House of Curries
A Durban beachfront institution for bunny chow and Durban curry — order at the counter, eat with your hands.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
House of Curries is a reliable, accessible entry point for the Durban bunny chow experience. It trades the grit of traditional hole-in-the-wall takeaways for a lively, social atmosphere that makes it an easy stop on Florida Road.
House of Curries is a reliable, accessible entry point for the Durban bunny chow experience. It trades the grit of traditional hole-in-the-wall takeaways for a lively, social atmosphere that makes it an easy stop on Florida Road.
- Trip Role
- Day Trip
- Ideal Stay
- 45 to 75 minutes
- Best For
- a casual lunch, social dining, trying your first bunny chow
- Skip If
- purists seeking traditional hole-in-the-wall takeaways, fine dining
- Go If
- You want a low-stakes, social environment to try a mutton or bean bunny chow while exploring the bars and restaurants of Florida Road. It is a convenient, consistent option for a casual lunch or dinner.
Why it's worth your time
The Durban bunny-chow school — order mutton or bean at the beachfront counter.
What we love
The location on Florida Road turns a simple meal into a social event. While many of the city's legendary bunny spots are tucked away in industrial or market areas, this place lets you enjoy a proper, gravy-soaked loaf in the middle of Durban's most vibrant nightlife strip.
What to know
The menu uses fractions to denote portion sizes, with a quarter loaf being the standard serving for most people. Do not be afraid to ask for a smaller size if you are unsure. The dish is traditionally eaten with your hands, so expect a mess and do not wait for cutlery that may not arrive.
The full guide
The Bunny Chow Experience
A bunny chow is a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. At House of Curries, the kitchen follows the standard Durban format: they cut a quarter or half loaf, remove the soft interior, and pour in a rich, spiced curry. The bread acts as both a bowl and a utensil, soaking up the gravy as you eat. You should start by using the lid, which is the piece of bread removed during the hollowing process, to scoop out the curry. Once the lid is gone, you tear pieces from the crusty walls of the loaf to finish the meal. It is a tactile, messy process that is best approached without the expectation of using a fork or knife.
What to Order
The mutton bunny is the classic choice here and serves as the best benchmark for the kitchen's spice blend and cooking style. The meat is typically tender and cooked on the bone, which adds depth to the gravy. If you prefer a vegetarian option, the sugar bean bunny is a local staple that is equally hearty and well-regarded. Beyond the bunny, the menu includes a variety of rotis and curries, but the bread-based dishes are the reason to visit. If you are dining with a group, consider ordering a few different curries to share, though the bunny chow remains the primary draw for anyone looking to understand the city's most famous culinary export.
Practicalities of the Visit
The restaurant is located on Florida Road, a busy strip known for its concentration of bars and restaurants. This makes it an easy addition to a day spent exploring the city, though parking can be tight depending on the time of day. The atmosphere is informal and often lively, functioning as much as a sports bar as a restaurant. Service can vary in speed, especially during peak hours or when the local sports teams are playing, so do not expect a quick turnaround if the venue is crowded. It is a straightforward, no-reservations environment where you can walk in, find a table, and order at your own pace. Check the current operating hours before heading out, as they can shift based on the day of the week.
Before you book
Questions House of Curries always raises
- Is the bunny chow very spicy?
- Durban curries are known for their spice, but the heat level here is generally accessible. It is designed to be flavourful rather than punishing. If you have a low tolerance for heat, ask your server about the milder options before ordering.
- Do I need to book a table?
- No, the restaurant operates on a casual, walk-in basis. You can usually find a seat without a reservation, though the venue can get busy on weekends or during major sporting events. If you are in a large group, arriving early is a good idea.
- What is the difference between a quarter and a half bunny?
- The difference is simply the amount of bread and curry you receive. A quarter loaf is a substantial meal for most people and is the standard order. A half loaf is significantly larger and should only be ordered if you are very hungry.
- Can I get cutlery if I want it?
- You can ask for cutlery, but it is not the standard way to eat a bunny chow. The dish is designed to be eaten with your hands, and using a fork often makes it more difficult to manage the bread and gravy. Embrace the mess.