Review Taj Indian Cuisine - Ottawa

Food is great and staff are very freindly. The only disappointement is they sell alcohol. We basically came because it's Halal restaurant so right there was a big trust shaker. When muslims see wine bottles it makes them wonder if the owners really care about halal and haram...

The quality of the food is excellent, all meats were cooked to perfection. The lamb was very good quality as it didn't have that after taste you get sometimes but what blew my socks off was the tandoori. I've had it many times but nowhere near as good here. Highly recommend!

Recently we hosted an engagement party for my vegan daughter and her fiance and we ordered most of the food from Taj. Indu, the owner/manager, was incredibly helpful both with ordering quantities of food and in the selection of tasty vegan options. The food was amazing! My guests continued to comment long after the event about how good the food was. Taj was super generous in their servings and we really received top value for our money. I would highly recommend Taj Indian Cuisine both for family dining and for larger events. - Margaret

Very very disappointed. I had food at this restaurant many years ago and it was the best Indian food I’ve ever had. I would rave about it to my boyfriend. We just moved to Ottawa and I had to have it again and honestly I have to say it’s the worst chana masala I’ve ever had. 2 inch layer of oil on the top, the wrong colour, tasted burnt, inedible. Butter chicken was alright, very acidic and not what I remember at all. Won’t be getting food here again. I spend 80$ on my food for it to be thrown out.

Always love to go there once in a while. Cozy environment, elegant interior, friendly employees, smooth tune & mouthwatering food.

Amazing service and even better food! The service staff were so friendly and considerate. This place is a favourite for my family; we order here all the time when we have something to celebrate or when we want a fun night together. The garlic naan and butter chicken is p h e n o m e n a l. Couldn't recommend more!

Very delicious butter chicken, I really enjoyed it with rice and the garlic naan was amazing too. Overall, good quality and portions :)

Decided to give this spot a try based on reviews, it is definitely on the pricier side but portions are very generous. I definitely had high hopes. For 3 people with delivery we spent about 130$ but unfortunately the food did not live up to my expectations or the price. The chicken dhansak was good, spice level was hot and it was well seasoned but very watery. The butter chicken dish was extremely under seasoned and watery and the garlic naan was well sized but so soggy, it was almost uncomfortable to eat. Overall not the best experience.

A friend and I ate here last night, the food I cannot fault it was very good, and the waitress was very attentive. My only criticism would be is, there should be a printed wine list. We ordered a half carafe of the house red wine to split between us, the wine at best was just "ok". Our bill ( because we had ordered the same meal) was split down the middle each of us paying half. The food portion coming to $30.70, the wine (6 ozs) was $17.54 for my half of a half carafe !! This is a LOT of money for a so-so wine! My point is there should be a wine list with prices on it, had that been the case I might thought twice before ordering any .

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.

I've been a regular at this place but recently I've been hearing that the quality has diminished significantly.. I wanted to see for myself so I ordered takeout 30 mins before pickup. When I got there it wasn't ready, which was totally fine because it signifies fresh food! I got the tandoori platter. When I got home, I noticed that the rice was missing.. I usually don't really mind but this was tandoori I needed either rice or bread. Anyways, I phone, and the OWNER picks up.. I tell her about the situation and she replies with "oh" ... Then she goes "it is only 5 ounces. It is not too much. Very small".... So I asked if they had delivery and could deliver the rice, and she said no.. They actually do have a delivery service. Okay, so the OWNER isn't willing to pay the delivery guy $3 to deliver the food that they forgot to include... No problem. So I go to pick up the rice and get home, and I'm really frustrated at that point but it's okay because I'm going to have Taj Indian's delicious food. WRONG. I open the tandoori and the first thing I see is a piece of HAIR. Honestly what could be worse... But I wasn't going to throw the food away so I took the first bite and I couldn't even swallow the tandoori because of how dry it was.. So I try the beef and it was the same, slightly less dry but still pretty dry .. I move on to start eating salad with the tandoori to make it less dry but that didn't help since it had no dressing what so ever... This is honestly the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant and I usually ask to talk to the manager in such situations. But if the OWNER didn't want to compensate and take responsibility.. then who will? It is obvious that they've been in the business long enough that they've gotten lazy and just don't care about their customers anymore. The perfect recipe to disaster. I paid $25 for a meal that really was not even worth $5. Will not be back and unfortunately I do not recommend.

Always delicious! I won't get Indian anywhere else! It can't even compare! The staff are all so nice and the environment inside is great.

Excellent food, and even better service! Great little gem in the west end.

Amazing food and better hospitality. You truly feel like family here. Seriously the food is so food you find yourself closing your eyes to savour each bite.

The best Indian food you can have in Ottawa. The ambient if cozy, the people are super friendly, and the food is AMAZING!!!! Make sure you try their butter chicken, you will never taste any better anywhere else in Canada (seriously) :)

I had a really enjoyable experience at Taj Indian Cuisine. There were lots of delicious vegan options. The owners were very friendly and the service was exceptional.

Yesterday I went to try their lunch buffet with couple of friends. It was a very disappointing experience as most of the dishes lacks seasoning due to which there was no taste at all. To top it off food wasn't fresh either. All of my excitement went down the drain the moment I took my first bite never gona try this place again

Love this restaurant... You got to eat here. The food is excellent. The people who work there are very friendly , service is great and I also Love the ambiance.

I had a delicious dinner here last night. The paneer was fabulous and I really liked the rice. The staff were very nice and the service was fast. I would definitely eat here again.

We have been addicted to Taj's biryani, butter chicken, and madras dishes for years and years. Hands down the best Indian restaurant in the greater Ottawa area.

We ordered lunch for our entire office from Taj Indian Cuisine and it was extremely well received by everyone. The good was great and they also accommodated food sensitivities and allergies which was greatly appreciated.

Excellent and tasteful food!

Great taste. Good food and quick service. 5 stars!!

Small portions the price - especially the burtterchicken

Was in Ottawa for some consulate work. Decided to have lunch in an Indian restaurant. Landed up at this place. It's a compact place. Buffet was available for lunch. Options were basic and food was average. Tried the tandoori chicken, butter chicken along with other veg options. I was told it's been in operation for over 30 years. Overall an average place.

Take out is delicious and well proportioned, I love the garlic nan. They will take your money when ordering delivery even if they already charged your debit. They don't seem to get that money isn't free.

Very disappointing. Food portion was terribly small for a ridiculous price. I found it to be bland compared to other places and the onion bhaji was terrible. Naan bread was paper thin but tasted okay. Will not be going again.

I have been here twice. The first time I went for dinner. I spent around $75 on my date and I, and I left so hungry I had to go to Tim Horton's and get a bagel. I also found it crazy salty, I was drinking water like it was going out of style for the rest of the night.<br/><br/>The second time, I tried their lunch buffet. Food quality was awful, we stopped eating after about half a plate, paid and left.<br/><br/>Only thing going for it was friendly service. Doesn't make up for how bad the food was.

Food for a special occasion. We had the Taj Restaurant supply a number of dishes for a special occasion and couldn't be mote pleased with the wonderful dishes the Taj supplied. Everyone at the event remarked on how good the meal was. They gave us a wonderful range to satisfy both vegetarians and meat eaters.

Who Knew?!. A strip mall restaurant and a tiny place... serves excellent food and delightful take out. We are big fans of the beef and the service is homey and warm. Our daughter has a dairy allergy, but the staff was eager to help with selections that suited her needs. It is a must try when the food is what matters most and when Indian is the craving!

Delicious Indian cuisine!. Taj, was one the restaurants that can be easily missed (due to the Coliseum theatre). The staff and owner are lovely, and very welcoming. <br/><br/>It has a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. I've had Indian in several other places, and so far Taj has been the only place where my stomach doesn't wanna kill me. <br/><br/>Although I do agree, it is a bit more pricey, but the portions are fairly good. And the naan bread is amazing!

Great. I went for lunch buffet last week ,It was great .I loved the place.very clean,affordable and quick service.Highly recommended if you are in the area....

Food is very overpriced. Sag lamb and vegetable curry are both tasty, naan bread and rice are not bad. Service is friendly and restaurant seems relaxing - no other customers when we were there.

Good food - but pricey. As my title says, the food is good but the a la carte menu is expensive. <br/>I have been here a few times both dinner, lunch buffet and to grab take-out. I'll likely only go back during the lunch buffet now because it's much cheaper. <br/>For dinner you have to pay extra for naan, extra for rice, ext. It gets expensive on top of already expensive dishes (about 17 bucks for butter chicken). <br/>The lunch buffet takes care of that annoyance though I did have to stir the rice a bit because what was on top was dry.

Absolutely amazing. Being celiac is horrible but this restaurant made it easy. Almost all the dishes are and if it is not they let you know. The staff brought out my food first to make sure there was so cross contamination. The gluten free bread is amazing! Staff was amazing so friendly and helpful! This will become a new staple to our dinning out rotation!!!

