Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine
923 Metairie Rd,Ste C, Metairie, LA, 70005
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Metairie for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Metairie for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Metairie for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
923 Metairie Rd,Ste C
Metairie, LA, 70005 - Phone (504) 836-6859
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
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Prasen P.
The food was not tasty as we had high expectations. The buffet was disappointing and no option of al-a-carte when the lunch buffet is on, not sure what kind of policy is this.
(3)Suta J.
I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely delicious. I got a to-go box and then continued eating when I got home. I just couldn't stop! It was that good. I got the mango lassi, which was awesome (even for someone who doesn't usually like mango)! You gotta have it. If you describe what you are looking for, they'll be able to recommend something good. The garlic naan came with two side sauces - a cilantro based sauce and some kind of sweeter sauce. Loved it. I got the Navratan Korma - a vegetable dish. In terms of the ambiance, the restaurant feels a little boxed-in and old...but these things are easily forgettable, as the service and food are so great.
(4)Robert V.
Food is wonderful. They could dim the lights a tad, but the food and service were good.
(4)Shannon S.
It's like Nirvana but on Metairie Road! That would be Nirvana Indian Restaurant not the actual state of "Nirvana" because the same folks that own Nirvana also own this place but you might still find your actual Nirvana here if you love Indian food. I've been eating here for many years and they have the same type of buffet deal as Nirvana. The food choices are a bit different and the set up is much smaller but it is still some decent Indian food and one of the two choices you have in Metairie for Indian other than Tandori Chicken. The parking lot here is really crazy, tight, and you have to park at a really weird angle so getting out can be a challenge if you aren't used to it.
(3)Moira R.
I love an Indian restaurant lunch buffet. This one was excellent. I have been to buffets that were larger, but this one had all the standard items and everything I had was great. Salad wise, rather than having a lot of salad bar items they had a chick pea salad and a chopped vegetables with a yogurt dressing. These were both refreshing. In addition, the tandoori chicken had some of the best flavor I had in a while. The price was good too. I would definitely come back for the buffet. Based on the lunch buffet the dinner here is probably also good. This would be good if you'd like to try out Indian food or you just can't decide on one dish, lunch with a veg co-worker, or if you need a place that you can get in and out of fast on your lunch hour.
(4)Tamia G.
Their food is just ok. My friend & I shared: fresh, warm naan, taj kathi roll, lamb rogan josh and dhaniya lamb. The appetizers were ok. The accompanying sauces made everything better. The meat dishes are tender & well seasoned, but not fabulous. I guess it's ok if you're confined to Metairie but go elsewhere if not! The wine & spirits...wave off! Too limited, plus taste the wine 1st -OR- order a new bottle. Period. The liquor selection is abysmal.
(2)Jeff C.
To quote My Favorite Vegan: YUM! I've been here a few times over the years and pretty much been my only experience with Indian food which isn't a bad thing since this place is good. Even better, MFV doesn't need to explain veganism before ordering: it says they can make dishes vegan right there on the the menu! It's in Old Metry and when driving keep your eyes out because it will kind of jump out at you. In my experience for dinner it's never been that incredibly busy, so it's a good bet if, you know, you want to actually eat without that appetite building wait. Even the naan bread is good, and highly recommended with the lamb kadi. In our last visit MFV had Gobi Manchurian which she enjoyed as leftovers about as much as she did at the restaurant. Overall great place for dinner, brightly lit , good overall volume, attentive waitstaff, and each dish has the ability to clear stuffy noses (but you may want to consult a doctor on the stuffy noses thing especially if it's persistent).
(4)Chris D.
I'm going to be straightforward here and tell you exactly what's wrong with Taj Mahal. It's not actually what it does wrong, but what it DOESN'T do that, has garnered a two star rating. Where my gravamen lies is with the inconsistency of Taj Mahal's menu. Specifically, its failure to consistently make menu items, such as the Dosa Masala available. It has now been over three months since I've eaten this dish. Dosa Masala, is a savory pancake/crepe wrapped around potatoes and Indian spices with a side of coconut chutney. Traditionally it is served with a cup of soup called Sambar. It is important to note this meal is more than just a food. It is a journey of flavors, textures, aromas, and temperatures. If the ingredients sound off putting, then disregard the following paragraph. Dosa has been eaten for centuries in North India; needless to say they have perfected this dish. The pancake itself is made from fermented batter consisting of rice flour and lentils. It sounds weird, but somehow the two ingredients are soaked long enough and given time to ferment, which results in a wonderful transformation: a vegetarian batter. The end result is a thin crepe, crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle, and filled with spicy potatoes. The coconut chutney brings a cool dynamic to the flavor profile, and matches perfectly with the starchy texture of the main dish. The soup (Sambar) is a very spicy (what I thought was lentil) soup, with exotic aromas and spices. Not only is this a delicious feast, but it feels like a gastronomical experience. Making dinner plans with friends, only to show up, sit down, and be told there is no Dosa Masala, is beyond disappointing. The server explained that the Dosa is cooked on a hot plate which was scheduled to be fixed the following Monday. Instead, we ordered mediocre non-Dosa Indian dishes. All week we had anticipated a grand meal, only to be let down. The second time we came to dine in and eat Dosa, we asked if it was available before we even sat down. When they answered in the negative we walked out and went elsewhere. I will not make that mistake again. Now I call beforehand to see if they have Dosa. It has now been over three months, and no Dosa. I have several theories but no definitive answers. Perhaps the Dosa is too labor intensive? Maybe they don't serve Dosa during football season? Maybe it's a conspiracy, that my name is on a list, and I have exceeded my allotted ration of Dosa for the year. Whatever the reason may be, it's very frustrating. I've basically written this place off, and I'd like to talk to the owner to find out what the deal is. Same owner of Taj Mahal owns Nirvana on Magazine. (Nirvana does not have Dosa on the menu BTW). Unfortunately, I have to give this place a low score. Just for the shear disappointment it has caused me in the past few months. The location is out of the way. The dining room is cramped. In the summer it gets very hot and the restaurant does not have air conditioning. It's biggest redeeming quality is the Dosa, which is not available on a consistent basis.
(2)Bebs P.
Went for Lunch Buffet. I give it 4-5 stars for "in and out"ness I call it. If you want a hearty meal that is quick, arrive and eat and keep going this is it! Otherwise food was okay. Mulligawtawny was great, paneer spinach had noooo paneer and clearly cooked with butter which I am sure original recipe may not call for. Again, good for in and out meal; at least for buffet.
(3)Cyn B.
Rarely do I venture out of Orleans Parish for food, but when I want Indian this is definitely the place to go! I've eaten Indian food all over the world and theirs is pretty close to some of the best I've had. Lamb Pasanda is my fave Indian dish. Giant lamb chunks swimming in a spicy yogurt sauce served over fluffy Jasmine rice *drool* This isn't a place to go for atmosphere or ambiance, but the service is outstanding! These guys do not know the word "no." Their menu has new items. I asked about one and I was told not to try it because he wasn't getting good feedback!! You don't find that kind of honesty everywhere. Best Indian food in the Metro area.
(5)Sharmine S.
I tried this place for lunch on a sunday. Worst mistake. they had limited dishes in the buffet for a Sunday. The tandoori Chicken was cold and very dry, it had artificial flavor of smoke which was so bad. The chicken in the chicken tikka masala was probably cooked a week ago, it was hard and tasteless. The worst thing, the naan/roti was made and kept next to the buffet under a heating lamp. Naan/roti was chewy. Any place that does not serve fresh made hot naan/roti tableside should not be tried. Overall the food was very bland with no hint of any spice.
(1)Holly N.
We came here for lunch craving Indian food and was so disappointed. The buffet selection was limited and the dishes with chicken were very DRY! By no means am I an Indian food connoisseur but I know good Indian food and this place just didn't make the cut.
(2)Tomas L.
Delicious food and my Indian wife agrees. Everyone was super nice and gave great service.
(4)Travis T.
Everything we had was excellent wife had the tikka masala I had the lamb jonaf. Perfect spice and perfect portions. I also tried the appetizers the garden salad left a lot to be desired but was still good. The potato patties were absolutely awesome. The fried onions were good as well. Has a true indian taste and that is what I crave plus they have combinations of north and South Indian cuisine which suits me and my wife. Will definitely return. Only quam I had was they were out of mango lassi but it wasn't enough for me to downgrade the food. Service was okay but never a major factor for me.
(5)Nancy S.
Wow, we just enjoyed a delicious take out meal from Taj Mahal- Matter paneer, saag paneer, and dal makhani - all was scrumptious! We used to eat at Taj Mahal (or order out) all the time but then we moved. I was craving dal and was not disappointed. Thank you! It won't be nearly as long til our next visit
(5)Katie S.
I've been to most of the major indian buffets in New Orleans and Metairie and my general opinion of Taj Mahal in comparison to Nirvana, Tandoori Chicken, etc. is that it's just OK. The buffet is average size. I sampled a little bit of nearly everything they had to offer and was pleased with the variety. However, everything was VERY MILD. Perhaps this is just a personal preference, but I like my indian food to have a little kick. Nirvana's food, depending on the dish, usually has a nice kick to it so I was expecting something in that range of spice and just didn't get that from Taj Mahal. That being said, my dining companion said he was really pleased with it. I also know this particular dining companion to not be a huge fan of spicy food...so...that makes sense that perhaps he was more impressed than I was. It was by no means bad food but I can think of better places to go to for my Indian buffet fix.
(3)Nick N.
I go here in the evening with the family since it's closer to home. I go to Nirvana when we're out with friends. Being these are the only two Indian restaurants I've been to, my experience may be limited. However, if there's better Indian food out there, I'm surprised. Service is fast, and attentive. Prices are reasonable. Could go there every week if I could afford it. Shrimp are local and delicious. Chicken Tika is to die for. Can't even remember the rest of the dishes, but man they're good. Only thing missing is Lamb Achari. I get it at Nirvana and I miss it when we go to Taj Mahal. I highly recommend.
(5)Jonathan L.
Slightly above average food for average prices. Jalapeño naan was good. Chicken tikka masala was average.
(3)James W.
When it come to Indian Food in the Greater Metro Taj Mahal is the best. We love their service and food. We alway grab extra Garlic Naan with a side of mint sauce. Their Saag Paneer is excellent and all dishes have great spice. If you are in the mood for Tandoori chicken they have you covered. They also have a variety of Southern Indian dishes so go explore.
(4)Zen A.
This is the Mona's of indian food. The food sucks. Terribly. Just atrocious. I know good indian food and this is almost not even indian. This ain't even 'whitenized' version of indian food. Why can't new Orleans get a damn decent indian restaurant. I mean saffron is excellent but its catering and only open one day a week.
(1)Vera G.
"Not as terrible as I expected New Orleans Indian food to be" is just about the most accurate compliment this place deserves. Awesome cherry naan though!! Never found it anywhere else and I'm totally hooked. Ordering from the menu definitely means better quality vs. the buffet.
(3)Molly B.
Their Indian food is excellent. Love the newly added dosas . The buffet is a great time to go. Service was great
(5)Desiree D.
The service was great but the food wasn't quite what I was expecting. It seemed kind of bland to me.
(3)Lily N.
My friend knows her Indian food... prolly because she's Indian. She had suggested Taj Mahal for our girls night out and said that it was "pretty ok." That should have been my first clue... that she didn't have glowing recommendations immediately upon talking about this place. Anyway, we decided to make a big meal out of it and shared a boat load of food. We got the dosai (?spelling?) with chutney, the vegetable masala, the chicken masala, the lamb biryani and the chicken biryani. They were all ok... maybe even meh. The lamb was kinda tough. And you can't really mess up food covered in creamy sauce. They get three stars because the staff was nice and accommodating. In the end, I would have much rather had my friend's mom's goat biryani.
(3)Ramya R.
We have been here many times before. Sadly the quality and taste of food has drastically deteriorated. Suggest skipping this place.
(2)Hillary D.
