Creamy Cape Malay Chicken Curry
This indulgent family favourite is made for sharing! Meet Fayruza Abrahams – Cape Malay food educator, cookbook author and guest Chef from Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. Founder of Taste Malay, Fayruza teaches authentic Cape Malay cooking to guests worldwide, drawing on childhood lessons from her family and culinary inspiration from her travels as a flight attendant. Through her self-published cookbooks, Around My Table and Experience Bo-Kaap, Fayruza is dedicated to preserving and sharing Cape Malay culinary heritage, celebrating both traditional dishes and the rich culture of the Bo-Kaap. Her passion infuses every dish with authentic flavours, storytelling and heartfelt tradition.
Recipe Information
4
serves:
50 MINS
prep time:
40 MINS
cook time:
medium
difficulty:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 C First Choice Double Cream Plain Dairy Snack
- 1 Tbsp ginger
- 1 Tbsp garlic
- 1 tsp salt
For the Curry Base
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 3 cardamom pods, cracked
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole coriander seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 Tbsp mild Cape Malay curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sugar
For the Sauce & Finishing
- 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 C water
- 2 -3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into big cubes
- ½ C First Choice Double Cream Plain Dairy Snack
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Preparation method:
- In a large bowl with the chicken, add the First Choice Double Cream Plain Dairy Snack, ginger, garlic and salt. Mix together and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, cumin and coriander seeds) and fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden brown. Stir in the ground spices and sugar. Cook for 1 minute to release the oils.
- Add the marinated chicken and the marinade. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring to brown the meat.
- Pour in the tomatoes, stock, and potatoes. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in a ½ cup of First Choice Double Cream Plain Dairy Snack to create a velvety, mild finish.
- Garnish the pot with a generous handful of fresh coriander. Serve alongside warm, flaky roti or fragrant basmati rice. Accompany it with a fresh sambal made of diced tomatoes, onions, and green chilies.
- For an extra creamy touch, serve with a dollop of First Choice Double Cream Plain Dairy Snack. Enjoy!

