I was introduced to this restaurant by a friend who knew I was missing combinations of Northern Indian flavours, years ago, and have been going ever since, bringing more new people with me each time. The food is delicious and the portions are large (not sure what one of the other reviews was on about for portion size), and are priced in the range of $10-$20 per dish ordered. It definitely pays to go in groups and to split the tab and share dishes, but never - not once - have I been able to finish the entirety of any one main dish with two people at the table sharing - there are always delicious leftovers to take home. Favourites on the menu include the paneer pakora (eat them with *both* tamarind and the mint sauce*), vegetable pakora (crisp and light), beef samosa (rich and greasy), vegetable biryani, malai kofta (potato balls with cheese in a rich sauce), chicken passanda (like butter chicken, but richer and deeper flavour, and with almonds), butter chicken, mattar paneer (peas and cheese in sauce), vegetable korma (mixed veg in a cream sauce), bhainghan bhurta (beyond compare rich, roasted curried eggplant), gulab jamun and rasmalai. Hands down, the eggplant is my favourite, but it is an oily, sumptuous dish and pairs really well with the rice or naan. We are always asked at what level we would like the spiciness of our dishes. The flavours are rich, warm, comforting, heady. During the week, there is a simple but delicious buffet for about $14, but I prefer picking and choosing from the menu. The owner is a wonderful lady and I and my guests have always been treated very well there, regardless of whether or not we have reservations. There are times when the restaurant is quiet, but this contributes to the intimate atmosphere. The restaurant is narrow and long, and they have made excellent use of their space. At either end, there were tables with mirrors behind them on the wall and benches on one side, but after renovations to update the colour scheme, I think they may have only retained that on the far side from the door. I think this will be the restaurant's 30th year in business. I remember once doing a take out order to bring to a friend who's child was not feeling well - the very friend who introduced me to the restaurant! When Mrs. Sharma, found out I was intending to carry everything down the road on foot, she insisted that one of the lovely staff drive me. This is a gentleman who has served us and guided us through the menu for years. He not only drove me, but helped me carry everything to my friend's apartment. That was absolutely above and beyond any expectation of hospitality I could have had, and I was deeply touched. This place will continue to have my business as long as they're open.
Beautiful ambiance and delicious food. The manager was very courteous and rest of the service staff too. It will be one of my favourite Indian food stop whenever I will be in ottawa.
I had the Chicken Korma this evening...I was about three quarters of the way done, I was so full and I still forced myself to finish...it was THAT good. I've now been there twice in the last month and I'm not a huge Indian food fan but both my visits to Taj Indian Cuisine have been fantastic. The food, the friendly service, the cozy layout. Indian food fan or not, you need to come check this place out. 6 out of 5 if I could rate it that high.
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