Best Indian food in nola! i waitressed for a year in an indian restaurant and have been to india & the food here can hold its own-- + I went here for the first time & was back within a week and brought some friends who had never tried Indian food before, as the Taj as a good place to start the samosas were excellent, esp with the tamarind chutney delicious, PERFECT, fluffy buttery naan & garlic naan the navartan korma with paneer was amazing, the chicken tikka had the right amount of spicyness & tangy tomato flavor, the saag panner was creamy & rich the portions are very generous so you get lunch the next day~ - both times i've been here the service was terrible, we waited forever before the waiter talked to us (he served another large group that came in after us because he knew them), & it takes a really long to get anything (the check, to go boxes etc). also they asked us to leave after we paid because they said people were waiting for a table even though i saw 3 other empty tables..but it was sat night so nbd really, the food is so good i've not even mad, i just have learned to accept it and be patient. i will definitely be back & will bring more friends :)
(4)Suzi S.
We went to the lunch buffet. Kind service, delicious food. I love the coconut pudding with the curry chicken and naan!! Had a hard time stopping! Very good and will return. The place smelled weird (like old pee) but my boyfriend assured me it was the mixture of spices in the air.
(4)Dennis G.
Previously I've gone to Taj Mahal for dinner but now I've had the great fortune to experience the buffet. The buffet may look small but that actually works as an advantage. You can be sure that everything is fresh because they're bringing out more of it almost constantly as it runs low. There are several selections for both vegetarians and those of us that eat meat. Typically there's naan, 4 or 5 entree selections, rice, salad, and dessert. Don't fill up too quickly or you'll miss out on killer rice pudding. Yum. Overall it's a great deal. If you want to sample different things before coming back for dinner or want to save some cash vs the slightly pricier entrees you can't beat the lunch buffet.
(5)Matt R.
I live within walking distance from Taj Mahal and have driven or walked past this pace for many years, but never stopped in to eat... well not until today. Since I had not been before, I stopped in for the lunch buffet so I could try multiple items and get an idea of what's good and what's not, especially since I am certainly no connoisseur of Indian food. I really enjoyed my experience. I thought the traditional chicken curry and rice was excellent, and one of my favorite items was the naan (tandori fried classic Indian bread) dipped in the different yogurt and pepper sauces they had by the salad bar. All in all, it was very good... as good as or better than any Indian restaurant I have ever dined in. On top of all this, the prices are good... I stuffed my face at the buffet for only $9.95. The atmosphere is sometimes described as cramped, dark, and too small... and I guess if I were a traditional food critic, i'd have to knock of a star for "appearance." But I rate according to my personal experience, and I love little places like this! Yes, it's small and cramped, but there is a giant mirror on the wall to make it "feel" bigger and the little dining room comes equipped with very ornate tables and chairs. Diners feel like they each have their own little thrown to sit on! The buffet area is also very small and cramped, but something about the space gives the restaurant a more intimate, homely feel that I like in "hole in the wall" places. BOTTOM LINE: Delicious food, cozy atmosphere, GREAT price... definitely one of my new favorite lunch spots on Metairie Rd.
(5)Artemis H.
I've only had the buffet. It is small but delish. The employees are very polite, and I've never had a bad experience here. Try everything!
(5)Amanda F.
We had the lunch buffet, which was less than desirable. Not much of a variety and what was in the buffet, had been there a good while. Not impressed with the food. Service was good.
(2)Sonya S.
The food here was decent and I would consider returning again at some point. I had a Dosa with Potato and Onion and it was tasty- though it arrived about 10 minutes before the rest of the meal and it arrived lukewarm as did the Sambar soup that came with it. We also had Poori and Garlic Naan and they were both tasty. My partner had Chicken Curry and it had a nice flavor and a decent quantity of food. There were some things that put me off about this place and they must be mentioned. First, the place is located in what looks to be a converted storage warehouse, and it is really very downscale. Inside,the place is filthy dirty. There is peeling wallpaper on the walls, dirty old floors, half of a room painted. the place just felt icky and uncared for, and the bathroom was disgusting. This does not instill a feeling of comfort when dining here! If the place were clean, I would say that we would come back about once a month as I love Southern Indian Cuisine (Dosas in particular!),and it is very hard to find.
(3)Joshua C.
Surprisingly good. Despite its small location, Taj does a great job at being a restaurant, which for me is all about good food and service. Everything we ate I wanted to order again. It's hard to decide what to eat 'cause everything is tasty. Either way the waiters are super nice and helpful.
(5)Dana C.
Best Indian food in New Orleans! My 10 year olds love this restaurant.
(5)April P.
Wow I'm taken with the darling little tuck away spot. It's quite and charming the staff is wonderful! Loads of vegetarian options of course. The nicest decor and interior I have ever seen in an indian restaurant.
(5)Andrea F.
I have been here a handful of times in the last couple of years, all for the lunch buffet, and I have found it to be very consistent. The lunch buffet is reasonably priced, and the options seem to not be the same at each visit. They are quick with the drink refills. As previously mentioned, do not expect the wait staff to be committed to speaking highly about any one item, all are equally good in their wisdom. The iced tea only comes in unsweetened. The decor seems to be typical of Indian restaurants. All of the food is very mild.
(3)John T.
BLUF: I MIGHT go back but I would get completely different things. First off, indian food has never excited me but I want it to. Had to wait 5-10 min for a table which was no big deal but then when they sat us we say that only half the restaraunt was full so that was kinda weird we had to wait so long. Then it took a pretty long time for someone to come talk to us. Dont ask for recommendations because "everything is great". I personally like a waiter who has opinions and is helpful. Started with the samosas and they were standard and pretty good. The nan was fresh and made there and pretty good. Glad we ordered it. Saag paneer (creamed spinach with cheese) was just not good. Completely flavorless. Chicken biriyani (chicken rice dish), I am not sure what is in this dish but it is 90% rice, 5% spices and 5% chicken. It tasted good but very little chicken. Conceptually, it reminded me of fried rice (I hope comparing Chinese food to indian food is not racist. Not all asian food looks a like) Indian food just doesnt do it for me but maybe i just havent been to the right places. This is not the right place, at least not so far. The food around us looked good, the food smelled good; it just wasnt.
(3)Vicky L.
I came for lunch and tried the buffet. They had a ready small selection (about 8 items) of curries and other items. Though they didn't have a lot to choose from, it was all very delicious. I was happy to find that most items weren't very spicy because I'm a wimp when it comes to hot spice. This means I was able to taste to delicious food. Pro-tip to Indian buffet: Start with a small scoop of rice in the middle of the plate. Then put a little scoop of everything on your plate around the edge. Top with naan bread. Go back for seconds (or thirds) of your favorite items.
(4)Cristy C.
HOLY COW!!!! I mean.... Um, I mean.... Chicken? Unbelievable truly authentic Indian food. I can't stand when ethnic restaurants become "Americanized". If it's Americanized, it's poisoned. Anyways, I loooove Vindaloo and it's great here. The portions are just perfect. The poori is great. The ambience is nice and they make it even better by adding Indian music in the background. Perfect place for a dinner date, romantic or not. Highly recommended!!! And the staff is super friendly and helpful.
(5)Angela A.
This place has amazing food. Staff was friendly and I enjoyed everything we ordered. I can't wait to go back and explore the entire menu Highly recommend checking it out
(5)Millicent R.
Love this place the korma is so good and travels well. Don't forget garlic naan. The staff is so kind and if you make it for lunch the buffet is smaller than some that I've had but everything is fresh and tastes great.
(5)Sara G.
This place was recommended to us by my husband's Indian coworker so we figured it must be legit... And it is! Been here several times now and loved everything. Done the lunch buffet once and loved that as well. Buffet had about 6-8 entree options, naan, rice, and two Indian dessert pudding or yogurt options. Taken friends here and they've since gotten hooked too. Very reasonable prices, very friendly and attentive staff.
(5)Ashish M.
Disappointing buffet. No option of al-a-carte when the lunch buffet is on. Food was super disappointing as well. Avoid if you can!
(1)Megan K.
Delicious, complex, and satisfying. It is the best Indian food I have eaten in NOLA (not that there's that many), and the whole experience reeks of authenticity. We started with the chicken pakoras (white meat breaded in lentil flour and fried), which came with the most delicious and perplexing sauce. This would be a great starter or meal for kids, or the unadventurous. We got two types of naan (the "Bullet" naan was loaded with jalapenos and too spicy for my blood) and the garlic variety, which was delicious. I ordered the Rogen Josh for my entree (a traditional, mildly-spicy lamb dish) and it was spectacular. My boyfriend ordered lamb vindaloo (the only thing he ever orders at Indian restaurants) and had nothing but good things to say, with the exception that he thought it wasn't spicy enough. Keep in mind that he is a freak and impervious to spice, so I'm sure most people would disagree with him. We were too full for dessert, but as we were finishing up our waiter overhead me ask to try my boyfriend's mango lassi so he brought me my own sample cup free of charge. It was a great way to end a great meal, and I see myself becoming a repeat customer.
(4)Renee S.
Yum! Get the Samosa! They are so good. The mango lassi is the best drink to have with your meal. Lunch=Buffet Dinner=Menu I gave this place a 3 not because of their food, but because of other things. First of all, every time I come here, they always serve my boyfriend first. And then they look at him to order for me.... I am sitting right here... and my boyfriend isn't a mind reader... nor is he my master. Secondly, the actual restaurant is very small. They have a large mirror on one wall that is supposed to make the restaurant look bigger. I guess it does, but it sucks to have to sit right next to the mirror. The last thing I want to look at is myself in the mirror while I am eating. Thirdly, AIR CONDITIONING! It gets so freaking hot in that place and they only have one wall unit air conditioner. I remember sitting in there and sweating (on more than one occasion). I don't need to be burning calories while I eat. It is a huge problem... this is Louisiana! It's 100 degrees outside! It doesn't need to be 98 inside.
(3)Scott D.
This place is pretty good. I usually get the chicken biyani and its delicious. The chicken tika masala is a hit as well. Word of advice. If you ask for extra spicy, it's extra spicy. Almost too spicy. This is not the restaurant's fault though. I like my shit spicy!! I"ve only gotten takeout from here, so I don't know what the dining experience is like inside. If you like Indian food, give it a go and thank me later.
(4)Sharon S.
This is a little bit of a dive, but the service is excellent, and the food very good, and reasonably priced. My husband had a lamb/curry dish, and I had chili paneer, which was very good, but both portions could have been a bit larger
(4)Laura C.
Ok... so I know this place is owned by the same people who own nirvana... but I find it's just better. The food is always conistently good and they vary from the nirvana menu in good ways. I can always go back to n to get my kashmiri naan... but they don't have those cheese and potatoe apps and the butter chicken just isn't as heavenly. That's right. I said it, heavenly. It's not a showplace, small dining room, small parking, but big flavor. It was definately a stumble in post k times when my mother got lost driving. It was well worth the broken flip flop. Still.
(5)Carr F.
Just ok. Lunch bar wasn't the best but if you're looming for your quick Indian fix, it's ok. Great chairs and tables, dining staff very pleasant.
(3)Isabella S.
This is definitely my designated Indian food spot in the area. My boyfriend is Indian, and he even thought the food was good. The service is also excellent, and it is a quiet atmosphere.
(4)Damian L.
First, I have to say I really like the ambience of this place. I went here for a pre movie dinner with my girlfriend and found the decor really charming. I felt like I went back in time to the 1930s - it has a very romantic, cozy, jazzy feel to it. I half expected someone to jump in and light the place up with a tommy gun. Okay - so far so good I thought, but being a vegan who just recently moved to New Orleans from Long Island (where I frequented an amazing joint called House of Dosas) I was a bit worried about my options. Half expecting my food to be cooked in animal fat and stuffed with crawfish, I was pleasantly surprised to find an entire page of their menu that was "veganizable". Yes, the page had a footnote stating they can make anything on it vegan! The menus you will find online are outdated, by the way. Anyway, on to the important stuff. For my appetizer, I chose the onion pakora which came with a tamarind sauce. I could have eaten this 10 times over, after going without Indian food for over two months it was exactly what I wanted. Perfectly crisp with the right amount of crunch and flavor. Our server was knowledgeable on both the menu and veganism. He pointing out that one of the chutneys that came with my dosa contained yogurt. The masala dosa I ordered was a bit lacking in flavor on it's own, but with the curried potatoes and sambar that it came with I was very pleased. I'll definitely be back here to try some of their other Dosas and appetizers. My taste buds were satisfied and with a few tweaks here and there this place could have 5 star potential.
(4)Perrey L.
Using my trusty yelp droid app, I was led here a couple of Sundays ago. My not-so-inner fat kid heart got to beating when I saw the sign outside touting a buffet, but, alas, there is no buffet on Sunday. The air conditioning seemed to be broken, too, but we ventured in and found a nice seat all the same. I felt rather princessy sitting in the high-backed, colorful, and heavily adorned chair and was happy, if a bit confused, to order from the menu. Not being educated in all the different delicious names of all the delicious different foods, I decided that my strategy would be to choose from among the *spicy items on the menu. I couldn't tell you the name of what I ended up ordering, but it was full of cubes of the most lovely tuna steak. Although I asked for it "Indian spicy" as opposed to "American spicy," the dish was not spicy at all, and I found that rather disappointing. The bf opined (after the fact, of course) that the Indian spicy was probably the subtle one, and I cursed myself for the ignorance. How utterly American of me... The bf got some chicken concoction that was only slightly hotter than mine. The rice that attended our dishes was a lovely long grained basmati, with some herbal goodness sprinkled in for good measure. We also ordered some sort of badass garlic bread, being that we are pigs and all, and it was mega yum too. There were appetizers, too - we got some sort of sampler thingy - some items were mega awesome and some not so much, but I guess that is what happens when you are a stranger in a strange land. Next time I'm going for the buffet.
(4)Jen L.
Indian food isn't big in NOLA and that makes me sad. I'm not sure if Taj Mahal deserves 4 stars but I drive across town to them when the other Indian restaurant is closer. They are hard to find in a weird strip mall that is perpendicular to the street. You just have to trust you will find them.
(4)Tuna D.
I dont know. I kinda want to give them 3 stars for bad service. Yes, I am one of those people who are very perceptive and notice most things, most important would be service. The food can be good anywhere but if the service sucks --- it doesnt really help the rest of the time spent at the dining establishment any better because I will not be a happy camper. This kitty can get hood ya heard? Ok, the food was good and that was why I gave it that many stars. Probably because the buffet station was small so they kept having to cook fresh food. We went on a Sunday and for 3 people plus mango lassi the bill was 43 and some change. Filled my plate twice which is just me behaving well otherwise the food was so good I would have kept going but the thing about Indian food is it is so rich and carby. Fills you up. The naan was good on this trip too. I have to say that the waiters were cool but there was this older gentleman who went to check all of the 4 other tables and not a word to us. What a jerk. Ok you know what 3 stars. Regarding the location, it's in Old Metairie on the road. That's right, in the bourgie part of town. It's a very small hole in a wall place so if you blink, be careful because you might miss it. I overheard someone saying that this was the same owner of Nirvana, I just cant see it though because for some reason, I feel that the quality of the food here was better, the tandoori chicken was not dry, the food didnt taste or look as if it had been sitting out long either. Parking is small, the restaurant itself is on the side of another building but watch for the green awning. Tables are tight but dont worry if your rear is wide, the chairs should accommodate you. Cash and credit is accepted. Nice for family but it will be tight --- you were warned.
(3)Amy N.
My husband took me here for Valentine's Day. I had a huge craving for Indian food so I took the advantage and picked this restaurant by doing a search on Yelp. It's a tiny hole in the wall place. Very intimate and cozy. Inside, they have very unique decor and furniture, and there was no wait for a table. They have an extensive menu. Be prepared to spend a few minutes browsing the menu especially if you're not familiar with this cuisine. We shared the Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry), Prawn Biryani, and Naan stuffed with tandoori chicken. If you are a fan of Indian food like me, you will LOVE it! I recommend these items. My husband is indifferent about Indian food and he ate until he couldn't eat anymore. The food was so flavorful and spicy! Not to mention the waiters are extremely friendly and accommodating. I am so happy we gave this restaurant a try! Can't wait to go back!
(4)Feldman A.
The thing about Taj Mahal is that they are very nice, very cheap, and they let you bring your own wine, which is VERY appreciated in "these tough economic times." As usual, we had the lamb and the nan and something else, which was very good. It is homey, casual, and full of people who know the dilly regarding good Indian fare in the Metairie area. Well worth the trip and the $25. They have the lowest check and the best Indian flavor that I have tried in NOLA thus far. What more can you ask for, right?
(5)Robert H.
This is the best Indian food in New Orleans. Don't you love it when people make statements like that? I have only been to one other place, once, and it was Nirvanas. I remember little to nothing about my experience there. I have however been to Indian restaurants in other parts of the country. This measures pretty close to some of the best. The menu is in a terrible font and hard to read. But they have some pretty authentic looking choices. I had a lamb dish that was full of flavor. The only thing that I really don't like about this place is that it's kind of pricey, and the appetizer selection is pretty shitty. There are no meat filled samosas, er whatever its called! It's also kind of small inside, which means you could dine way to close to some douchebags, then of course you will have to have a douchebag contest. Which can take a lot of a dining experience.
(4)Joshua R.
This is the best Indian Restaurant that we have found in NOLA. It is not WOW like we have experienced elsewhere. But it is decent. The menu is huge! I dare say too big. The naan was ok, the tandoori lamb was tasty as was the murg makhani. We also had a briyani that was okay but on the bland side.
(3)Kiran G.
Decent small restaurant. Good food. Too many waiters- more than the customers. Some what pricey but that can be expected from an Indian restaurant.
(3)heather t.
Try the lunch buffet - at $10 a head you can't go wrong. Food is always awesome, atmosphere is always wierd, and the service is always friendly. Love this place.
(5)Erica S.
Consistently good food here. High praise for the water refilling and plate removal service. The soup is excellent and I dream about it. And they have kheer on the buffet, which is always a plus for me.
(4)Jamie R.
I hit up Taj Mahal to try the buffet and I must say it was so not worth it. $10 for ten hot dishes and about 8 cold selections of chutneys, salad and one dessert. Ok, to be fair I am comparing it to a couple of places back home, the east side of the SF bay, where there are two superior buffets for about the same price. When I say superior I mean that you get way more, like way way more, selections. One of them even gives you your own basket of fresh naan, not some that has been sitting under a heat lamp. The pluses were that there were only two non-veg entrees and the chutneys were delicious. The aloo gobi seemed to have no spice whatsoever but the dal makhani was pretty good. I might go back and try their regular menu, as it seems that they are run by the same folks that run Nirvana, which I just found to be overpriced. I also dug the chairs and the minimalist decor. NOLA needs more Indian places! And good Mexican places too.
(2)Nadrian M.
A small quaint spot that's just different! If you like spicy, saucy Indian cuisine than here's your sign. Don't get to elaborate with the bar drinks, they are very limited in what's available. Oh and if ordering wine, please do taste test, the first bottle we got was "skunky." Vinaigrette anyone?
(2)Christine E.
I went to Taj Mahal last monday and have been thinking about it the rest of the week. It isn't like it was my first time going there; I have been there several times before. I was reminded though of how much I like the place. I love the atmosphere and how you are welcomed by the staff right as you want in the door. The staff is fantastic. They always seem like they are enjoying their job and are happy to help. The food has always been great. We usually try something new each time we go and we have never been disappointed. I will be having dinner here tonight!
(5)Bruce C.
We have lost some of our better Indian restaurants in New Orleans/ Metairie. This one survives and has a consistency that belies its tiny size and funky decor. I don't eat there regularly, but it's mainly the location on Metairie Road that is too far from work or home.
(3)Nicole B.
I love this place. The buffet is always good. To counter spiciness, if you're not used to it, try one of the mango yogurt drinks (feeling stupid because I don't remember the name for it) - it's awesome. I go here for my birthday with my family every year. Yum!
(4)Tiffany M.
We eat here all the time and I have to say, the environment keeps them from getting great reviews. I think it's difficult for people to post incredible reviews, despite the food, when it's being eaten in a hot and aging room. The food is amazing! I've had Indian food many places and this is one of my favorites. The flavor combinations will make you want to hop the next flight to Mumbai. Most dishes are served with basmati rice and I highly recommend trying the naan (all of it!). Be warned- if you order something hot, it isn't creole hot, it's Indian-holy-bujeezus hot. mmmmmm So on to the not so great stuff. The air-conditioning issue seems to be a new thing. I took two friend there about a month ago and it was warm from the moment we stepped in. The manager, or owner (not sure), said that the air was just turned on and it takes a while to cool the place. But there were fans set out and it was pretty obvious that we weren't going to get any cooler. hopefully that was fixed as it seems that the previous reviewer may have actually been on the same day that we went. Next, the building itself... you may miss the place because of it's location, but I don't mind that. The inside has poorly laid pergo floors and the rooms seems a bit make-shift. But the furnishings are nice and I've never had bad service. Overall, despite any potential problems, the food is great and we will continue to eat there often.
(4)Nita M.
Simply delicious. We have gone to Taj Mahal twice now and it is officially our favorite Indian Restaurant in the Metairie/New Orleans area. We enjoyed the Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry) and Saag Paneer. We ordered it to go and also requested some Mint Chutney and Raita Yogurt. We emphasized we wanted both dishes very,very spicy and we were not disappointed. They added just the right amount of heat to compliment the wonderfully full favored authentic dishes. They have an extensive menu and we plan to come back and dine at the restaurant which is small and intimate.
(5)Moira R.
I love an Indian restaurant lunch buffet. This one was excellent. I have been to buffets that were larger, but this one had all the standard items and everything I had was great. Salad wise, rather than having a lot of salad bar items they had a chick pea salad and a chopped vegetables with a yogurt dressing. These were both refreshing. In addition, the tandoori chicken had some of the best flavor I had in a while. The price was good too. I would definitely come back for the buffet. Based on the lunch buffet the dinner here is probably also good. This would be good if you'd like to try out Indian food or you just can't decide on one dish, lunch with a veg co-worker, or if you need a place that you can get in and out of fast on your lunch hour.
(4)Prasen P.
The food was not tasty as we had high expectations. The buffet was disappointing and no option of al-a-carte when the lunch buffet is on, not sure what kind of policy is this.
(3)Robert V.
Food is wonderful. They could dim the lights a tad, but the food and service were good.
(4)Shannon S.
It's like Nirvana but on Metairie Road! That would be Nirvana Indian Restaurant not the actual state of "Nirvana" because the same folks that own Nirvana also own this place but you might still find your actual Nirvana here if you love Indian food. I've been eating here for many years and they have the same type of buffet deal as Nirvana. The food choices are a bit different and the set up is much smaller but it is still some decent Indian food and one of the two choices you have in Metairie for Indian other than Tandori Chicken. The parking lot here is really crazy, tight, and you have to park at a really weird angle so getting out can be a challenge if you aren't used to it.
(3)Chris D.
I'm going to be straightforward here and tell you exactly what's wrong with Taj Mahal. It's not actually what it does wrong, but what it DOESN'T do that, has garnered a two star rating. Where my gravamen lies is with the inconsistency of Taj Mahal's menu. Specifically, its failure to consistently make menu items, such as the Dosa Masala available. It has now been over three months since I've eaten this dish. Dosa Masala, is a savory pancake/crepe wrapped around potatoes and Indian spices with a side of coconut chutney. Traditionally it is served with a cup of soup called Sambar. It is important to note this meal is more than just a food. It is a journey of flavors, textures, aromas, and temperatures. If the ingredients sound off putting, then disregard the following paragraph. Dosa has been eaten for centuries in North India; needless to say they have perfected this dish. The pancake itself is made from fermented batter consisting of rice flour and lentils. It sounds weird, but somehow the two ingredients are soaked long enough and given time to ferment, which results in a wonderful transformation: a vegetarian batter. The end result is a thin crepe, crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle, and filled with spicy potatoes. The coconut chutney brings a cool dynamic to the flavor profile, and matches perfectly with the starchy texture of the main dish. The soup (Sambar) is a very spicy (what I thought was lentil) soup, with exotic aromas and spices. Not only is this a delicious feast, but it feels like a gastronomical experience. Making dinner plans with friends, only to show up, sit down, and be told there is no Dosa Masala, is beyond disappointing. The server explained that the Dosa is cooked on a hot plate which was scheduled to be fixed the following Monday. Instead, we ordered mediocre non-Dosa Indian dishes. All week we had anticipated a grand meal, only to be let down. The second time we came to dine in and eat Dosa, we asked if it was available before we even sat down. When they answered in the negative we walked out and went elsewhere. I will not make that mistake again. Now I call beforehand to see if they have Dosa. It has now been over three months, and no Dosa. I have several theories but no definitive answers. Perhaps the Dosa is too labor intensive? Maybe they don't serve Dosa during football season? Maybe it's a conspiracy, that my name is on a list, and I have exceeded my allotted ration of Dosa for the year. Whatever the reason may be, it's very frustrating. I've basically written this place off, and I'd like to talk to the owner to find out what the deal is. Same owner of Taj Mahal owns Nirvana on Magazine. (Nirvana does not have Dosa on the menu BTW). Unfortunately, I have to give this place a low score. Just for the shear disappointment it has caused me in the past few months. The location is out of the way. The dining room is cramped. In the summer it gets very hot and the restaurant does not have air conditioning. It's biggest redeeming quality is the Dosa, which is not available on a consistent basis.
(2)Bebs P.
Went for Lunch Buffet. I give it 4-5 stars for "in and out"ness I call it. If you want a hearty meal that is quick, arrive and eat and keep going this is it! Otherwise food was okay. Mulligawtawny was great, paneer spinach had noooo paneer and clearly cooked with butter which I am sure original recipe may not call for. Again, good for in and out meal; at least for buffet.
(3)John T.
BLUF: I MIGHT go back but I would get completely different things. First off, indian food has never excited me but I want it to. Had to wait 5-10 min for a table which was no big deal but then when they sat us we say that only half the restaraunt was full so that was kinda weird we had to wait so long. Then it took a pretty long time for someone to come talk to us. Dont ask for recommendations because "everything is great". I personally like a waiter who has opinions and is helpful. Started with the samosas and they were standard and pretty good. The nan was fresh and made there and pretty good. Glad we ordered it. Saag paneer (creamed spinach with cheese) was just not good. Completely flavorless. Chicken biriyani (chicken rice dish), I am not sure what is in this dish but it is 90% rice, 5% spices and 5% chicken. It tasted good but very little chicken. Conceptually, it reminded me of fried rice (I hope comparing Chinese food to indian food is not racist. Not all asian food looks a like) Indian food just doesnt do it for me but maybe i just havent been to the right places. This is not the right place, at least not so far. The food around us looked good, the food smelled good; it just wasnt.
(3)Vicky L.
I came for lunch and tried the buffet. They had a ready small selection (about 8 items) of curries and other items. Though they didn't have a lot to choose from, it was all very delicious. I was happy to find that most items weren't very spicy because I'm a wimp when it comes to hot spice. This means I was able to taste to delicious food. Pro-tip to Indian buffet: Start with a small scoop of rice in the middle of the plate. Then put a little scoop of everything on your plate around the edge. Top with naan bread. Go back for seconds (or thirds) of your favorite items.
(4)Cristy C.
HOLY COW!!!! I mean.... Um, I mean.... Chicken? Unbelievable truly authentic Indian food. I can't stand when ethnic restaurants become "Americanized". If it's Americanized, it's poisoned. Anyways, I loooove Vindaloo and it's great here. The portions are just perfect. The poori is great. The ambience is nice and they make it even better by adding Indian music in the background. Perfect place for a dinner date, romantic or not. Highly recommended!!! And the staff is super friendly and helpful.
(5)Matt R.
I live within walking distance from Taj Mahal and have driven or walked past this pace for many years, but never stopped in to eat... well not until today. Since I had not been before, I stopped in for the lunch buffet so I could try multiple items and get an idea of what's good and what's not, especially since I am certainly no connoisseur of Indian food. I really enjoyed my experience. I thought the traditional chicken curry and rice was excellent, and one of my favorite items was the naan (tandori fried classic Indian bread) dipped in the different yogurt and pepper sauces they had by the salad bar. All in all, it was very good... as good as or better than any Indian restaurant I have ever dined in. On top of all this, the prices are good... I stuffed my face at the buffet for only $9.95. The atmosphere is sometimes described as cramped, dark, and too small... and I guess if I were a traditional food critic, i'd have to knock of a star for "appearance." But I rate according to my personal experience, and I love little places like this! Yes, it's small and cramped, but there is a giant mirror on the wall to make it "feel" bigger and the little dining room comes equipped with very ornate tables and chairs. Diners feel like they each have their own little thrown to sit on! The buffet area is also very small and cramped, but something about the space gives the restaurant a more intimate, homely feel that I like in "hole in the wall" places. BOTTOM LINE: Delicious food, cozy atmosphere, GREAT price... definitely one of my new favorite lunch spots on Metairie Rd.
(5)April P.
Wow I'm taken with the darling little tuck away spot. It's quite and charming the staff is wonderful! Loads of vegetarian options of course. The nicest decor and interior I have ever seen in an indian restaurant.
(5)Andrea F.
I have been here a handful of times in the last couple of years, all for the lunch buffet, and I have found it to be very consistent. The lunch buffet is reasonably priced, and the options seem to not be the same at each visit. They are quick with the drink refills. As previously mentioned, do not expect the wait staff to be committed to speaking highly about any one item, all are equally good in their wisdom. The iced tea only comes in unsweetened. The decor seems to be typical of Indian restaurants. All of the food is very mild.
(3)Katie S.
I've been to most of the major indian buffets in New Orleans and Metairie and my general opinion of Taj Mahal in comparison to Nirvana, Tandoori Chicken, etc. is that it's just OK. The buffet is average size. I sampled a little bit of nearly everything they had to offer and was pleased with the variety. However, everything was VERY MILD. Perhaps this is just a personal preference, but I like my indian food to have a little kick. Nirvana's food, depending on the dish, usually has a nice kick to it so I was expecting something in that range of spice and just didn't get that from Taj Mahal. That being said, my dining companion said he was really pleased with it. I also know this particular dining companion to not be a huge fan of spicy food...so...that makes sense that perhaps he was more impressed than I was. It was by no means bad food but I can think of better places to go to for my Indian buffet fix.
(3)Jonathan L.
Slightly above average food for average prices. Jalapeño naan was good. Chicken tikka masala was average.
(3)James W.
When it come to Indian Food in the Greater Metro Taj Mahal is the best. We love their service and food. We alway grab extra Garlic Naan with a side of mint sauce. Their Saag Paneer is excellent and all dishes have great spice. If you are in the mood for Tandoori chicken they have you covered. They also have a variety of Southern Indian dishes so go explore.
(4)Zen A.
This is the Mona's of indian food. The food sucks. Terribly. Just atrocious. I know good indian food and this is almost not even indian. This ain't even 'whitenized' version of indian food. Why can't new Orleans get a damn decent indian restaurant. I mean saffron is excellent but its catering and only open one day a week.
(1)Lily N.
My friend knows her Indian food... prolly because she's Indian. She had suggested Taj Mahal for our girls night out and said that it was "pretty ok." That should have been my first clue... that she didn't have glowing recommendations immediately upon talking about this place. Anyway, we decided to make a big meal out of it and shared a boat load of food. We got the dosai (?spelling?) with chutney, the vegetable masala, the chicken masala, the lamb biryani and the chicken biryani. They were all ok... maybe even meh. The lamb was kinda tough. And you can't really mess up food covered in creamy sauce. They get three stars because the staff was nice and accommodating. In the end, I would have much rather had my friend's mom's goat biryani.
(3)Ramya R.
We have been here many times before. Sadly the quality and taste of food has drastically deteriorated. Suggest skipping this place.
(2)Vera G.
"Not as terrible as I expected New Orleans Indian food to be" is just about the most accurate compliment this place deserves. Awesome cherry naan though!! Never found it anywhere else and I'm totally hooked. Ordering from the menu definitely means better quality vs. the buffet.
(3)Molly B.
Their Indian food is excellent. Love the newly added dosas . The buffet is a great time to go. Service was great
(5)Desiree D.
The service was great but the food wasn't quite what I was expecting. It seemed kind of bland to me.
(3)Joshua C.
Surprisingly good. Despite its small location, Taj does a great job at being a restaurant, which for me is all about good food and service. Everything we ate I wanted to order again. It's hard to decide what to eat 'cause everything is tasty. Either way the waiters are super nice and helpful.
(5)Dana C.
Best Indian food in New Orleans! My 10 year olds love this restaurant.
(5)Hillary D.
Best Indian food in nola! i waitressed for a year in an indian restaurant and have been to india & the food here can hold its own-- + I went here for the first time & was back within a week and brought some friends who had never tried Indian food before, as the Taj as a good place to start the samosas were excellent, esp with the tamarind chutney delicious, PERFECT, fluffy buttery naan & garlic naan the navartan korma with paneer was amazing, the chicken tikka had the right amount of spicyness & tangy tomato flavor, the saag panner was creamy & rich the portions are very generous so you get lunch the next day~ - both times i've been here the service was terrible, we waited forever before the waiter talked to us (he served another large group that came in after us because he knew them), & it takes a really long to get anything (the check, to go boxes etc). also they asked us to leave after we paid because they said people were waiting for a table even though i saw 3 other empty tables..but it was sat night so nbd really, the food is so good i've not even mad, i just have learned to accept it and be patient. i will definitely be back & will bring more friends :)
(4)Sonya S.
The food here was decent and I would consider returning again at some point. I had a Dosa with Potato and Onion and it was tasty- though it arrived about 10 minutes before the rest of the meal and it arrived lukewarm as did the Sambar soup that came with it. We also had Poori and Garlic Naan and they were both tasty. My partner had Chicken Curry and it had a nice flavor and a decent quantity of food. There were some things that put me off about this place and they must be mentioned. First, the place is located in what looks to be a converted storage warehouse, and it is really very downscale. Inside,the place is filthy dirty. There is peeling wallpaper on the walls, dirty old floors, half of a room painted. the place just felt icky and uncared for, and the bathroom was disgusting. This does not instill a feeling of comfort when dining here! If the place were clean, I would say that we would come back about once a month as I love Southern Indian Cuisine (Dosas in particular!),and it is very hard to find.
(3)Sharmine S.
I tried this place for lunch on a sunday. Worst mistake. they had limited dishes in the buffet for a Sunday. The tandoori Chicken was cold and very dry, it had artificial flavor of smoke which was so bad. The chicken in the chicken tikka masala was probably cooked a week ago, it was hard and tasteless. The worst thing, the naan/roti was made and kept next to the buffet under a heating lamp. Naan/roti was chewy. Any place that does not serve fresh made hot naan/roti tableside should not be tried. Overall the food was very bland with no hint of any spice.
(1)Holly N.
We came here for lunch craving Indian food and was so disappointed. The buffet selection was limited and the dishes with chicken were very DRY! By no means am I an Indian food connoisseur but I know good Indian food and this place just didn't make the cut.
(2)Tamia G.
Their food is just ok. My friend & I shared: fresh, warm naan, taj kathi roll, lamb rogan josh and dhaniya lamb. The appetizers were ok. The accompanying sauces made everything better. The meat dishes are tender & well seasoned, but not fabulous. I guess it's ok if you're confined to Metairie but go elsewhere if not! The wine & spirits...wave off! Too limited, plus taste the wine 1st -OR- order a new bottle. Period. The liquor selection is abysmal.
(2)Jeff C.
To quote My Favorite Vegan: YUM! I've been here a few times over the years and pretty much been my only experience with Indian food which isn't a bad thing since this place is good. Even better, MFV doesn't need to explain veganism before ordering: it says they can make dishes vegan right there on the the menu! It's in Old Metry and when driving keep your eyes out because it will kind of jump out at you. In my experience for dinner it's never been that incredibly busy, so it's a good bet if, you know, you want to actually eat without that appetite building wait. Even the naan bread is good, and highly recommended with the lamb kadi. In our last visit MFV had Gobi Manchurian which she enjoyed as leftovers about as much as she did at the restaurant. Overall great place for dinner, brightly lit , good overall volume, attentive waitstaff, and each dish has the ability to clear stuffy noses (but you may want to consult a doctor on the stuffy noses thing especially if it's persistent).
(4)Isabella S.
This is definitely my designated Indian food spot in the area. My boyfriend is Indian, and he even thought the food was good. The service is also excellent, and it is a quiet atmosphere.
(4)Megan K.
