with the Butter Chicken ($15++). Samy’s rendition arrives in a velvety, deep orange gravy that was luxuriously smooth, with distinct notes of butter, cream, and tomatoes that have been slow-cooked into a cohesive sauce. It struck a fine balance between richness and spice, with the cream offering a silky finish without muting the aromatic warmth of the spices. The gravy was flavourful, opening with a gentle tang from the tomatoes before giving way to earthy spices and a lingering heat. 

The generous boneless chicken chunks were equally impressive, remaining remarkably tender after soaking up the sauce. Each bite was juicy and coated in the creamy gravy, the spices infusing the meat with plenty of flavour. 

While we enjoyed pairing the butter chicken with rice, nothing quite beats tearing off a piece of freshly made naan and dipping it into the gravy. Samy’s Garlic Naan ($4.50++) arrived piping hot, boasting a fluffy interior that wasn’t overly doughy. Beyond its pronounced wheaty flavour, the fragrant garlic and buttery notes elevated the naan even further. 

 

Rather than being baked till overly crisp, the bread was wonderfully soft with a lightly blistered exterior, making it perfect for scooping up generous amounts of gravy. It also managed to absorb the sauce well without turning soggy.

Their Curry Mutton ($16.50++) is another dish worth ordering, and before you worry, the mutton here is far from overly gamey. Any hint of gaminess is expertly masked by the medley of spices, allowing the meat’s natural richness to come through. These generous boneless chunks are dunked into a robust gravy that’s packed with bold Indian spices.

Compared to the butter chicken, the curry here delivered a noticeably fiercer kick that spice lovers will appreciate. The mutton was decently tender and absorbed the flavours of the curry well, though a few pieces were slightly chewier than others. Even so, it did little to detract from the overall quality of the dish.

Another of Samy’s most highly raved-about dishes is the Cauliflower 65 ($12++), a South Indian vegetarian appetiser that proves cauliflower does not always need to be boring. Here, bite-sized cauliflower florets are coated in a spiced flour batter before being deep-fried. We picked up fragrant notes of turmeric and cumin, packing the humble vegetable with bold flavours. Although the batter stayed satisfyingly crispy with no soggy bits, it leaned slightly on the oily side, so we recommend sharing this to avoid it being overly cloying.

Make sure to order a portion of their White Rice ($4.50++), which comes with free-flow white rice served on a banana leaf, alongside vegetable dhal and long beans. We mixed everything, allowing the creamy dhal to seep into every grain of rice, with the long beans adding a pleasant crunch. The interplay of spices and flavours made it enjoyable enough to eat on its own, but it was equally at home alongside the restaurant’s robust dishes. 

Ambience at Samy’s Curry 

Instead of sleek, modern interiors, Samy’s Curry embraces a rustic charm. Housed within a heritage colonial building, the open-air restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery, with whirring ceiling fans and simple communal seating lending it the atmosphere of an old-school canteen. The restaurant’s nostalgic atmosphere adds to its timeless appeal, creating a dining experience that feels extremely comforting. Getting there requires a short bus ride from Napier MRT Station, or from Somerset MRT Station if you’re travelling from the central area. 

Samy’s Curry is a 15-minute walk from Napier MRT Station. 

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Overall, Samy’s Curry is undoubtedly one of the best Indian restaurants I have tried. From its extensive selection of well-executed dishes to its charming heritage setting, every element comes together to create a memorable meal. Its ability to deliver the same consistently high standards over the years is a testament to why it has remained a favourite among generations of diners. If you are looking for an authentic Indian feast, this is one destination that’s well worth making the trip for. 

For another popular South Indian restaurant, check out our MTR Singapore review. If you’re looking for more award-winning eateries, check out our Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026 feature! 

Address: 25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Website
Samy’s Curry is not halal-certified. 

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Pictures taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg