Hamilton Curry Bowl — Restaurant in Hamilton

Summary: For those interested only for takeaway, you’ll get the better end of the stick, although dish based on this review was overly salty; food and prices are quiet decent and menu flexible to meet vegan/veg/gluten free dietary needs

✅ Dish authentic Indian flavours. Fast service. Lovely spices. 💰Prices reasonable. Although some reviews complaining of small portions may have a point. ⛔️ Very Salty food, dull service, odd and conflicting vibe, terrible entrance.

Full Review: Entrance undefined, walked up and saw doorway flaps, leading to dark hallway with three doors and a staircase.. confused and lost, just stood awkwardly in the weird hallway. Quickly met by a young neatly presented host, even tempered lady. Ushering me into the first of the three doors to dining area. Had to dance through another set of annoying dangles on the door that make a rattle every time someone comes in (thoroughly unnecessary). Host helpful and knowledgeable about menu, guided me helpfully to a vegan dish. Although wasn’t the cheeriest, could have smiled at least once. Restaurant decorated with an authentic Indian feel but disappointedly ruined by a pop radio station buzzing in the background with the typical overly giggly Aussie jock duo throughout dining room which competed with the conversations trying to be made by guests in dining room (No Bollywood?). Carpet old, tattered, worn in, stained. Food arrived in roughly 18 minutes. Nice food, probably nicest you could find in the town. Maybe it’s simply Hamilton locals but most people in the hospitality scene in the town are very dull, no smiling, no life or happiness...

I arrived in Hamilton for the first time last week, and did a few laps of the town centre with a dim hope of finding an appealing, and open restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Curry Bowl. It was only about 5pm and the immediate entrance, which was set some distance back from the street, looked dark, and I thought it might be shut. However, I pushed the door open and was welcomed into a large, well lit dining room, first by the tangy aroma of spices, and then by the friendly, mild mannered host. I ordered takeaway and it was Great. For entree I had Chicken Tikka, which was cooked to perfection and had a succulent serve of skin left on. For main I had Lamb Saag, which has always been a favourite of mine. The sauce was delicious and creamy and the meat was unbelievably melt-in-your-mouth tender. The Jerra rice had a generous amount of cumin seeds and a light touch of other spices. Although the Naan was disappointingly small compared to ones Ive had elsewhere, it really was delicious. I invited friends to join me this weekend. We had the tandoori chicken and chicken tikka and it was not as good this time. They were both a bit dry. I chose the Eggplant Masala and loved it and the naan was good again. I took along some lactose free yogurt and asked if theyd mind me eating it instead of the raita. Not only did they not mind, but they happily transformed it into a delightful raita with fresh coriander, red onion and cumin. Im already planning...

I visited Hamilton Curry Bowl expecting good food and respectful service, but unfortunately, the owner's attitude left a bitter taste.

When a customer gives feedback or asks a question (in this case about raita with biryani), it’s not an invitation to be ridiculed. Telling someone to “cook your own if you don’t like it” is not just unprofessional—it defeats the entire purpose of running a restaurant.

If customers wanted to cook their own meals, they wouldn’t be coming to your establishment. We dine out for quality food, hospitality, and a pleasant experience—not to be dismissed or insulted for our preferences.

A little courtesy and openness to feedback goes a long way. I hope the team at Hamilton Curry Bowl reflects on this and chooses customer respect over sarcasm...