Delicious, complex, and satisfying. It is the best Indian food I have eaten in NOLA (not that there's that many), and the whole experience reeks of authenticity. We started with the chicken pakoras (white meat breaded in lentil flour and fried), which came with the most delicious and perplexing sauce. This would be a great starter or meal for kids, or the unadventurous. We got two types of naan (the "Bullet" naan was loaded with jalapenos and too spicy for my blood) and the garlic variety, which was delicious. I ordered the Rogen Josh for my entree (a traditional, mildly-spicy lamb dish) and it was spectacular. My boyfriend ordered lamb vindaloo (the only thing he ever orders at Indian restaurants) and had nothing but good things to say, with the exception that he thought it wasn't spicy enough. Keep in mind that he is a freak and impervious to spice, so I'm sure most people would disagree with him. We were too full for dessert, but as we were finishing up our waiter overhead me ask to try my boyfriend's mango lassi so he brought me my own sample cup free of charge. It was a great way to end a great meal, and I see myself becoming a repeat customer.
(4)Renee S.
Yum! Get the Samosa! They are so good. The mango lassi is the best drink to have with your meal. Lunch=Buffet Dinner=Menu I gave this place a 3 not because of their food, but because of other things. First of all, every time I come here, they always serve my boyfriend first. And then they look at him to order for me.... I am sitting right here... and my boyfriend isn't a mind reader... nor is he my master. Secondly, the actual restaurant is very small. They have a large mirror on one wall that is supposed to make the restaurant look bigger. I guess it does, but it sucks to have to sit right next to the mirror. The last thing I want to look at is myself in the mirror while I am eating. Thirdly, AIR CONDITIONING! It gets so freaking hot in that place and they only have one wall unit air conditioner. I remember sitting in there and sweating (on more than one occasion). I don't need to be burning calories while I eat. It is a huge problem... this is Louisiana! It's 100 degrees outside! It doesn't need to be 98 inside.
(3)Scott D.
This place is pretty good. I usually get the chicken biyani and its delicious. The chicken tika masala is a hit as well. Word of advice. If you ask for extra spicy, it's extra spicy. Almost too spicy. This is not the restaurant's fault though. I like my shit spicy!! I"ve only gotten takeout from here, so I don't know what the dining experience is like inside. If you like Indian food, give it a go and thank me later.
(4)Laura C.
Ok... so I know this place is owned by the same people who own nirvana... but I find it's just better. The food is always conistently good and they vary from the nirvana menu in good ways. I can always go back to n to get my kashmiri naan... but they don't have those cheese and potatoe apps and the butter chicken just isn't as heavenly. That's right. I said it, heavenly. It's not a showplace, small dining room, small parking, but big flavor. It was definately a stumble in post k times when my mother got lost driving. It was well worth the broken flip flop. Still.
(5)Carr F.
Just ok. Lunch bar wasn't the best but if you're looming for your quick Indian fix, it's ok. Great chairs and tables, dining staff very pleasant.
(3)Damian L.
First, I have to say I really like the ambience of this place. I went here for a pre movie dinner with my girlfriend and found the decor really charming. I felt like I went back in time to the 1930s - it has a very romantic, cozy, jazzy feel to it. I half expected someone to jump in and light the place up with a tommy gun. Okay - so far so good I thought, but being a vegan who just recently moved to New Orleans from Long Island (where I frequented an amazing joint called House of Dosas) I was a bit worried about my options. Half expecting my food to be cooked in animal fat and stuffed with crawfish, I was pleasantly surprised to find an entire page of their menu that was "veganizable". Yes, the page had a footnote stating they can make anything on it vegan! The menus you will find online are outdated, by the way. Anyway, on to the important stuff. For my appetizer, I chose the onion pakora which came with a tamarind sauce. I could have eaten this 10 times over, after going without Indian food for over two months it was exactly what I wanted. Perfectly crisp with the right amount of crunch and flavor. Our server was knowledgeable on both the menu and veganism. He pointing out that one of the chutneys that came with my dosa contained yogurt. The masala dosa I ordered was a bit lacking in flavor on it's own, but with the curried potatoes and sambar that it came with I was very pleased. I'll definitely be back here to try some of their other Dosas and appetizers. My taste buds were satisfied and with a few tweaks here and there this place could have 5 star potential.
(4)Perrey L.
Using my trusty yelp droid app, I was led here a couple of Sundays ago. My not-so-inner fat kid heart got to beating when I saw the sign outside touting a buffet, but, alas, there is no buffet on Sunday. The air conditioning seemed to be broken, too, but we ventured in and found a nice seat all the same. I felt rather princessy sitting in the high-backed, colorful, and heavily adorned chair and was happy, if a bit confused, to order from the menu. Not being educated in all the different delicious names of all the delicious different foods, I decided that my strategy would be to choose from among the *spicy items on the menu. I couldn't tell you the name of what I ended up ordering, but it was full of cubes of the most lovely tuna steak. Although I asked for it "Indian spicy" as opposed to "American spicy," the dish was not spicy at all, and I found that rather disappointing. The bf opined (after the fact, of course) that the Indian spicy was probably the subtle one, and I cursed myself for the ignorance. How utterly American of me... The bf got some chicken concoction that was only slightly hotter than mine. The rice that attended our dishes was a lovely long grained basmati, with some herbal goodness sprinkled in for good measure. We also ordered some sort of badass garlic bread, being that we are pigs and all, and it was mega yum too. There were appetizers, too - we got some sort of sampler thingy - some items were mega awesome and some not so much, but I guess that is what happens when you are a stranger in a strange land. Next time I'm going for the buffet.
(4)Jen L.
Indian food isn't big in NOLA and that makes me sad. I'm not sure if Taj Mahal deserves 4 stars but I drive across town to them when the other Indian restaurant is closer. They are hard to find in a weird strip mall that is perpendicular to the street. You just have to trust you will find them.
(4)Tuna D.
I dont know. I kinda want to give them 3 stars for bad service. Yes, I am one of those people who are very perceptive and notice most things, most important would be service. The food can be good anywhere but if the service sucks --- it doesnt really help the rest of the time spent at the dining establishment any better because I will not be a happy camper. This kitty can get hood ya heard? Ok, the food was good and that was why I gave it that many stars. Probably because the buffet station was small so they kept having to cook fresh food. We went on a Sunday and for 3 people plus mango lassi the bill was 43 and some change. Filled my plate twice which is just me behaving well otherwise the food was so good I would have kept going but the thing about Indian food is it is so rich and carby. Fills you up. The naan was good on this trip too. I have to say that the waiters were cool but there was this older gentleman who went to check all of the 4 other tables and not a word to us. What a jerk. Ok you know what 3 stars. Regarding the location, it's in Old Metairie on the road. That's right, in the bourgie part of town. It's a very small hole in a wall place so if you blink, be careful because you might miss it. I overheard someone saying that this was the same owner of Nirvana, I just cant see it though because for some reason, I feel that the quality of the food here was better, the tandoori chicken was not dry, the food didnt taste or look as if it had been sitting out long either. Parking is small, the restaurant itself is on the side of another building but watch for the green awning. Tables are tight but dont worry if your rear is wide, the chairs should accommodate you. Cash and credit is accepted. Nice for family but it will be tight --- you were warned.
(3)Sharon S.
This is a little bit of a dive, but the service is excellent, and the food very good, and reasonably priced. My husband had a lamb/curry dish, and I had chili paneer, which was very good, but both portions could have been a bit larger
(4)Amy N.
My husband took me here for Valentine's Day. I had a huge craving for Indian food so I took the advantage and picked this restaurant by doing a search on Yelp. It's a tiny hole in the wall place. Very intimate and cozy. Inside, they have very unique decor and furniture, and there was no wait for a table. They have an extensive menu. Be prepared to spend a few minutes browsing the menu especially if you're not familiar with this cuisine. We shared the Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry), Prawn Biryani, and Naan stuffed with tandoori chicken. If you are a fan of Indian food like me, you will LOVE it! I recommend these items. My husband is indifferent about Indian food and he ate until he couldn't eat anymore. The food was so flavorful and spicy! Not to mention the waiters are extremely friendly and accommodating. I am so happy we gave this restaurant a try! Can't wait to go back!
(4)Feldman A.
The thing about Taj Mahal is that they are very nice, very cheap, and they let you bring your own wine, which is VERY appreciated in "these tough economic times." As usual, we had the lamb and the nan and something else, which was very good. It is homey, casual, and full of people who know the dilly regarding good Indian fare in the Metairie area. Well worth the trip and the $25. They have the lowest check and the best Indian flavor that I have tried in NOLA thus far. What more can you ask for, right?
(5)Robert H.
This is the best Indian food in New Orleans. Don't you love it when people make statements like that? I have only been to one other place, once, and it was Nirvanas. I remember little to nothing about my experience there. I have however been to Indian restaurants in other parts of the country. This measures pretty close to some of the best. The menu is in a terrible font and hard to read. But they have some pretty authentic looking choices. I had a lamb dish that was full of flavor. The only thing that I really don't like about this place is that it's kind of pricey, and the appetizer selection is pretty shitty. There are no meat filled samosas, er whatever its called! It's also kind of small inside, which means you could dine way to close to some douchebags, then of course you will have to have a douchebag contest. Which can take a lot of a dining experience.
(4)Joshua R.
This is the best Indian Restaurant that we have found in NOLA. It is not WOW like we have experienced elsewhere. But it is decent. The menu is huge! I dare say too big. The naan was ok, the tandoori lamb was tasty as was the murg makhani. We also had a briyani that was okay but on the bland side.
(3)Kiran G.
Decent small restaurant. Good food. Too many waiters- more than the customers. Some what pricey but that can be expected from an Indian restaurant.
(3)heather t.
Try the lunch buffet - at $10 a head you can't go wrong. Food is always awesome, atmosphere is always wierd, and the service is always friendly. Love this place.
(5)Erica S.
Consistently good food here. High praise for the water refilling and plate removal service. The soup is excellent and I dream about it. And they have kheer on the buffet, which is always a plus for me.
(4)Nadrian M.
A small quaint spot that's just different! If you like spicy, saucy Indian cuisine than here's your sign. Don't get to elaborate with the bar drinks, they are very limited in what's available. Oh and if ordering wine, please do taste test, the first bottle we got was "skunky." Vinaigrette anyone?
(2)Jamie R.
I hit up Taj Mahal to try the buffet and I must say it was so not worth it. $10 for ten hot dishes and about 8 cold selections of chutneys, salad and one dessert. Ok, to be fair I am comparing it to a couple of places back home, the east side of the SF bay, where there are two superior buffets for about the same price. When I say superior I mean that you get way more, like way way more, selections. One of them even gives you your own basket of fresh naan, not some that has been sitting under a heat lamp. The pluses were that there were only two non-veg entrees and the chutneys were delicious. The aloo gobi seemed to have no spice whatsoever but the dal makhani was pretty good. I might go back and try their regular menu, as it seems that they are run by the same folks that run Nirvana, which I just found to be overpriced. I also dug the chairs and the minimalist decor. NOLA needs more Indian places! And good Mexican places too.
(2)Christine E.
I went to Taj Mahal last monday and have been thinking about it the rest of the week. It isn't like it was my first time going there; I have been there several times before. I was reminded though of how much I like the place. I love the atmosphere and how you are welcomed by the staff right as you want in the door. The staff is fantastic. They always seem like they are enjoying their job and are happy to help. The food has always been great. We usually try something new each time we go and we have never been disappointed. I will be having dinner here tonight!
(5)Bruce C.
We have lost some of our better Indian restaurants in New Orleans/ Metairie. This one survives and has a consistency that belies its tiny size and funky decor. I don't eat there regularly, but it's mainly the location on Metairie Road that is too far from work or home.
(3)Nicole B.
I love this place. The buffet is always good. To counter spiciness, if you're not used to it, try one of the mango yogurt drinks (feeling stupid because I don't remember the name for it) - it's awesome. I go here for my birthday with my family every year. Yum!
(4)Tiffany M.
We eat here all the time and I have to say, the environment keeps them from getting great reviews. I think it's difficult for people to post incredible reviews, despite the food, when it's being eaten in a hot and aging room. The food is amazing! I've had Indian food many places and this is one of my favorites. The flavor combinations will make you want to hop the next flight to Mumbai. Most dishes are served with basmati rice and I highly recommend trying the naan (all of it!). Be warned- if you order something hot, it isn't creole hot, it's Indian-holy-bujeezus hot. mmmmmm So on to the not so great stuff. The air-conditioning issue seems to be a new thing. I took two friend there about a month ago and it was warm from the moment we stepped in. The manager, or owner (not sure), said that the air was just turned on and it takes a while to cool the place. But there were fans set out and it was pretty obvious that we weren't going to get any cooler. hopefully that was fixed as it seems that the previous reviewer may have actually been on the same day that we went. Next, the building itself... you may miss the place because of it's location, but I don't mind that. The inside has poorly laid pergo floors and the rooms seems a bit make-shift. But the furnishings are nice and I've never had bad service. Overall, despite any potential problems, the food is great and we will continue to eat there often.
