Distinct chatter, sizzling pans, shouting employees. This is the environment of Curry Club and it is filled with noise between customers and workers. Situated off Clarkson between SoHo Nail and Sauce on the Side, Curry Club gives off a humble vibe. Curry Club is in a popular congregation of Indian restaurants, yet it stands out.The food is authentic Indian cuisine and has unique but confident flavors.
The first time I entered Curry Club on a cold Friday night, I was initially hesitant. I had already tried Blacksalt, a restaurant only a couple blocks away, and I was underwhelmed. The food is a modern twist on classic Indian cuisine. I ordered Dahi Ke Kebab, a fried Indian fritter with yogurt sauce, which tasted great. The flavor contrast between the yogurt and the fritter offered a unique juxtaposition elevating both flavors. Other than that, The Butter Chicken and Naan were underwhelming. The cooking technique was sound, however the flavors lacked soul. Outside of the Dahi Ke Kebab, it felt like Blacksalt was simultaneously trying to appeal to the demographics of Chesterfield, while also trying to satisfy traditional Indian Cuisine. When looking at a restaurant I also look for identity which Blacksalt lacked. Under this context my preconceived notions of Curry Club was diluted.
I was pleasantly surprised that Curry Club was not the same as Blacksalt. It knew exactly what it needed to be. One of the most obvious benefits of Curry Club is its authenticity. Curry Club makes its audience loud and clear, the greater Indian American community of Chesterfield and anyone who is interested in trying their cuisine. The food has a blend of traditional Indian dishes like the Dosa (a savory breakfast crepe) or Biryani (a layered rice dish). They also had a variety of street food and drinks to complete the main meal. My favorites include Punugulu ( a fried snack made with onions) and Mango Lassi (a yogurt drink). Curry Club also provides vegetarian options; despite not being a vegetarian myself, I still find their selections tasty.
I walked into Curry Club and immediately resonated with the atmosphere. You walk into the restaurant and order at the front. Next, you wait for your food. Curry Club wants the customer to feel comfortable and relaxed and accomplishes that. Curry Club also has great accessibility from 10:00 to midnight. It remains open, allowing for someone to eat delicious food at any time. Curry Club and reminds me of a fusion between a Fast Food Restaurant and Fine Dining. It provides food in a timely manner while also being the highest quality. The accessibility of Curry Club doesn’t stop at the hours, Curry Club also is cheap. Curry Club serves large portions. Eating at Curry Club, you most definitely get your bang for your buck.
Curry Club gives me a feeling that only a select few restaurants have been able to capture; Curry Club feels like home. Despite being a second generation Taiwanese American, as soon as I first took a bite of the Boneless Chicken Biryani I felt the comfort of food I ate when I was a child.
The general ambiance and flavors of Curry Club are something to celebrate, however no restaurant is perfect. Although the non-waiter structure of Curry Club provides a more comforting feel, it is inconvenient. When the food is ready, the cashier shouts out your name so you can pick up your food. As more and more customers start to pour in the restaurant, it gets hard to hear. Several instances I had ordered but because of the way food is served, I didn’t hear my order was ready. My food eventually got cold because of this. Another concern I have for Curry Club is lack of space. Curry Club is small, very small, and I feel like the seats are too condensed sometimes. Curry Club also isn’t the spot for people who aren’t willing to push their comfort zone. Curry Club’s identity isn’t to be something that appeals to picky eaters. It doesn’t have choices that stray away from the flavors they’re trying to convey. In some regards, I feel like it comes across as limiting.
Every time I leave Curry Club, I can’t help but smile. In spite of its limitations, it is exactly what a restaurant should be. One of the most underrated restaurants in Chesterfield, it’s not limited to just Indian Cuisine. Curry Club’s food captures something greater, feelings of love and connection.
