Fish head curry is a delectable curry stew with veggies and, of course, the entire head of a fish. It was produced in the kitchen of a tiny Indian restaurant in the 1940s. The fish head is not considered an Indian ingredient. To please his Chinese clients, restaurant owners from the Southern Indian state of Kerala blended Indian curry with the Chinese favourite fish head. The end outcome was a smashing success. Today, it may be found on the menus of Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan restaurants, where it is frequently served while still boiling in a big clay pot.
Fish connoisseurs would say that the queasy will quiver at the sight of bloated cheeks and protruding fish eyes encircled in a sea of scarlet gravy. Nonetheless, it is a visually appealing feast, typically eaten with rice to soak up the spicy curry. Every ethnic community in the area has its version of the meal, with subtle modifications to the curry. Some put in tamarind paste for a tint of sourness, while others add coconut milk for a creamier texture. Here we list the 10 best fish head curries in Johor.
Is there flesh in the head of a fish?
A fish head usually has a lot of flesh, especially around the jowls. Fish head flesh has more concentrated fat than the rest of the meat, and the fat enhances the taste and tenderises the meat while cooking.
Does the fish head have collagen?
Fish heads contain a lot of collagen. However, it is rarely discussed outside bone broths made from land-based animals such as chicken and cattle. Only some people understand that fish broths are a good source of collagen and a lot easier and less expensive method to get it.
Top 7 Best Fish Head Curry in Penang 2025
1. Hameediyah Restaurant
Hameediyah Restaurant, located on Campbell Street, is one of Penang’s oldest Nasi Kandar establishments. Penang’s most fantastic fish head curry is served here as the restaurant’s chef uses Red Snapper for the fish head curry. The fish’s flesh is known to be a lot softer and more delicate. Fish heads taste wonderful when cooked in rich, aromatic curry. It pairs wonderfully with rice and will leave you wanting more. On busy weekends, the queue may stretch to 4-6 stores, so plan your visit wisely to avoid waiting too long.
Operating Hours: 10:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 164 A, Lebuh Campbell, street, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-261 1095
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HAMEEDIYAHRESTAURANTSDNBHD1025046U/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hameediyah_restaurant/?hl=en
2. Pak Su Curry House – Kari Kepala Ikan
Search no further if you’re looking for a fantastic curry fish head in downtown Penang. Pak Su Curry House – Kari Kepala Ikan, located in Kampung Pagar Buluh, provides delicious curry fish heads prepared in traditional Malay style. The gravy is somewhat thicker due to the addition of coconut milk, and the curry’s overall balance is more sweet-savoury than spicy-sour. Several vegetables, including okra, onion, and tomato, as well as chives as a garnish, will be included in the curry; be sure to include them in your meal for an authentic flavour.
Operating Hours:
6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 230, Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim, Kampung Pagar Buluh, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-643 8086
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/people/PakSu-Curry-House-Kari-Kepala-Ikan-Penang/92/
3. 77 restaurant (fish head curry)
For over 25 years, 77 restaurants (fish head curry) have offered people excellent fish head curry in Penang. This is one of the perfect spots for somebody who cannot handle spicy gravies. Its fish head curry is non-spicy and made using fresh fish heads and veggies. You can always expect the aunty who owns the business to be working there, as her kind smile and good words will uplift the mood. Proper parking along the road is available, so don’t be afraid to park your car along the road, as it’s completely safe.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 77 D, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-227 9086
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
4. Sri Siam Curry Fish Head
You are advised to arrive at Sri Siam Curry Fish Head with an empty stomach since they offer large portions of excellent Chinese-style fish head curry. The curry here will be prepared fresh upon order, the fish is incredibly fresh, and the flavour is fantastic. The locals prefer red snapper head, which works excellently with the curry. Cod and salmon fish heads are two more fish heads that will create an excellent meal. According to the reviews, the flavour is savoury and spicy, with a light creamy flavour that is not thick.
Operating Hours:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Address: 6955, 6948, Jalan Raja Uda, Taman Sin Tat, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 017-422 2117
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peopleA6%99Sri-Siam-Curry-Fish-Head/17/
5. Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear, nestled in an alleyway on Jalan Penang in Georgetown, Penang, is well-known among residents and visitors for its nasi kandar. The restaurant is well-known not just for its nasi kandar but also for its massive fish head curry. However, be prepared to sweat profusely since the spicy sensation is no joke! The curry is fragrant and filled with Indian spices. You may need to wait at least 15-20 minutes in a long line, but it is well worth the wait.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 am (Monday-Sunday)
Address: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-261 4440
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasiKandarLineClearPenangRoad/
6. Sri Ananda Bahwan Restaurant
Sri Ananda Bahwan, one of Penang’s foundations of Indian delicacies, is the place to go for a truly gourmet experience. The atmosphere is fantastic, with Chinese-style hanging lights and a wooden interior design. They serve the fish head curry with ladies’ fingers, and luscious tomatoes cooked to perfection in a delectable, fragrant curry sauce. A robust curry spice paste, coconut milk, lime, and fresh veggies add mouth-watering flavour to the fish dish.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 14, Jalan Tanjong Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-890 9771
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
View website7. The Myth Curry Fish Head 神话咖哩鱼头
The Myth Curry Fish Head has been a family restaurant in Penang for many years. More significantly, the curry paste they used has been passed down through generations. The curry fish head at this restaurant has various flavour characteristics, including aromatic, flavorful, and creamy. The curry will taste even better if you savour it with various veggies, half-cooked tomatoes, and okra. The personnel is highly attentive, as orders are handled efficiently, and food is served quickly.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 8A, Medan Angsana 3, Bandar Baru Air Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 016-430 9042
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falimthemyth
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