Lal's Indian Curry in a Hurry Restaurant in Simpson Bay St Maarten

St Maarten Restaurants

Lal's Curry in a Hurry - New location in Simpson Bay St. Maarten - and our other St. Maarten Indian Restaurant experiences

View of the new entrance to Lal's Indian Cuising - Curry in a Hurry in Simpson Bay St Maarten We got very nervous on our latest trip to St Maarten when we looked for our favorite St. Maarten restaurant, Lal's Indian Cuisine - and horror of horrors - it was GONE! It was no longer on Airport Road (across the street from the airport) as it had always been. We bordered on depressed.

How could we go 2 whole weeks without seeing Lal's grinning countenance or stuffing ourselves on curry and korma? We did eat at some other Indian restaurants in Philipsburg, including some of the more advertised ones.

If we can't find Lal's - Where can we eat?

There is one little "hole in the wall" on a side street called Rams - but for the life of me, I cannot find my notes about the street it's on, nor can I find it on line. It really hardly qualifies as a restaurant, and there are only a few plastic tables inside the doorway. But, we always go. The first time we had gone, the choices were "Chicken, Fish or Goat." Pretty much it! But, we go back every time we're in St. Maarten if only for the experience. If you go, however, note that it is not for the timid. This is NOT in a location that caters at all to tourists (put it this way: When we sat down, just inside the door, I had slung my small purse over the chair. Mr. Ram came over, and insisted that I move it next to John on the other side of the table). So, just go and eat. You'll find it somehow... It's on one of the streets connecting Front and Back Streets (we think).

Anyway, we tried Anand (heavily advertised), but were only moderately impressed. We have yet to try Shiv Sagar on Front Street in Philipsburg (but we will since a local Indian acquaintance recommended it to us).

Finally, on our very last day, we were driving back to the airport with some new friends Chris and Nancy, and lamenting to them about the loss of our favorite St. Maarten hangout. Lal's has always had an interesting group of folks who gather at his place. We have seen numerous ex-pats there (and we would be part of that group if we ever lived on the island).

So, there we were, driving back to the airport, and talking about Lal's when Chris said, "Hey! I think I just saw it!" And he did! As luck would have it, Lal's had just opened his new location - now called Lal's Indian Cuisine - Curry in a Hurry - at the Portofino Marina in Simpson Bay. AND... if you knew his old location, this will have meaning for you ... there is PLENTY of parking!

The location is right behind the Gourmet Marche - and still on the water!

Nancy and I had really delicious lamb korma, Chris enjoyed the mutton curry, and John got adventurous and stuffed himself with African Bunny Chow II Curry - which is a lamb curry served inside an entire loaf of bread (yes, a full loaf).

We talked with Lal, who is his usual welcoming and charming self.

So, here are a few of the other St. Maarten restaurants we have REALLY enjoyed - and of course we'll add to them as we go along. We also welcome YOUR additions!

Where is YOUR Favorite Vacation Destination?

St Maarten Restaurants

Lal's Curry in a Hurry - New location in Simpson Bay St. Maarten - and our other St. Maarten Indian Restaurant experiences

If we can't find Lal's - Where can we eat?