Fish head curry is a Singaporean dish deriving from a hybrid of Indian and Chinese ethnic cuisines.[1][2] The head of a red snapper is stewed in a curry with assorted vegetables such as okra and eggplants. It is usually served with either rice or bread, or as a shared dish.[4]

Fish head curry

Fish head curry served at a Singaporean restaurant
Alternative names	咖哩魚頭 (Chinese) Kari kepala ikan (Malay) மீன் தலைக் கறி (Tamil)
Type	Curry
Course	Main course
Place of origin	Singapore[1][2][3]
Region or state	Southeast Asia
Created by	M.J. Gomez
Serving temperature	Hot or warm
Main ingredients	Red snapper fish head, vegetables (okra, eggplant, Long bean)
Variations	Fish amok, Fish head casserole, Ho mok pla, mok pa

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Description

Origins

Fish head curry was invented in Singapore when a chef from the state of Kerala named M.J. Gomez, who was living in the country, wanted to bring South Indian cuisine to local diners. He started a restaurant called Gomez Curry, which was located at Sophia Road and eventually at 9 Selegie Road, both located within the Rochor district in the Central Region.[1]

Although fish head was not widely served in the Indian subcontinent, Chinese customers considered Fish head casserole as a special delicacy, and so Gomez had the idea of cooking the fish in curry instead, as well as his own ingredients, therefore formulating a new dish.[2]

Today, restaurants of all races in the country all serve variations of this dish. Fish head curry has become a popular dish among Singaporeans and tourists alike. Costing between S$10 to S$20, it is generally not considered cheap hawker fare. It typically comes served in a clay pot, and is often sold at hawker centers and neighbourhood food stalls.[4][5]

Preparation

Tamarind (asam) juice is frequently added to the gravy to give the dish a sweet-sour flavor (see asam fish). This variety of fish head curry also has a thinner, orange gravy.[6]

Coconut milk can be added to this dish.[7]

See also

• Singaporean cuisine
• Chilli crab – another Singaporean seafood dish
• Malabar matthi curry
• Fish head casserole
• Fish amok
• Fish stew
• Fish curry (disambiguation)

References