Why is "Indian" Fish head curry is found only in Singapore and not in India?

Answer 1

There are two versions of this history. The first is that Gomez, an Indian cook in Singapore, invented the dish in the 1950s when he decided to cook the fish heads which were usually thrown away. His version of the dish was then modified by another Indian cook. In this version of history, it is believed that Fish Head Curry is a uniquely Singaporean dish, as Indians traditionally do not eat fish heads as a meal in itself.

The other story is related by a chef in an upmarket north Indian restaurant, who argues that fish head curry is not a Singapore creation. When the Punjab Regiments were posted to Singapore during the colonial days, they brought their fish head recipes with them. And THAT, says the chef, is that!

Whichever the version you prefer, eating a curried fish head is an experience in itself, and one which you will not find anywhere else. Surprisingly full of succulent meat, fish heads also contain staring eyes and fish lips, said to be the best parts! Some even say that fish heads are an aphrodisiac.

An amusing and unforgettable sight is a restaurant packed with fish head diners, tucking in lustily while sweating from the spiciness of the curry!

Answer 2

I fear the other answerers did not read your question, with their explanations of fish-head eating hither & thither! The dish you refer to, specifically "Indian Fish-head curry" is indeed an exclusively Singaporean dish.

This specific dish is found only in Singapore for the same reason no-one in England knows what an "English muffin" is, the French don't know about "French toast", and in Canada they would be baffled if you asked them for "Canadian bacon". Each of these items had an odd little history to explain where it's inappropriate moniker came from, in this case apparently it's because this method of preparing a delicious fish's head originated on or near the Serangoon Road, part of the sizeable Indian community in Singapore known as "Little India".

Always get the fish cheeks if you can! Best part!

But this doesn't mean that many other cuisines don't use fish-heads to make curry-like dishes, of course they do!

Great question!

Answer 3

Same reason why Singapore Fried Rice is found everywhere else except in Singapore. Because in Singapore it's just normal fried rice.
So by that logic, in India, it's the default type of Indian curry available, making it superfluous to call it Indian Fish head curry.

Answer 4

Hi there, that's a misconception. Fish-head curry is not only found in Singapore. I am from Guyana (South America) of Indian ancestral background and in Guyana and some Caribbean countries where there are Indian descendants fish head is considered the sweetest part of the fish. Especially in a curried dish! One of the delicacies in Guyana is a fish called 'Hassa'. Hassa is a fresh-water fish and is a member of the cat fish family. It has boomerang shaped scales with each scale running the height of the hassa's side. Another favorite is a salt-water fish called 'Gilbaka' and is a skin fish (no scales). It too is a member of the cat fish family but they can grow to about 5 feet in length. The biggest Hassa I ever saw was about nine inches long. These both make delicious curried fish and the sweetest part of both is the head. Try some one day, you'll enjoy it! :)

Answer 5

Guess you have never dined in a Bengali home, or at least hotel ! In Bengali homes, 'fish head curry' is a must - whenever there are guests, or during any feast.
It is this Bengali dish which is served in Singapore's Indian hotels, and if you had only asked, anyone there would have told you about it
...'Indian food' does not only include Tamil, Keralite, Gujarati or Punjabi dishes, Anand ! There are hundreds of gourmet dishes from the other regions such as Maharashtra, Goa and Bengal too !

Answer 6

I guess the "Indian" may be a reference to the indians in Singapore who prepare it rather then a reference to India the Country.

Answer 7

Could the fish come from the Indian Ocean?

Answer 8

Because it does not grow in India-

and lastly- - - "Indian" Fish Head Curry is NOT A DISH-

but a FLOWER


- - - -so don't go EATING any FLOWERS- but grow them**


HAPPY EATING

Answer 9

Probably because it's curry. Curries are typically from India.

Answer 10

Actually its found in my country as well - Guyana. I don't know about India.