Tonight’s cycling route brought me to another one of those little discoveries that make exploring Singapore so enjoyable. One of the best things I appreciate about cycling in the city is that it allows me to go deeper into the quieter streets of an estate, beyond the usual busy areas and familiar food spots. Sometimes, all it takes is taking a different road or turning into a neighborhood I do not usually pass through, and suddenly I find myself in front of a place that feels like a gem waiting to be discovered.
That was exactly what happened tonight when I found myself at Casuarina Curry along the Upper Thomson Road area. Upper Thomson has always had that quaint neighborhood charm to me. It may not be as crowded or as flashy as some of the more popular food districts, but that is also part of its appeal. Places like this often hide food gems that are truly worth checking out, and after this visit, I can confidently say that Casuarina Curry is one of those good finds.
For my first visit, I decided to play it safe and order something I already know and love: their Chicken Briyani. Whenever I try a new restaurant, I usually like to begin with a dish that is familiar to me. That way, I get a better sense of how they prepare the classics before I move on to the more adventurous items on the menu. Since chicken briyani is also one of my favorite dishes, it felt like the perfect choice.
When the plate arrived, I was already happy with how it looked. The portion was satisfying, and it came with fragrant basmati rice, fried chicken, pickled vegetables, and I also added a hard-boiled egg, which brought the total to SGD 11.20. Considering the portion and overall quality, I think that is quite affordable.
What I liked most about the briyani was the rice. The basmati rice was soft, moist, and nicely flavored without being too heavy. Each spoonful was enjoyable, and it paired very well with the fried chicken version of the dish. I think this style works especially well because the rice itself already carries a lot of flavor, while the fried chicken adds another layer of texture and savoriness. I noticed they also have a masala version, and that is something I am already curious to try on my next visit.
The fried chicken itself was also very good. It was cooked nicely, still moist inside, and the outer layer had a good amount of seasoning. I appreciated that it was flavorful without being overwhelming. Sometimes fried chicken in briyani dishes can turn out a bit dry, but this one still had a pleasant tenderness to it, which made it even more satisfying to eat with the rice.
One of the more memorable parts of the meal for me was the pickled vegetable on the side. It was very flavorsome and definitely spicy, with a bright, tangy kick that added a lot of character to the plate. I thought it was a unique and very good complement to the dish because it balanced the richness of the rice and chicken so well. It is one of those small details that can make a meal feel even more complete.
The restaurant itself also left a good impression on me. The space felt lively yet comfortable, and it had that casual dining atmosphere that makes you want to sit down, relax, and enjoy your food at your own pace. For a first visit, this turned out to be one of those memorable food experiences that I will gladly add to my growing list of worthwhile finds around the city.
Overall, I really enjoyed my dinner at Casuarina Curry. Delicious food, affordable prices, and a location that I probably would not have discovered if not for cycling around the estate. This is exactly the kind of food adventure I always feel grateful for.