The Signature Butter Chicken. Went to taj last night and it was packed! I popped in to pick up my take out and noticed they changed their take out bags :) A nice red looking paper bag. I think their starting their branding too now. Clearly, i'm a regular if i know all this lol! Anyhow, this is the spot where everyone knows your name, i hardly mention my order right after saying my name. Gotta love that kind of treatment. The butter chicken is my favourite dish and thats what i normally get, Butter chicken, sag paneer and butter naan. I was talking to the owner who also is the main chef and its her recipes! She designed the curry sauces, korma sauces etc herself. Everything is fresh tasting and so rich and flavourful. It's better than ordering a friggin steak sometimes that you can probably make even better at home. <br/><br/>All these comments on prices....it ain't 1990 people. It is an established business and they have set their standard and clientele who can enjoy quality food. If you can't afford it, go and buy packeted dishes that'll probably be cheaper, but with all the preservatives...<br/><br/>Then again, you can't please everyone...everyone has a different palette :) <br/><br/>I do recommend people to give this lovely place a visit and do try the Korma dishes and don't forget their Butter Chicken!

Fabulous!. Went for my birthday dinner and we ended up ordering another round of food because it was so wonderful (skipped desert ;-) The owner went out of his way to have my favourite wine available for our table, and the service was pleasant and efficient. A little pricey, yes, but absolutely worth it. This is one of the only places in Ottawa that serves Aloo Tikka, a phenominal vegetarian appetizer with tamarind sauce. Oh dear... I want some now....

This ones a toughy. First off I will agree with most comments regarding the price. It is outrageous to spend 17.95 on a medium dish of butter chicken. Rice was extra and Naan was extra. The butter chicken tasted exactly like Campbell's tomato soup... It even strongly resembled the canned soup. The chicken curry was delicious, albeit not worth the 17.95 for a small portion. The naan and basmati rice were also quite good. So all in all the food is a win (minus the Campbell's butter chicken). The price is however outrageous.

Excellent food and service. We are really like the food .. my family was so happy ...thank's to all Taj Indian Cuisine staff ....you people make my day...

RIP OFF - RIP OFF. Nothing Special - Im pretty sure any of the good reviews below are either their friends or family. This was "ok" food, bit cold....at a RIDCULOUS PRICE.<br/><br/>When you get there they set and serve you a free dish, give you water and stand over you until you order......because once you see the prices and the small portions on other peoples plates you will want to leave.....I should have.

Overpriced and not very good. We ordered take out and have never paid so much for indian food in this city and it was horrid, dont waste your money.

Great food. We wanted Taj takeout for an anniversary dinner and were so happy that we had done so. Lamb korma was delicious. This food is never fail for us!

Best in Ottawa. Our favourite of all the restaurants we tried in Ottawa and we tried ALOT.<br/><br/>Go for the butter chicken and the malai kofta!!!!<br/><br/>Stop complaining about the price, I get takeout at least twice a month and never had anything that was less than fresh or less than delicious. You get what you pay for!

Just say my first Indie movie at the Colisieum. <br/><br/>We had to go to Taj. My family loves the food.<br/><br/>Quick comment to complainers. Get a life. You read the menu,so you know the price. If your wallet feels heavy. Then get up and leave. Your reviews are hurtful for my favourite family restaurant.<br/><br/>I have brought amazing CEO's here. Send me your address, i will pay you back for your troubles.<br/><br/>But this restaurant is the Best. I am ready to bet anyone!

Most expensive, worst tasting. My wife and I went to this restaurant to celebrate a happy event. Boy, did the food at this place bring us back to earth. The dishes were small and expensive: $14.00 for a cup and a half of gross tasting garbanzo curry. We had to pay an extra $4.00 for a bowl of rice and there was no salad included. Don't know how this place has lasted 25 years. We won't ever return. I hate being nickle and dimed by any restaurant. This was the worst.

I really like the new taj website. I ordered delivery from this place. I have friends raving about the butter chicken and garlic nan bread.<br/><br/>I loved it.

Doubt it's "home-made". The people are really nice - cheerful and pleasant.<br/><br/>The food was GROSSLY overpriced, and the delivery truck, delivering ready-made curries, was making a delivery as we ate, so I'm not sure how much is made in-house, and how much is "add water" and "boil in the bag"!<br/><br/>The dishes were very bland and westernized.<br/><br/>If I wanted packet curry, I'd buy it at the supermarket. When I eat out, I'd prefer to have the genuine article.<br/><br/>Won't be back, and wouldn't encourage anyone else to eat there, either.

Yesterday was our first time having dinner at Taj. Have to say that the service was excellent and the food was terrific. will definitely be going back!

Not bad but really overpriced for what its worth.