(4)Nita M.
Simply delicious. We have gone to Taj Mahal twice now and it is officially our favorite Indian Restaurant in the Metairie/New Orleans area. We enjoyed the Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry) and Saag Paneer. We ordered it to go and also requested some Mint Chutney and Raita Yogurt. We emphasized we wanted both dishes very,very spicy and we were not disappointed. They added just the right amount of heat to compliment the wonderfully full favored authentic dishes. They have an extensive menu and we plan to come back and dine at the restaurant which is small and intimate.
(5)Sara G.
This place was recommended to us by my husband's Indian coworker so we figured it must be legit... And it is! Been here several times now and loved everything. Done the lunch buffet once and loved that as well. Buffet had about 6-8 entree options, naan, rice, and two Indian dessert pudding or yogurt options. Taken friends here and they've since gotten hooked too. Very reasonable prices, very friendly and attentive staff.
(5)Ashish M.
Disappointing buffet. No option of al-a-carte when the lunch buffet is on. Food was super disappointing as well. Avoid if you can!
(1)Cyn B.
Rarely do I venture out of Orleans Parish for food, but when I want Indian this is definitely the place to go! I've eaten Indian food all over the world and theirs is pretty close to some of the best I've had. Lamb Pasanda is my fave Indian dish. Giant lamb chunks swimming in a spicy yogurt sauce served over fluffy Jasmine rice *drool* This isn't a place to go for atmosphere or ambiance, but the service is outstanding! These guys do not know the word "no." Their menu has new items. I asked about one and I was told not to try it because he wasn't getting good feedback!! You don't find that kind of honesty everywhere. Best Indian food in the Metro area.
(5)Tomas L.
Delicious food and my Indian wife agrees. Everyone was super nice and gave great service.
(4)Travis T.
Everything we had was excellent wife had the tikka masala I had the lamb jonaf. Perfect spice and perfect portions. I also tried the appetizers the garden salad left a lot to be desired but was still good. The potato patties were absolutely awesome. The fried onions were good as well. Has a true indian taste and that is what I crave plus they have combinations of north and South Indian cuisine which suits me and my wife. Will definitely return. Only quam I had was they were out of mango lassi but it wasn't enough for me to downgrade the food. Service was okay but never a major factor for me.
(5)Artemis H.
I've only had the buffet. It is small but delish. The employees are very polite, and I've never had a bad experience here. Try everything!
(5)Amanda F.
We had the lunch buffet, which was less than desirable. Not much of a variety and what was in the buffet, had been there a good while. Not impressed with the food. Service was good.
(2)Nancy S.
Wow, we just enjoyed a delicious take out meal from Taj Mahal- Matter paneer, saag paneer, and dal makhani - all was scrumptious! We used to eat at Taj Mahal (or order out) all the time but then we moved. I was craving dal and was not disappointed. Thank you! It won't be nearly as long til our next visit
(5)Suzi S.
We went to the lunch buffet. Kind service, delicious food. I love the coconut pudding with the curry chicken and naan!! Had a hard time stopping! Very good and will return. The place smelled weird (like old pee) but my boyfriend assured me it was the mixture of spices in the air.
(4)Dennis G.
Previously I've gone to Taj Mahal for dinner but now I've had the great fortune to experience the buffet. The buffet may look small but that actually works as an advantage. You can be sure that everything is fresh because they're bringing out more of it almost constantly as it runs low. There are several selections for both vegetarians and those of us that eat meat. Typically there's naan, 4 or 5 entree selections, rice, salad, and dessert. Don't fill up too quickly or you'll miss out on killer rice pudding. Yum. Overall it's a great deal. If you want to sample different things before coming back for dinner or want to save some cash vs the slightly pricier entrees you can't beat the lunch buffet.
(5)Angela A.
This place has amazing food. Staff was friendly and I enjoyed everything we ordered. I can't wait to go back and explore the entire menu Highly recommend checking it out
(5)Millicent R.
Love this place the korma is so good and travels well. Don't forget garlic naan. The staff is so kind and if you make it for lunch the buffet is smaller than some that I've had but everything is fresh and tastes great.
(5)Suta J.
I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely delicious. I got a to-go box and then continued eating when I got home. I just couldn't stop! It was that good. I got the mango lassi, which was awesome (even for someone who doesn't usually like mango)! You gotta have it. If you describe what you are looking for, they'll be able to recommend something good. The garlic naan came with two side sauces - a cilantro based sauce and some kind of sweeter sauce. Loved it. I got the Navratan Korma - a vegetable dish. In terms of the ambiance, the restaurant feels a little boxed-in and old...but these things are easily forgettable, as the service and food are so great.
(4)Joshua C.
Surprisingly good. Despite its small location, Taj does a great job at being a restaurant, which for me is all about good food and service. Everything we ate I wanted to order again. It's hard to decide what to eat 'cause everything is tasty. Either way the waiters are super nice and helpful.
(5)Dana C.
Best Indian food in New Orleans! My 10 year olds love this restaurant.
(5)April P.
Wow I'm taken with the darling little tuck away spot. It's quite and charming the staff is wonderful! Loads of vegetarian options of course. The nicest decor and interior I have ever seen in an indian restaurant.
(5)Andrea F.
I have been here a handful of times in the last couple of years, all for the lunch buffet, and I have found it to be very consistent. The lunch buffet is reasonably priced, and the options seem to not be the same at each visit. They are quick with the drink refills. As previously mentioned, do not expect the wait staff to be committed to speaking highly about any one item, all are equally good in their wisdom. The iced tea only comes in unsweetened. The decor seems to be typical of Indian restaurants. All of the food is very mild.
(3)Katie S.
I've been to most of the major indian buffets in New Orleans and Metairie and my general opinion of Taj Mahal in comparison to Nirvana, Tandoori Chicken, etc. is that it's just OK. The buffet is average size. I sampled a little bit of nearly everything they had to offer and was pleased with the variety. However, everything was VERY MILD. Perhaps this is just a personal preference, but I like my indian food to have a little kick. Nirvana's food, depending on the dish, usually has a nice kick to it so I was expecting something in that range of spice and just didn't get that from Taj Mahal. That being said, my dining companion said he was really pleased with it. I also know this particular dining companion to not be a huge fan of spicy food...so...that makes sense that perhaps he was more impressed than I was. It was by no means bad food but I can think of better places to go to for my Indian buffet fix.
(3)Sharon S.
This is a little bit of a dive, but the service is excellent, and the food very good, and reasonably priced. My husband had a lamb/curry dish, and I had chili paneer, which was very good, but both portions could have been a bit larger
(4)Damian L.
First, I have to say I really like the ambience of this place. I went here for a pre movie dinner with my girlfriend and found the decor really charming. I felt like I went back in time to the 1930s - it has a very romantic, cozy, jazzy feel to it. I half expected someone to jump in and light the place up with a tommy gun. Okay - so far so good I thought, but being a vegan who just recently moved to New Orleans from Long Island (where I frequented an amazing joint called House of Dosas) I was a bit worried about my options. Half expecting my food to be cooked in animal fat and stuffed with crawfish, I was pleasantly surprised to find an entire page of their menu that was "veganizable". Yes, the page had a footnote stating they can make anything on it vegan! The menus you will find online are outdated, by the way. Anyway, on to the important stuff. For my appetizer, I chose the onion pakora which came with a tamarind sauce. I could have eaten this 10 times over, after going without Indian food for over two months it was exactly what I wanted. Perfectly crisp with the right amount of crunch and flavor. Our server was knowledgeable on both the menu and veganism. He pointing out that one of the chutneys that came with my dosa contained yogurt. The masala dosa I ordered was a bit lacking in flavor on it's own, but with the curried potatoes and sambar that it came with I was very pleased. I'll definitely be back here to try some of their other Dosas and appetizers. My taste buds were satisfied and with a few tweaks here and there this place could have 5 star potential.
(4)Laura C.
Ok... so I know this place is owned by the same people who own nirvana... but I find it's just better. The food is always conistently good and they vary from the nirvana menu in good ways. I can always go back to n to get my kashmiri naan... but they don't have those cheese and potatoe apps and the butter chicken just isn't as heavenly. That's right. I said it, heavenly. It's not a showplace, small dining room, small parking, but big flavor. It was definately a stumble in post k times when my mother got lost driving. It was well worth the broken flip flop. Still.
(5)Carr F.
Just ok. Lunch bar wasn't the best but if you're looming for your quick Indian fix, it's ok. Great chairs and tables, dining staff very pleasant.
(3)Nick N.
I go here in the evening with the family since it's closer to home. I go to Nirvana when we're out with friends. Being these are the only two Indian restaurants I've been to, my experience may be limited. However, if there's better Indian food out there, I'm surprised. Service is fast, and attentive. Prices are reasonable. Could go there every week if I could afford it. Shrimp are local and delicious. Chicken Tika is to die for. Can't even remember the rest of the dishes, but man they're good. Only thing missing is Lamb Achari. I get it at Nirvana and I miss it when we go to Taj Mahal. I highly recommend.
(5)Jonathan L.
Slightly above average food for average prices. Jalapeño naan was good. Chicken tikka masala was average.
(3)James W.
When it come to Indian Food in the Greater Metro Taj Mahal is the best. We love their service and food. We alway grab extra Garlic Naan with a side of mint sauce. Their Saag Paneer is excellent and all dishes have great spice. If you are in the mood for Tandoori chicken they have you covered. They also have a variety of Southern Indian dishes so go explore.
(4)Zen A.
This is the Mona's of indian food. The food sucks. Terribly. Just atrocious. I know good indian food and this is almost not even indian. This ain't even 'whitenized' version of indian food. Why can't new Orleans get a damn decent indian restaurant. I mean saffron is excellent but its catering and only open one day a week.
(1)Vera G.
"Not as terrible as I expected New Orleans Indian food to be" is just about the most accurate compliment this place deserves. Awesome cherry naan though!! Never found it anywhere else and I'm totally hooked. Ordering from the menu definitely means better quality vs. the buffet.
(3)Molly B.
Their Indian food is excellent. Love the newly added dosas . The buffet is a great time to go. Service was great
(5)Desiree D.
The service was great but the food wasn't quite what I was expecting. It seemed kind of bland to me.
(3)Travis T.
Everything we had was excellent wife had the tikka masala I had the lamb jonaf. Perfect spice and perfect portions. I also tried the appetizers the garden salad left a lot to be desired but was still good. The potato patties were absolutely awesome. The fried onions were good as well. Has a true indian taste and that is what I crave plus they have combinations of north and South Indian cuisine which suits me and my wife. Will definitely return. Only quam I had was they were out of mango lassi but it wasn't enough for me to downgrade the food. Service was okay but never a major factor for me.
(5)John T.
BLUF: I MIGHT go back but I would get completely different things. First off, indian food has never excited me but I want it to. Had to wait 5-10 min for a table which was no big deal but then when they sat us we say that only half the restaraunt was full so that was kinda weird we had to wait so long. Then it took a pretty long time for someone to come talk to us. Dont ask for recommendations because "everything is great". I personally like a waiter who has opinions and is helpful. Started with the samosas and they were standard and pretty good. The nan was fresh and made there and pretty good. Glad we ordered it. Saag paneer (creamed spinach with cheese) was just not good. Completely flavorless. Chicken biriyani (chicken rice dish), I am not sure what is in this dish but it is 90% rice, 5% spices and 5% chicken. It tasted good but very little chicken. Conceptually, it reminded me of fried rice (I hope comparing Chinese food to indian food is not racist. Not all asian food looks a like) Indian food just doesnt do it for me but maybe i just havent been to the right places. This is not the right place, at least not so far. The food around us looked good, the food smelled good; it just wasnt.
(3)Vicky L.
I came for lunch and tried the buffet. They had a ready small selection (about 8 items) of curries and other items. Though they didn't have a lot to choose from, it was all very delicious. I was happy to find that most items weren't very spicy because I'm a wimp when it comes to hot spice. This means I was able to taste to delicious food. Pro-tip to Indian buffet: Start with a small scoop of rice in the middle of the plate. Then put a little scoop of everything on your plate around the edge. Top with naan bread. Go back for seconds (or thirds) of your favorite items.
