Durban, South Africa
Foodie finds: where to eat curry in Durban right now
Where to find the best curry in Durban
Durban lives and breathes curry. In this city, curry carries mood, memory and ritual. It’s the taste of a weekend gathering, the comfort of a rainy evening, the glow of a flame-kissed porch dinner. What’s shifting now is how and where people are chasing those heat and herb notes. A new wave of kitchens is reinterpreting curry in boutique settings, bringing fusion-leaning menus and slowly turning into cult favourites among neighbourhood dinner squads. Here are our top picks of the restaurants serving curry in Durban with style, soul and the kind of secrets only insiders rave about.
01
The Oyster Box
If there’s anywhere that carries Durban’s curry legacy into refined sea breeze territory, The Oyster Box does. The Ocean Terrace’s legendary curry buffet offers at least 11 curries a day, from meat and fish to vegetarian and it always includes the signature Durban Lamb Curry. They source raw spices from local traders and the freshest of herbs to enhance the flavour of the curry. That, paired with the sea air humidity, seems to heighten every garam masala note. The setting is classic colonial elegance meets coastal calm. Verandas with ocean views, polished interiors, white linen and local art. During the day you have midday sunlight and a sea breeze and by evening you have candlelight and the soothing crash of waves.
The Oyster Box
2 Lighthouse Rd
Umhlanga Rocks
Durban
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Oyster Box
02
Thava
Thava at Suncoast is the South Coast’s long-running ode to robust, everyday Indian food. Owner Mathew Abraham is from Kerala and he’s built a menu that pulls from both North and South Indian traditions but emphasises freshness, thoughtful spice layering and seasonal local sourcing. Their interior is warm, comfortable and a bit luxe without overdoing it. You’ll find flickering candles, soft lighting, wood tones and pared-back décor. We love the tender and fragrant mutton biryani (spiced rice dish with meat), but first start with the palak chaat (crispy, battered and fried spinach leaves). And you cannot leave without having the paryasam (traditional Indian milk-based dessert) or soji (sweet, porridge-like dessert made from semolina).
Thava
Suncoast Casino
Suncoast Boulevard
Durban
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Thava
03
Dukkah
Dukkah is where the curry lovers who also care about aesthetics and jazz-night cocktails tend to gravitate. On Florida Road, this restaurant and bar brings a modern edge. The room is built around an atrium which keeps the place buzzy at night, with moody lighting, mezzanine seating and an indoor-outdoor flow. Their Morningside Lamb Curry is a hit. Deep Durban-style masala, dhania, splashes of sambals and poppadums, but with plating and sides that scream upscale casual. They also go off-script with seafood and coconut meld in their Berber Seafood Curry. Yes, that’s North African spices doing a salsa with Durban flavour.
Dukkah
59 Florida Rd
Morningside
Durban
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Dukkah
04
Gate of India
If you are on the hunt for authentic North Indian curry, Gate of India is the place to be. They use a tandoor (clay oven) for many dishes, including starters like samosas, mushroom kurkuri (fried okra) and bread items like garlic naan. The restaurant runs on a philosophy of fresh produce paired with imported spices from India, producing a menu that spans over 150 options. Its strength is depth across categories. The lamb rogan josh is one of their standout dishes, its sauce reduced to a glossy depth. The butter chicken is a close second for us. Garlic naan is served warm from the oven, carrying a smoky chew that pairs easily with any of the gravies. The interior is stripped-back and casual with some vintage Indian décor elements.
Gate of India
15 Old Main Rd
Gillitts
Durban
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Gate of India
05
De’Ma Restaurant
De’Ma Restaurant is where locals go when they want a proper curry without the fuss. It’s not flashy – instead, it delivers flavour that lands with confidence. The kitchen’s focus is on North Indian dishes with Durban attitude. Curries are layered with spice but never feel heavy and the biryanis arrive on platters built for sharing. The butter chicken is also popular, but insiders know to order tandoor platters and the speciality bunny chow (hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry) combos that reference Durban’s street-food heritage. Portions are generous, making it the ideal spot for those who believe curry should be shared across the table.
De’Ma Restaurant
F179 Palm Blvd
Umhlanga Ridge
Durban
South Africa
Photography courtesy of De’Ma Restaurant
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