My thoughts on Taj.. Wow... jealous people take it easy on your reviews. Don't hate.<br/>And, obviously its the indian population that is having problems..<br/>Get a life.<br/>I have been coming to Taj since I was 11 years old. No way is the food bad or whatever these losers are saying in these reviews. How critical do you have to be.<br/><br/>Do any of you have a restaurant or cook<br/><br/>At the end of the day, you do not like the food get up and get out.<br/>The family is nice and they will understand. <br/><br/>Be honest with yourself, I would not recommend anyone reading your reviews Praveen C and Z.A.<br/><br/>Taj, many of us kids have grown up on your food and we love it. <br/>Thank you and keep up the good work.<br/><br/>Amazing people have come to this place. Politicians, home builders, CEO's and simple middle class white folk like me.<br/><br/>I have seen there dedication to there clients.<br/><br/>Don't hate reviewers... tell the people you do not like the food and get up and leave.<br/>Paul Gauthier

Chicken Bhuna & Beef Curry. Yesterday (Sept -10, 2011) me and my friend went to Taj for lunch and ordered Chicken Bhuna, Beef Curry and Butter Naans. The meal was probably worse than most of the indian restaurants in Ottawa. They gave the Naan way before the main course arrived. The food is too expensive compared to the quantity they serve. both the chicken and beef was 17$ each but only few pieces of meat in each dish. so two order of main course is good for one person.<br/>I do not think I will ever go there again and would not recommend others to go as well.<br/>oh .. and the mango chatnee they served probably very old , smelled and tasted terrible.<br/>Had upset stomach later that night , was not sure if it was the food or the mango chatnee.

Lunch Buffet Good Dinner overpriced. As the title says

Service was good, food ok. I think the rice was leftover from the lunch buffet because it was clumpy. Butter chicken was good and so was the naan. A tad expensive for what you get (17$ for butter chicken).

Never again...!!. Ordered the Tandoori chicken...did't come sizzling hot or in a clay pot. Was VERY dry, definitely yesterdays. Asked for spicy and got it doused with Franks Hot sauce or something similar. Nothing like Indian food, as I know the cuisine.<br/><br/>Service was decent enough although an adult family member was sleeping horizontally on bench and another was causally and repeatedly helping himself to food items from the kitchen.

Very disappointing as I used to enjoy this place years back. Tandoori was NOT freshly cooked - seemed like dry leftovers. Dahl was tasty but cold and very overpriced. Meal for two people (3 dishes) wad 70...def not worth that price.

Cold food / Not authentic Indian cuisine. Taj was a big disappointment. The eggplant dish ($13) had no depth due to the heavy vinegar/tomato paste content. We also ordered a tandoori platter ($17) which arrived cold - the portion was also quite small considering the price. Unfortunately, I don't think the lackluster food was limited to our table; the couple next to us asked for and doused their dishes in hot sauce and sent back cold coffee. <br/><br/>We did enjoy the naan ($2.50) and our server was friendly, but we will not be returning. Fans of authentic Indian cuisine may wish to try Little India instead.

Really delicious meal! My husband and I started with vegetable samosas, followed with butter chicken, sag ghost, rice and naan. Eerything was piping hot and very tasty. Would definitely recommend and come back! Perfect for date night followed by a movie at the Coliseum.

Great place - they were very hospitable and even kept the place open late for us to finish our food. The decor was pretty great and the food was delicious!

I was not impressed. The food did not taste authentic. The service was slow and not professional. It was very cold inside the restaurant and the food was over priced. I don't recommend at all!

Loves the place. I have been going to this place for the past 22 years. Simply the best indian in Ottawa

Personal service and "home cooking" food. Great service and ready to help with ingredient questions and "go togethers". Always a pleasure to eat here.

Longstanding restaurant with a strong local following. Personal service makes you feel like regular on your first visit! Great bhangan!

Ottawa a westend Indian staple - traditional Indian consistently good - make sure to tell them hot if you can otherwise they tame the spice for "north Americans"

Would we go back to Taj? Never. Taj certainly had prompt service and the atmosphere was relaxing...but that is where the enjoyment ended for me. The food needs work and I am quite surprised they have been in business SO long. I am quite aware that from region to region...even just a few miles down a road the same dish will be made differently than it is in a neighboring town. But, there are some standard dishes that are not open to interpretation. Rogan Josh is one of them. Kashmiri mirch is the backbone of the dish and tomato in it..canned tomato in Rogan Josh is sacrilege in India. Usually I leave the door open to the possibility that the chef was having an off day, but when you factor in the decades that this place has been open and you take a look around at the clientele it was quite easy to notice that evening there wasn't a single native Indian in there eating dinner. That is a sure sign that you are unfortunately in the wrong place for Indian food my friend. If you a