Keep calm and curry on.
According to Dave DeWitt (food historian and author of A World of Curries), all it really takes to be labeled a curry is a spice blend rooted in the Indian curry tradition.
Fun fact: Indian curries are made with dry spices like coriander, turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, and chili powder to provide intense, lingering flavors.
Because the combinations of meats, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces are endless, there are an innumerable amount of variations of curry across the globe.
The Thai version starts out as a paste, making use of fresh ingredients like hot chilies, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallot, and shrimp paste. Japanese curry is made from spice powders, flour, and oil, giving it its distinct brown color and thicker consistency. Many curries, like India’s korma variety, incorporate coconut milk or yogurt to keep the flavor mild and the texture creamy.
It’s not a secret how much we love Indian food (and pretty much any cuisine with exotic and bold flavors) so we’ve rounded up a list of must-try curry dishes around the Metro!
Don’t forget to add them to your Must-Try lists so you don’t miss out and remember to share your experiences with us by tagging @bookyapp on Instagram and by using the hashtag #bookymanila.
Curry Tantanmen – Butamaru
Butamaru is a Japanese restaurant that originated at Westgate Center, Filinvest Alabang. Their newest branch – nestled in Ortigas Technopoint One – opened its doors just last year. They have an extensive izakaya selection but their specialties are their savory and heartwarming ramen bowls. Try their Curry Tantanmen if you’re feeling adventurous!
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CE405 Westgate Center Commerce Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 887 4255
Thai Red Curry – Basil
Basil is Katipunan’s once secret garden restaurant gem. It serves authentic and traditional Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden-inspired house designed by owners Tom McGue and Chef Al Brown, who are both plant and art enthusiasts. Must try dishes include their Pad Thai, Red Curry, and Tom Yum soup.
Curry Calamari – The Belle & Dragon
The Belle & Dragon is a gastropub that highlights the best of Western and Asian cuisine. They also offer a special selection of imported and local craft beers. Their Curry Calamari is fantastic – tender squid is dipped in curry buttermilk, fried to golden-brown perfection, and served with a green curry aioli.
Reservations are accepted
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100 OPL Building, C Palanca Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
(02) 625-8828
Japanese Beef Curry Souffle – Le Petit Soufflé
Le Petit Soufflé is a playful and modern French-Japanese bistro serving a wide selection of both sweet and savory offerings made from scratch. With stunning garden interiors and a constantly evolving menu, they deliver an unforgettable experience. Try their one-of-a-kind Japanese beef curry soufflé – you won’t regret it.
Little Bird Dog – Three Guys and a Grill
Three Guys and a Grill is a concept by Tom Thurnherr (Swiss), Duncan Gates (Kiwi) and Franck Shrope (Fil-Am). The friends specialize in what they call “European-style hot dogs,” highlighting the quality of the sausage and bread above all else. They serve a variety of hot dog sandwiches, including the Little Bird Dog – a juicy curry chicken sausage topped with sliced pickles, homemade ketchup, Sriracha mayo, and chopped onions!
Insider Tip: Enjoy BUY 1 GET 1 Tangy Swiss Dog for Php 129 with Booky. Read more here.
Beef Curry Rice – Ganso-Shabuway
Ganso-Shabuway is an international franchise from California that offers Japanese style hotpot. They serve all-natural grass fed beef, fresh produce and other meat. Aside from shabu-shabu, they offer curry rice bowls with either USDA Angus beef or ebi tempura.
Curry Dishes – R.I.C.H.
Royal Indian Curry House or R.I.C.H. is a popular late night sports bar and restaurant in the growing Poblacion food hub in Makati. It serves authentic Indian cuisine and is also an all-in-one hangout spot that boasts of five floors of entertainment and dining areas. They have a variety of curry dishes that are best eaten with biryani or naan.
Murg Tikka Butter Masala (Chicken) – Succulent chicken tikka cooked in tomato & onion gravy Mutton Rajwari Kofta (Mutton) – Made with the Chef’s secret recipe Goan Style Fish Curry (Fish) – This one’s tangy and spicy
South Spice Curry Wings – Little Bear Diner
Aptly named after the constellation, Little Bear Diner is a small restaurant with an eclectic menu and a big personality. The menu doesn’t subscribe to one cuisine; in the past, they experimented with burger, brunch, taco, and pasta menus. The current set-up – which they call The Cardamom Club, is their take on modern Indian cuisine. The South Spice Curry Wings are a must-try!
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23 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(0917) 819-0650
Pork Cutlet Omelet Curry – CoCo Ichibanya
CoCo Ichibanya is a Japanese curry house that offers build-your-own curry plates including beef, pork katsu, seafood and more. The restaurant’s signature curry blend is a combination of star anise, cumin, garlic, and cinnamon. We love their Pork Cutlet Omelet Curry which features a thick and juicy slice of tonkatsu!
Also read: 10 Spots for the Best Katsu in Metro Manila
Reservations are accepted
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Rogan Josh – Mantra Bistro
Mantra Bistro is one of the new and upcoming Indian restaurants in the Legazpi Village area. Carnivores are welcome here as they also serve a separate menu for those who love tandoori and the homemade goodness of traditional Indian curry. They also serve cocktails and wines that go perfect with your dishes. Try their Rogan Josh – lamb curry cooked in tomatoes and traditional Indian spices.
Reservations are accepted
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G/F Grand Midori Bldg., Bolano St, Legazpi Village, Makati
(02) 776-0318
Laksa Lemak – The Noodle Studio
The Noodle Studio offers modern Asian cuisine, specializing in Asian noodles and other delicacies. Must-tries are their versions of the Singaporean char kway teow and the Laksa Lemak – a popular Peranakan dish made of rice noodles with shrimp, fish cakes, and chicken, all served in a spicy curry-based coconut soup.
Also read: 12 Laksa Places in Manila Perfect for Cuddle Weather
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2/F Ayala Malls The 30th, 30 Meralco Ave, Ortigas, Pasig
(0928) 389-8583
Beetroot Curry Paneer – Hey Handsome
Hey Handsome is a hip Peranakan restaurant famously headed by Chef Nicco Santos of Legaspi Village cult favorite, Your Local. They’re known for their Bebek Penyet (duck), Buah Keluak (lamb) and Nam Tok (BBQ beef short-ribs) but one of their best dishes is actually a vegetarian option! Paneer and oyster mushrooms are enrobed in a vibrant and velvety beetroot curry, and topped with a crispy fried poppadum. The sweet and earthy sauce pairs well with the yogurt and mint oil spooned into a grilled onion cup.
Insider Tip: Dinner service is split into two seatings: 6pm and 8:30pm
No reservations accepted
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G/F Net Park Building, 5th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 946-3815
Mixed Seafood in South Indian Coconut Curry – Naan
Naan is casual dining Indian restaurant serving authentic and popular Indian street food. They are known for their samosas, naan topped with grilled chicken tikka, falafel, and hummus. The Mixed Seafood South Indian Curry features mussels, squid rings and shrimps in a creamy coconut curry with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Reservations are accepted
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16 United St, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(0998) 553-6424
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