(4)Cristy C.
HOLY COW!!!! I mean.... Um, I mean.... Chicken? Unbelievable truly authentic Indian food. I can't stand when ethnic restaurants become "Americanized". If it's Americanized, it's poisoned. Anyways, I loooove Vindaloo and it's great here. The portions are just perfect. The poori is great. The ambience is nice and they make it even better by adding Indian music in the background. Perfect place for a dinner date, romantic or not. Highly recommended!!! And the staff is super friendly and helpful.
(5)Lily N.
My friend knows her Indian food... prolly because she's Indian. She had suggested Taj Mahal for our girls night out and said that it was "pretty ok." That should have been my first clue... that she didn't have glowing recommendations immediately upon talking about this place. Anyway, we decided to make a big meal out of it and shared a boat load of food. We got the dosai (?spelling?) with chutney, the vegetable masala, the chicken masala, the lamb biryani and the chicken biryani. They were all ok... maybe even meh. The lamb was kinda tough. And you can't really mess up food covered in creamy sauce. They get three stars because the staff was nice and accommodating. In the end, I would have much rather had my friend's mom's goat biryani.
(3)Ramya R.
We have been here many times before. Sadly the quality and taste of food has drastically deteriorated. Suggest skipping this place.
(2)Hillary D.
Best Indian food in nola! i waitressed for a year in an indian restaurant and have been to india & the food here can hold its own-- + I went here for the first time & was back within a week and brought some friends who had never tried Indian food before, as the Taj as a good place to start the samosas were excellent, esp with the tamarind chutney delicious, PERFECT, fluffy buttery naan & garlic naan the navartan korma with paneer was amazing, the chicken tikka had the right amount of spicyness & tangy tomato flavor, the saag panner was creamy & rich the portions are very generous so you get lunch the next day~ - both times i've been here the service was terrible, we waited forever before the waiter talked to us (he served another large group that came in after us because he knew them), & it takes a really long to get anything (the check, to go boxes etc). also they asked us to leave after we paid because they said people were waiting for a table even though i saw 3 other empty tables..but it was sat night so nbd really, the food is so good i've not even mad, i just have learned to accept it and be patient. i will definitely be back & will bring more friends :)
(4)Matt R.
I live within walking distance from Taj Mahal and have driven or walked past this pace for many years, but never stopped in to eat... well not until today. Since I had not been before, I stopped in for the lunch buffet so I could try multiple items and get an idea of what's good and what's not, especially since I am certainly no connoisseur of Indian food. I really enjoyed my experience. I thought the traditional chicken curry and rice was excellent, and one of my favorite items was the naan (tandori fried classic Indian bread) dipped in the different yogurt and pepper sauces they had by the salad bar. All in all, it was very good... as good as or better than any Indian restaurant I have ever dined in. On top of all this, the prices are good... I stuffed my face at the buffet for only $9.95. The atmosphere is sometimes described as cramped, dark, and too small... and I guess if I were a traditional food critic, i'd have to knock of a star for "appearance." But I rate according to my personal experience, and I love little places like this! Yes, it's small and cramped, but there is a giant mirror on the wall to make it "feel" bigger and the little dining room comes equipped with very ornate tables and chairs. Diners feel like they each have their own little thrown to sit on! The buffet area is also very small and cramped, but something about the space gives the restaurant a more intimate, homely feel that I like in "hole in the wall" places. BOTTOM LINE: Delicious food, cozy atmosphere, GREAT price... definitely one of my new favorite lunch spots on Metairie Rd.
(5)Artemis H.
I've only had the buffet. It is small but delish. The employees are very polite, and I've never had a bad experience here. Try everything!
(5)Amanda F.
We had the lunch buffet, which was less than desirable. Not much of a variety and what was in the buffet, had been there a good while. Not impressed with the food. Service was good.
(2)Sonya S.
The food here was decent and I would consider returning again at some point. I had a Dosa with Potato and Onion and it was tasty- though it arrived about 10 minutes before the rest of the meal and it arrived lukewarm as did the Sambar soup that came with it. We also had Poori and Garlic Naan and they were both tasty. My partner had Chicken Curry and it had a nice flavor and a decent quantity of food. There were some things that put me off about this place and they must be mentioned. First, the place is located in what looks to be a converted storage warehouse, and it is really very downscale. Inside,the place is filthy dirty. There is peeling wallpaper on the walls, dirty old floors, half of a room painted. the place just felt icky and uncared for, and the bathroom was disgusting. This does not instill a feeling of comfort when dining here! If the place were clean, I would say that we would come back about once a month as I love Southern Indian Cuisine (Dosas in particular!),and it is very hard to find.
(3)Sharmine S.
I tried this place for lunch on a sunday. Worst mistake. they had limited dishes in the buffet for a Sunday. The tandoori Chicken was cold and very dry, it had artificial flavor of smoke which was so bad. The chicken in the chicken tikka masala was probably cooked a week ago, it was hard and tasteless. The worst thing, the naan/roti was made and kept next to the buffet under a heating lamp. Naan/roti was chewy. Any place that does not serve fresh made hot naan/roti tableside should not be tried. Overall the food was very bland with no hint of any spice.
(1)Holly N.
We came here for lunch craving Indian food and was so disappointed. The buffet selection was limited and the dishes with chicken were very DRY! By no means am I an Indian food connoisseur but I know good Indian food and this place just didn't make the cut.
(2)Cyn B.
Rarely do I venture out of Orleans Parish for food, but when I want Indian this is definitely the place to go! I've eaten Indian food all over the world and theirs is pretty close to some of the best I've had. Lamb Pasanda is my fave Indian dish. Giant lamb chunks swimming in a spicy yogurt sauce served over fluffy Jasmine rice *drool* This isn't a place to go for atmosphere or ambiance, but the service is outstanding! These guys do not know the word "no." Their menu has new items. I asked about one and I was told not to try it because he wasn't getting good feedback!! You don't find that kind of honesty everywhere. Best Indian food in the Metro area.
(5)Tomas L.
Delicious food and my Indian wife agrees. Everyone was super nice and gave great service.
(4)Prasen P.
The food was not tasty as we had high expectations. The buffet was disappointing and no option of al-a-carte when the lunch buffet is on, not sure what kind of policy is this.
(3)Robert V.
Food is wonderful. They could dim the lights a tad, but the food and service were good.
(4)Nancy S.
Wow, we just enjoyed a delicious take out meal from Taj Mahal- Matter paneer, saag paneer, and dal makhani - all was scrumptious! We used to eat at Taj Mahal (or order out) all the time but then we moved. I was craving dal and was not disappointed. Thank you! It won't be nearly as long til our next visit
(5)Suzi S.
We went to the lunch buffet. Kind service, delicious food. I love the coconut pudding with the curry chicken and naan!! Had a hard time stopping! Very good and will return. The place smelled weird (like old pee) but my boyfriend assured me it was the mixture of spices in the air.
(4)Dennis G.
Previously I've gone to Taj Mahal for dinner but now I've had the great fortune to experience the buffet. The buffet may look small but that actually works as an advantage. You can be sure that everything is fresh because they're bringing out more of it almost constantly as it runs low. There are several selections for both vegetarians and those of us that eat meat. Typically there's naan, 4 or 5 entree selections, rice, salad, and dessert. Don't fill up too quickly or you'll miss out on killer rice pudding. Yum. Overall it's a great deal. If you want to sample different things before coming back for dinner or want to save some cash vs the slightly pricier entrees you can't beat the lunch buffet.
(5)Angela A.
This place has amazing food. Staff was friendly and I enjoyed everything we ordered. I can't wait to go back and explore the entire menu Highly recommend checking it out
(5)Millicent R.
Love this place the korma is so good and travels well. Don't forget garlic naan. The staff is so kind and if you make it for lunch the buffet is smaller than some that I've had but everything is fresh and tastes great.
(5)Sara G.
This place was recommended to us by my husband's Indian coworker so we figured it must be legit... And it is! Been here several times now and loved everything. Done the lunch buffet once and loved that as well. Buffet had about 6-8 entree options, naan, rice, and two Indian dessert pudding or yogurt options. Taken friends here and they've since gotten hooked too. Very reasonable prices, very friendly and attentive staff.
(5)Ashish M.
Disappointing buffet. No option of al-a-carte when the lunch buffet is on. Food was super disappointing as well. Avoid if you can!
(1)Suta J.
I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely delicious. I got a to-go box and then continued eating when I got home. I just couldn't stop! It was that good. I got the mango lassi, which was awesome (even for someone who doesn't usually like mango)! You gotta have it. If you describe what you are looking for, they'll be able to recommend something good. The garlic naan came with two side sauces - a cilantro based sauce and some kind of sweeter sauce. Loved it. I got the Navratan Korma - a vegetable dish. In terms of the ambiance, the restaurant feels a little boxed-in and old...but these things are easily forgettable, as the service and food are so great.
(4)Shannon S.
It's like Nirvana but on Metairie Road! That would be Nirvana Indian Restaurant not the actual state of "Nirvana" because the same folks that own Nirvana also own this place but you might still find your actual Nirvana here if you love Indian food. I've been eating here for many years and they have the same type of buffet deal as Nirvana. The food choices are a bit different and the set up is much smaller but it is still some decent Indian food and one of the two choices you have in Metairie for Indian other than Tandori Chicken. The parking lot here is really crazy, tight, and you have to park at a really weird angle so getting out can be a challenge if you aren't used to it.
(3)Moira R.
I love an Indian restaurant lunch buffet. This one was excellent. I have been to buffets that were larger, but this one had all the standard items and everything I had was great. Salad wise, rather than having a lot of salad bar items they had a chick pea salad and a chopped vegetables with a yogurt dressing. These were both refreshing. In addition, the tandoori chicken had some of the best flavor I had in a while. The price was good too. I would definitely come back for the buffet. Based on the lunch buffet the dinner here is probably also good. This would be good if you'd like to try out Indian food or you just can't decide on one dish, lunch with a veg co-worker, or if you need a place that you can get in and out of fast on your lunch hour.
(4)Tamia G.
Their food is just ok. My friend & I shared: fresh, warm naan, taj kathi roll, lamb rogan josh and dhaniya lamb. The appetizers were ok. The accompanying sauces made everything better. The meat dishes are tender & well seasoned, but not fabulous. I guess it's ok if you're confined to Metairie but go elsewhere if not! The wine & spirits...wave off! Too limited, plus taste the wine 1st -OR- order a new bottle. Period. The liquor selection is abysmal.
(2)Scott D.
This place is pretty good. I usually get the chicken biyani and its delicious. The chicken tika masala is a hit as well. Word of advice. If you ask for extra spicy, it's extra spicy. Almost too spicy. This is not the restaurant's fault though. I like my shit spicy!! I"ve only gotten takeout from here, so I don't know what the dining experience is like inside. If you like Indian food, give it a go and thank me later.
(4)Chris D.
I'm going to be straightforward here and tell you exactly what's wrong with Taj Mahal. It's not actually what it does wrong, but what it DOESN'T do that, has garnered a two star rating. Where my gravamen lies is with the inconsistency of Taj Mahal's menu. Specifically, its failure to consistently make menu items, such as the Dosa Masala available. It has now been over three months since I've eaten this dish. Dosa Masala, is a savory pancake/crepe wrapped around potatoes and Indian spices with a side of coconut chutney. Traditionally it is served with a cup of soup called Sambar. It is important to note this meal is more than just a food. It is a journey of flavors, textures, aromas, and temperatures. If the ingredients sound off putting, then disregard the following paragraph. Dosa has been eaten for centuries in North India; needless to say they have perfected this dish. The pancake itself is made from fermented batter consisting of rice flour and lentils. It sounds weird, but somehow the two ingredients are soaked long enough and given time to ferment, which results in a wonderful transformation: a vegetarian batter. The end result is a thin crepe, crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle, and filled with spicy potatoes. The coconut chutney brings a cool dynamic to the flavor profile, and matches perfectly with the starchy texture of the main dish. The soup (Sambar) is a very spicy (what I thought was lentil) soup, with exotic aromas and spices. Not only is this a delicious feast, but it feels like a gastronomical experience. Making dinner plans with friends, only to show up, sit down, and be told there is no Dosa Masala, is beyond disappointing. The server explained that the Dosa is cooked on a hot plate which was scheduled to be fixed the following Monday. Instead, we ordered mediocre non-Dosa Indian dishes. All week we had anticipated a grand meal, only to be let down. The second time we came to dine in and eat Dosa, we asked if it was available before we even sat down. When they answered in the negative we walked out and went elsewhere. I will not make that mistake again. Now I call beforehand to see if they have Dosa. It has now been over three months, and no Dosa. I have several theories but no definitive answers. Perhaps the Dosa is too labor intensive? Maybe they don't serve Dosa during football season? Maybe it's a conspiracy, that my name is on a list, and I have exceeded my allotted ration of Dosa for the year. Whatever the reason may be, it's very frustrating. I've basically written this place off, and I'd like to talk to the owner to find out what the deal is. Same owner of Taj Mahal owns Nirvana on Magazine. (Nirvana does not have Dosa on the menu BTW). Unfortunately, I have to give this place a low score. Just for the shear disappointment it has caused me in the past few months. The location is out of the way. The dining room is cramped. In the summer it gets very hot and the restaurant does not have air conditioning. It's biggest redeeming quality is the Dosa, which is not available on a consistent basis.
