Some like it hot - Curry Bowl, Melbourne CBD

Lovers of curry will be saddened to hear that the Curry Bowl diner on Elizabeth Street has closed today (Sunday 15 July 2012) after thirty years in the same spot (due to redevelopment of the building). Their home-made Sri Lankan curry came in two forms - individual servings of curry treats such as samosas and potato balls, and generous platings of curries with rice (Regular, Biryani or Vegetarian Combos in small and regular serves for under $10).

There was normally a choice between plain and Biryani rice (with cashews), several vegetarian curries (today lentils, eggplant and a mixed vegetable curry) and chicken, beef or lamb curries. With the larger serving you could get samples of two vegetarian and two meat curries together with the rice. By way of tasty accompaniments yoghurt, pickle and chillies were available, together with two small pappadams for each person.

The curries were all nicely seasoned, and although the chicken was on the bone it was tender and came away easily. The meat was cubed and neither too dry nor too tough, with tasty sauces. The small strips of fried and curried eggplant were outstanding. The lentils were a nice golden colour and mildly spiced. Even the smaller serve was generous, and it was a very enjoyable meal, which more than compensated for the 'no frills' surroundings. The staff were always very friendly and genuine, and came across as taking pride in their food and the enjoyment that people gained from it.

There is another Curry Bowl in the city near the corner of Lonsdale and Exhibition Streets. Apparently the ownership is different, but the menu is similar, so one can only hope that the tasty food and admirable ethos will live on in the surviving location.