Sri Lanka is known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean; and Curry Leaf, the first Sri Lankan restaurant to open in Leeds, is certainly a hidden treasure. Tucked away on Eastgate, just off the Headrow, it is the sister restaurant to Roshan Ratnayaka’s successful Scarborough branch. The nondescript entrance is deceiving for a place that offers perhaps the most remarkable curry I have ever had.
Having only been open a week, it was understandably quiet when we arrived at 7:30 on Sunday evening. The décor is beautiful: oriental wood panelling, fresh lilies and pictures of elephants are complimented by the floral green lights that hang from the ceiling. Our waiter offered us further help with the menu, describing the dishes cooked fresh in the kitchen on flames we could glimpse from our seats.
The starters are an enticing mix of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes, all for less than £5. We shared Aubergine Bhajis that were wonderfully crisp, the fresh aubergine balancing the delectably spiced batter. The Prawn Poori we chose was an aromatic mix with tomatoes and spring onions topped with fresh coriander on fried poori bread. Both were served with delicious cucumber raita and chickpea salsa with salad and fresh lime.
The main courses, all under £11, are a selection of traditional dishes such as Thali, Kottu (the most popular street food in Sri Lanka) and Lamprise as well as more renowned Indian options. First we chose Sri Lankan Chicken Curry and coconut rice. The flavour of the curry was divine; the heat of the spices, chillies, curry leaves and mustard seeds was complimented by the light coconut rice. Secondly we opted for a Lamb Thali, a South Indian dish served with potato masala, lentils, curried beetroot, spicy cabbage, chutneys and pickles, spinach rice, poppadoms and chapatti. The dish as a whole is truly spectacular, offering a vast variety of both rich and delicate flavours with each little dish being equally delicious. The waiter politely suggested that we served our curry onto the banana leaf it came with as this releases a lovely aroma. The finer details such as this are what make Curry Leaf special. Though we shared both mains, the Thali could be eaten by one person as a starter and a main course that will leave you seriously impressed at the taste and value.
Many dishes such as the Masala Dosa, a crispy rice and lentil pancake filled with spiced potato and served with sambhar and chutney, can be found seldom elsewhere in Leeds. It is apparent that Curry Leaf is something the city has been lacking. Don’t be fooled by the entrance; the food exudes authenticity and attention to detail that is well worth a visit. I urge everyone to go for the juxtaposed fresh heat that will far surpass your regular curry.
Curry Leaf
2 Eastgate
Leeds
LS2 7JL
0113 234 6054
Words: Stephanie Tait