Curry Masala

This place may not pack out every night of the week, but it has a solid core of local fans. This is because Curry Masala is on the more traditional side of Indian cuisine. And they do a pretty good job of it too.
I have been to fresher, better serviced and cheaper Indian restaurants — but Curry Masala certainly cuts the mustard in most ways. With its colourfully cloth covered walls and nice metal bowls that the food is served up on there is also a nice dining atmosphere.
Once you have also paid for rice you can expect to let go of just under $ 20 for a curry — which can be shared if you get a few entrees and naan breads to supplement. It is licensed and BYO, so you can bring that bottle of wine or beer to cut through the spicy Saag Paneer or Lamb Patia which are favourites of mine.

It’s probably a hangover from my days spent living just a stone’s throw away from London’s famed Brick Lane but I have an — apparently misguided — expectation that curry should be a cheap meal. As such, Curry Masala was a turning point for me.
Ok, it’s not the cheapest curry house in Northcote but the quality is superb and that, combined with the BYO policy, great staff, frankly OTT but pretty awesome interiors and, did I mention the awesome food (?) conspire to make Curry Masala my favourite local curry house.
Portions can be on the small side so it’s wise to order one main per person but the food is so good that you don’t need to gorge yourself to feel sated. All in all an excellent Indian restaurant.