Category: Curry & Grill Cartel

Curry & Grill Cartel is a Durban-based restaurant (with branches in Morningside and Westville) known for authentic Eastern flavours fused with local Durban-style Indian cuisine, including highly praised bunny chows.

Bunny chow (or simply “bunny”) is the iconic South African street food originating in Durban’s Indian community, typically dating to the 1940s. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf (or portion) of white bread filled with curry; the soft bread soaks up the gravy while the crust holds it together for handheld eating. Classic fillings include mutton/lamb, chicken, beans, or variations; it is traditionally served with a side salad or pickles. The name is widely linked to “bania” (a merchant caste associated with early sellers) + “chow” (slang for food). It emerged partly from practical needs under apartheid-era restrictions and for portable meals for workers.

Bunny Chow at Curry & Grill Cartel

Their menu features a dedicated “Cartel Bunny Chows” section with options including:

  • Beans
  • Chicken
  • Mutton (frequently highlighted in reviews)
  • Butter Chicken
  • Prawn Bunny

Sizes are typically quarter (1/4) and half (1/2). Approximate prices from the site (subject to change; delivery platforms may vary slightly):

  • Beans: 1/4 ~R65 / 1/2 ~R100
  • Chicken: 1/4 ~R100 / 1/2 ~R150
  • Mutton: 1/4 ~R120 / 1/2 ~R180
  • Butter Chicken: 1/4 ~R140 / 1/2 ~R180
  • Prawn: 1/4 ~R185 (half pricing less consistently listed)

Reviews consistently praise the mutton bunny in particular for tender, fresh meat, flavourful gravy, generous portions (a quarter often feeds two), and good overall quality. Customers describe it as one of the better ones they’ve had in Durban, with notes on freshness and balanced spice (not always “hot enough” for heat-seekers). A TikTok-style review also highlighted a mixed veg bunny positively. Packaging for takeaway/delivery gets compliments.

The broader menu is extensive and includes samoosas, halloumi fingers, shawarmas (chicken tikka, lamb, etc.), naans/rotis, grills (chicken portions, wings, sheekh kebabs, tandoori chops, family mixes), seafood (masala fish, prawns, combos), a range of curries (lamb/chicken/seafood variations like vindaloo, jalfrezi, korma, butter chicken), veg options (beans, paneer, chana, dhal), burgers, biryanis/pilaus, Chinese-style chowmein/fried rice, and local specials like trotters and beans. They emphasise Halaal options, dine-in, takeaway, and delivery (available via platforms such as Mr D and Uber Eats).

Locations & Contact

  • Morningside: 437 Lillian Ngoyi Street (also referenced near Windermere Road), Durban. Phone: 031 207 8677 / 065 966 1860.
  • Westville: Shop 27, Westville Junction, 7 Westville Road, Dawncliffe. Phone: 031 266 1696 / 060 429 8999.

Email for both: support@currycartel.co.za. Website: currycartel.co.za (includes full menu and ordering options). Opening hours vary by branch and day (commonly starting mid-morning and running into the evening; confirm current times as they can change, especially weekends/holidays). The Westville branch has been noted in reviews as operating for several years and drawing positive local attention for its bunnies.

Customer feedback on the site and elsewhere is generally strong (many 5.0 testimonials), highlighting flavourful, well-portioned food, friendly/attentive service, clean premises, and good value. Occasional notes mention oily chips or preferred spice levels, but the overall sentiment for the bunny chows and core dishes is enthusiastic.

If you’re looking for a classic Durban bunny experience with modern variety (including prawn or butter chicken takes), Curry & Grill Cartel is a solid local option in the Morningside/Westville area. Check the website or delivery apps for the latest menu, prices, specials, and availability, or contact the branches directly for dine-in bookings or custom requests. Enjoy—bunny chow is best eaten hot and messy!