The origin of Curry Fish Head might be ambiguous, with some proposing that it first appeared in Kerala while others assert that it has its roots in Malaysia. This iconic dish typically consists of a fish head marinated in curry sauce along with assorted vegetables like okra and eggplants. There are two versions — the Chinese take that features a milder Assam curry, and the Indian style that comprises of a robust curry made with various spices. Here's a list of the Top 10 Curry Fish Head in Singapore (Indian and Chinese alike) that we have sussed out for you! Did we miss any of your favourites?

1. Ocean Curry Fish Head

Ever since its opening in the 80s, Ocean Curry Fish Head has expanded from a humble outlet situated at Toa Payoh to two others at Bedok North and Telok Ayer. Served in a claypot, the piping hot Curry Fish Head ($35 per fish head, $24 per half fish head) is a stellar winner with the grade A ang goli fish marinated in a sour-spicy curry gravy, along with Sarawak pineapples, ladyfingers and eggplants. Blk 92 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-264 Singapore 310092 (Image: OpenRice user wensdelight)

2. Muthu’s Curry

Just ask any local for the best curry fish head that can be found within our city and more often than not, Muthu’s Curry will be brought up. Endorsed as the pioneer for South Indian curry fish head, the joint has achieved many accolades since starting out in 1969. The signature Fish Head Curry ($22/$27/$32) packs a punch with the seamless fusion of its tangy curry, tender fish head, pineapple bits and okra. 138 Race Course Road #01-01 Singapore 218591 (Image: Muthu Curry Facebook Page)

3. Samy's Curry Restaurant

As one of the oldest Indian restaurants situated along Dempsey Road, Samy's Curry Restaurant might look inconspicuous. But contrary to its humble appearance, it arguably has one of the best Indian-styled Curry Fish Head ($20/$27/$32) around. While the thick curry gravy might be too piquant for some people, free flow rice and vegetables are served on a banana leaf to ameliorate its spiciness. What's more, Samy’s has their snapper heads delivered fresh every day so you can be certain of the high quality of the fish. 25 Dempsey Road Singapore 249670 (Image: OpenRice user Piggy Birdz)

4. Xin Yuan Ji

While Xin Yuan Ji may be more famously known for its savoury Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat, its Curry Fish Head is another one of its top platters that you should look out for. During lunch hour, opt for the reasonably-priced Curry Fish Head Lunch Set ($7) that comes with thick, flavourful curry gravy, fresh fish head and an assortment of vegetables. For a cosy dinner gathering with your friends, choose between the Nonya Fish Head Curry and the Assam Fish Head Curry. Did we mention that prices stated on the menu are inclusive of GST and there is no service charge? 31 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-01 Singapore 188117 (Image: OpenRice user itsvon)

5. The Banana Leaf Apolo

Get your Indian Fish Head Curry fix with The Banana Leaf Apolo that has been ladling out delectable South and North Indian food since the 1970s. The fresh fish head is submerged in a robust curry stew along with assorted vegetables including okra and eggplants. Drizzle the thick gravy onto the rice and vegetables (free flow!) that are served atop of a banana leaf. 54 Race Course Road Singapore 218564 (Image: The Banana Leaf Apolo Facebook Page)

6. Zai Shun Curry Fish Head

Zai Shun Curry Fish Head might be tucked in the far flung West area, but that doesn't stop its staunch supporters from traveling all the way down just for a meal. While it might be better known for its steamed fish and other exotic fish species like the gigantic blue fish (Soo Mei), opt for its iconic Curry Fish Head ($23 for half head) nonetheless. Comprising of tangy curry gravy,assorted pineapples, tomatoes and vegetables and succulent fish head – it is a pity that this stellar platter is often overshadowed by the other fish dishes available. Blk 253 Jurong East Street 24 #01-205 Singapore 600253 (Image: Instagram user tujnguyen)

7. Hooked on Heads

Committed to using only the freshest ingredients, the punnily-named Hooked on Heads has its irresistible Curry Fish Head ($25 for half head, $45 for whole head) gracing almost every single one of its tables. Stewed with coconut milk, the curry gravy is smooth and not too spicy — so good that it can be savoured on its own. For the squirmy who gets repulsed by the grotesque bulging fish eyes of the Curry Fish Head, the restaurant allows a change of the head to Tail ($13) or Fillet ($8). Sin Ming Plaza, 6 Sin Ming Road #01-01/02 Tower 2 Singapore 575585 (Image: OpenRice user Food Esteem)

8. Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant

Located just beside MINDEF, Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant might sport a nondescript appearance but its curry has been touted as one of the best in Singapore. Served with free flow biryani or white rice, papadum and vegetables, the Fish Head Curry ($23.50/$30/$34.50) is well balanced and not too piquant — perfect for people with low threshold for spicy food. Its fish head is also highly praised for its meatiness, so much so that it requires a group of people to finish the dish. 808/810 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 678144 (Image: OpenRice user LINISGOD)

9. Gu Ma Jia Food Pot

Nominated as one of the top ten restaurants in Food Fest 2010, Gu Ma Jia endeavours to serve delectable home cooked food inspired by the recipes that Gu Ma herself utilizes at home. Look out for its signature Assam Fish Head ($28) that comprises of fresh fish head selected daily from the wet market and a homemade assam paste made with over 13 herbs and spices. Instead of following the conventional method of steaming the fish head first before drizzling it with the curry gravy, Gu Ma cooks the fish together with the gravy, resulting in a light gravy which flavour is enhanced by the natural sweetness of the fish. Sennett Estate, 45 Thai Thong Crescent, Singapore 347866 (Image: Gu Ma Jia Facebook Page)

10. Lau Hock Guan Kee Bak Kut Teh

Lau Hock Guan Kee first started out as a Bak Kut Teh joint but its Assam Fish Head Curry ($25) shot to fame instead. Fresh fish is attained every day as the owner ventures to various markets in the East side for quality, Gold Banded Snapper heads. He then steams the fish head together with the assorted vegetables before drenching it with a spicy-sour curry sauce to produce tender and moist fish meat. 328 Joo Chiat Road #01-02 Singapore 427585 (Image: OpenRice user zzooelleoozz)

Written by Tan Siew Bee