The small interior is cozy, with posters and exotic artworks on the walls. The tables immediately adjacent to the door are a bit drafty during the wintertime. The diners here all look quite casual, as one fellow had an amazing set of dreadlocks while another woman had her loyal pooch by her feet. There is a small water closet entombed within one of the walls.

I ordered the lamb in curry sauce, a substantial platter with a host of side accompaniments. The featured side item is the roti, a thin pancake that is utilized like a piece of bread. The roti was very subtle in flavor, but it took the sting out of the rather spicy chunks of lamb. The plate also includes vegetables, potato, egg and pickle. Other variations of this dish will have chicken, beef or shrimp as the featured item and white rice, fried rice, brown beans or noodles instead of the roti as the starch side. The Surinam part of the menu is rounded out by its one fish dish of koebie, a Surinam fish served with white rice and vegetables.

The Indian menu is simpler and shorter, and no beef no way! The lamb (or chicken or shrimp) is served with basmati rice, vegetables and mixed salad. The selection of side dishes look very interesting, but my entree was a good portion so I did not dare order any extras. The sides range from samosas to fried bananas to meaty skewers, and the adventurous may want to ask about a few unusual items with no descriptions! Sandwiches, soups and a variety of beverages round out the menu, which is all reasonably priced.

De Lelie is open every day, but it does not serve lunch during the weekends. It does a decent amount of take away business, and they offer a delivery service as well.