There is nothing quite like a good curry on a cold Cape Town winter’s night. Or, of course, after a night of too much wine. Oh heck, I’d even have curry in Summer. I’m originally from Durban, where good curry is in abundance, so I’m always looking for a place that would match my high expectations. It seems I found it.

The Bihari Indian Restaurant is situated in Newlands, attached to the Southern Sun Hotel. It’s easy to find as it is on the main road and parking has never been a problem.

Slightly on the pricey side, but definitely worth it because the food that you get is both of high quality and quantity. I’ve been a few times and each time I always order either the Chicken Jal Frezi (chicken pieces in a creamy tomato and onion gravy. Garnished with julienne tomato, onion and peppers) or the Butter Chicken (Chicken tikka in a creamy tomato and cashew nut based gravy). Both are ridiculously good, and I always end up eating them way too fast.

Every time we go I hear rave reviews from the people we are with and the restaurant is always packed so I would definitely suggest making a booking. I have tried to go in a spur of the moment before and couldn’t get in, which was very disappointing.

My only complaint is that on more than one occasion I’ve had an unfriendly waiter and I also once heard the manager shouting at the staff, which definitely changes the atmosphere of the place. It’s a pity because if it wasn’t for this I would rate this restaurant a lot higher.

Based on the food alone though, it definitely gets my vote.