The Banana Leaf Apolo Fish Curry

Post by Chiefeater Luke Soon

This is Banana Leaf Apolo on Race Course Road – one of our staples for Indian. The Banana Leaf Apolo for years was near the top of our list on food that we had to try. We’ve heard people rave about how it serves authentic and affordable Indian cuisine but we just never had the time to go down to Little India. I was glad a project I had gave me the opportunity to fully explore Little India first hand. And my first stop was of course the Banana Leaf Apolo, and what a delightful experience it turned out to be!

Located along Race Course Road with all the big Indian eatery names dominating the entire stretch with their signature fish head curry, it is also no wonder why it has been a challenging task to settle down for the perfect restaurant if you are new to this area!

Banana Leaf Apolo is a fine Indian establishment serving quality food since 1974. For me – when it comes to fish head curry – it’s a toss up Between Muthu’s in Dempsey and Apollo. But the former is the more value for money option, IMO.

Interestingly, fish head curry was invented here – targeting local chinese taste buds. Here’s an excerpt “M. J. Gomez Fish head curry was first sold from a stall at Sophia Road in 1949. It was the brainchild of Indian immigrant, M. J. Gomez, even though the head of the fish was not particularly an Indian delicacy.”

This restaurant is also notably famous for its food menu that boasts a Guinness world record for largest serving of fish heads!

The fish head that came along with it was of a Snapper fish that was all filled with meat along its clavicle (collar), had fully immersed with the rich flavour of the curry that had contained some vegetable ingredients such as pineapples, tomatoes & ladyfingers.

The curry itself was of a soup gravy mixture, had tasted the lightness of spices added to it, and was so absolutely tasty to even drink it on its own! I personally love how the curry had tasted as it had also contained a taste of sweetness at the end of every spoonful! ​The meat of the fish was so soft & delicate that carried the flavours of the curry, was absolutely scrumptious to savour with every mouthwatering bite.

Fish head curry is a dish that I have come to associate with Singapore. I know there are similar offerings in Malaysia eg Bangsar in KL. I’ve just had more (frequency) of it here down south. I’d also argue that Indian food in both countries are on par, equally good – excuse my non Indian tastebuds.

The fish head curry (small) is priced at SGD28.80 – the other dishes we had (aloo gobi, bindi masala, squid curry and butter naan – are all consistent 7/10s throughout the years)

Total damage $176 for 4 pax.

Business Hours
Opens Daily
10:30 am to 10:30 pm