(2)Bebs P.
Went for Lunch Buffet. I give it 4-5 stars for "in and out"ness I call it. If you want a hearty meal that is quick, arrive and eat and keep going this is it! Otherwise food was okay. Mulligawtawny was great, paneer spinach had noooo paneer and clearly cooked with butter which I am sure original recipe may not call for. Again, good for in and out meal; at least for buffet.
(3)Jeff C.
To quote My Favorite Vegan: YUM! I've been here a few times over the years and pretty much been my only experience with Indian food which isn't a bad thing since this place is good. Even better, MFV doesn't need to explain veganism before ordering: it says they can make dishes vegan right there on the the menu! It's in Old Metry and when driving keep your eyes out because it will kind of jump out at you. In my experience for dinner it's never been that incredibly busy, so it's a good bet if, you know, you want to actually eat without that appetite building wait. Even the naan bread is good, and highly recommended with the lamb kadi. In our last visit MFV had Gobi Manchurian which she enjoyed as leftovers about as much as she did at the restaurant. Overall great place for dinner, brightly lit , good overall volume, attentive waitstaff, and each dish has the ability to clear stuffy noses (but you may want to consult a doctor on the stuffy noses thing especially if it's persistent).
(4)Megan K.
Delicious, complex, and satisfying. It is the best Indian food I have eaten in NOLA (not that there's that many), and the whole experience reeks of authenticity. We started with the chicken pakoras (white meat breaded in lentil flour and fried), which came with the most delicious and perplexing sauce. This would be a great starter or meal for kids, or the unadventurous. We got two types of naan (the "Bullet" naan was loaded with jalapenos and too spicy for my blood) and the garlic variety, which was delicious. I ordered the Rogen Josh for my entree (a traditional, mildly-spicy lamb dish) and it was spectacular. My boyfriend ordered lamb vindaloo (the only thing he ever orders at Indian restaurants) and had nothing but good things to say, with the exception that he thought it wasn't spicy enough. Keep in mind that he is a freak and impervious to spice, so I'm sure most people would disagree with him. We were too full for dessert, but as we were finishing up our waiter overhead me ask to try my boyfriend's mango lassi so he brought me my own sample cup free of charge. It was a great way to end a great meal, and I see myself becoming a repeat customer.
(4)Renee S.
Yum! Get the Samosa! They are so good. The mango lassi is the best drink to have with your meal. Lunch=Buffet Dinner=Menu I gave this place a 3 not because of their food, but because of other things. First of all, every time I come here, they always serve my boyfriend first. And then they look at him to order for me.... I am sitting right here... and my boyfriend isn't a mind reader... nor is he my master. Secondly, the actual restaurant is very small. They have a large mirror on one wall that is supposed to make the restaurant look bigger. I guess it does, but it sucks to have to sit right next to the mirror. The last thing I want to look at is myself in the mirror while I am eating. Thirdly, AIR CONDITIONING! It gets so freaking hot in that place and they only have one wall unit air conditioner. I remember sitting in there and sweating (on more than one occasion). I don't need to be burning calories while I eat. It is a huge problem... this is Louisiana! It's 100 degrees outside! It doesn't need to be 98 inside.
(3)Perrey L.
Using my trusty yelp droid app, I was led here a couple of Sundays ago. My not-so-inner fat kid heart got to beating when I saw the sign outside touting a buffet, but, alas, there is no buffet on Sunday. The air conditioning seemed to be broken, too, but we ventured in and found a nice seat all the same. I felt rather princessy sitting in the high-backed, colorful, and heavily adorned chair and was happy, if a bit confused, to order from the menu. Not being educated in all the different delicious names of all the delicious different foods, I decided that my strategy would be to choose from among the *spicy items on the menu. I couldn't tell you the name of what I ended up ordering, but it was full of cubes of the most lovely tuna steak. Although I asked for it "Indian spicy" as opposed to "American spicy," the dish was not spicy at all, and I found that rather disappointing. The bf opined (after the fact, of course) that the Indian spicy was probably the subtle one, and I cursed myself for the ignorance. How utterly American of me... The bf got some chicken concoction that was only slightly hotter than mine. The rice that attended our dishes was a lovely long grained basmati, with some herbal goodness sprinkled in for good measure. We also ordered some sort of badass garlic bread, being that we are pigs and all, and it was mega yum too. There were appetizers, too - we got some sort of sampler thingy - some items were mega awesome and some not so much, but I guess that is what happens when you are a stranger in a strange land. Next time I'm going for the buffet.
(4)Jen L.
Indian food isn't big in NOLA and that makes me sad. I'm not sure if Taj Mahal deserves 4 stars but I drive across town to them when the other Indian restaurant is closer. They are hard to find in a weird strip mall that is perpendicular to the street. You just have to trust you will find them.
(4)Tuna D.
I dont know. I kinda want to give them 3 stars for bad service. Yes, I am one of those people who are very perceptive and notice most things, most important would be service. The food can be good anywhere but if the service sucks --- it doesnt really help the rest of the time spent at the dining establishment any better because I will not be a happy camper. This kitty can get hood ya heard? Ok, the food was good and that was why I gave it that many stars. Probably because the buffet station was small so they kept having to cook fresh food. We went on a Sunday and for 3 people plus mango lassi the bill was 43 and some change. Filled my plate twice which is just me behaving well otherwise the food was so good I would have kept going but the thing about Indian food is it is so rich and carby. Fills you up. The naan was good on this trip too. I have to say that the waiters were cool but there was this older gentleman who went to check all of the 4 other tables and not a word to us. What a jerk. Ok you know what 3 stars. Regarding the location, it's in Old Metairie on the road. That's right, in the bourgie part of town. It's a very small hole in a wall place so if you blink, be careful because you might miss it. I overheard someone saying that this was the same owner of Nirvana, I just cant see it though because for some reason, I feel that the quality of the food here was better, the tandoori chicken was not dry, the food didnt taste or look as if it had been sitting out long either. Parking is small, the restaurant itself is on the side of another building but watch for the green awning. Tables are tight but dont worry if your rear is wide, the chairs should accommodate you. Cash and credit is accepted. Nice for family but it will be tight --- you were warned.
(3)Amy N.
My husband took me here for Valentine's Day. I had a huge craving for Indian food so I took the advantage and picked this restaurant by doing a search on Yelp. It's a tiny hole in the wall place. Very intimate and cozy. Inside, they have very unique decor and furniture, and there was no wait for a table. They have an extensive menu. Be prepared to spend a few minutes browsing the menu especially if you're not familiar with this cuisine. We shared the Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry), Prawn Biryani, and Naan stuffed with tandoori chicken. If you are a fan of Indian food like me, you will LOVE it! I recommend these items. My husband is indifferent about Indian food and he ate until he couldn't eat anymore. The food was so flavorful and spicy! Not to mention the waiters are extremely friendly and accommodating. I am so happy we gave this restaurant a try! Can't wait to go back!
(4)Feldman A.
The thing about Taj Mahal is that they are very nice, very cheap, and they let you bring your own wine, which is VERY appreciated in "these tough economic times." As usual, we had the lamb and the nan and something else, which was very good. It is homey, casual, and full of people who know the dilly regarding good Indian fare in the Metairie area. Well worth the trip and the $25. They have the lowest check and the best Indian flavor that I have tried in NOLA thus far. What more can you ask for, right?
(5)Isabella S.
This is definitely my designated Indian food spot in the area. My boyfriend is Indian, and he even thought the food was good. The service is also excellent, and it is a quiet atmosphere.
(4)Robert H.
This is the best Indian food in New Orleans. Don't you love it when people make statements like that? I have only been to one other place, once, and it was Nirvanas. I remember little to nothing about my experience there. I have however been to Indian restaurants in other parts of the country. This measures pretty close to some of the best. The menu is in a terrible font and hard to read. But they have some pretty authentic looking choices. I had a lamb dish that was full of flavor. The only thing that I really don't like about this place is that it's kind of pricey, and the appetizer selection is pretty shitty. There are no meat filled samosas, er whatever its called! It's also kind of small inside, which means you could dine way to close to some douchebags, then of course you will have to have a douchebag contest. Which can take a lot of a dining experience.
(4)Joshua R.
This is the best Indian Restaurant that we have found in NOLA. It is not WOW like we have experienced elsewhere. But it is decent. The menu is huge! I dare say too big. The naan was ok, the tandoori lamb was tasty as was the murg makhani. We also had a briyani that was okay but on the bland side.
(3)Kiran G.
Decent small restaurant. Good food. Too many waiters- more than the customers. Some what pricey but that can be expected from an Indian restaurant.
(3)heather t.
Try the lunch buffet - at $10 a head you can't go wrong. Food is always awesome, atmosphere is always wierd, and the service is always friendly. Love this place.
(5)Erica S.
Consistently good food here. High praise for the water refilling and plate removal service. The soup is excellent and I dream about it. And they have kheer on the buffet, which is always a plus for me.
(4)Jamie R.
I hit up Taj Mahal to try the buffet and I must say it was so not worth it. $10 for ten hot dishes and about 8 cold selections of chutneys, salad and one dessert. Ok, to be fair I am comparing it to a couple of places back home, the east side of the SF bay, where there are two superior buffets for about the same price. When I say superior I mean that you get way more, like way way more, selections. One of them even gives you your own basket of fresh naan, not some that has been sitting under a heat lamp. The pluses were that there were only two non-veg entrees and the chutneys were delicious. The aloo gobi seemed to have no spice whatsoever but the dal makhani was pretty good. I might go back and try their regular menu, as it seems that they are run by the same folks that run Nirvana, which I just found to be overpriced. I also dug the chairs and the minimalist decor. NOLA needs more Indian places! And good Mexican places too.
(2)Nadrian M.
A small quaint spot that's just different! If you like spicy, saucy Indian cuisine than here's your sign. Don't get to elaborate with the bar drinks, they are very limited in what's available. Oh and if ordering wine, please do taste test, the first bottle we got was "skunky." Vinaigrette anyone?
(2)Christine E.
I went to Taj Mahal last monday and have been thinking about it the rest of the week. It isn't like it was my first time going there; I have been there several times before. I was reminded though of how much I like the place. I love the atmosphere and how you are welcomed by the staff right as you want in the door. The staff is fantastic. They always seem like they are enjoying their job and are happy to help. The food has always been great. We usually try something new each time we go and we have never been disappointed. I will be having dinner here tonight!
(5)Bruce C.
We have lost some of our better Indian restaurants in New Orleans/ Metairie. This one survives and has a consistency that belies its tiny size and funky decor. I don't eat there regularly, but it's mainly the location on Metairie Road that is too far from work or home.
(3)Nicole B.
I love this place. The buffet is always good. To counter spiciness, if you're not used to it, try one of the mango yogurt drinks (feeling stupid because I don't remember the name for it) - it's awesome. I go here for my birthday with my family every year. Yum!
(4)Tiffany M.
We eat here all the time and I have to say, the environment keeps them from getting great reviews. I think it's difficult for people to post incredible reviews, despite the food, when it's being eaten in a hot and aging room. The food is amazing! I've had Indian food many places and this is one of my favorites. The flavor combinations will make you want to hop the next flight to Mumbai. Most dishes are served with basmati rice and I highly recommend trying the naan (all of it!). Be warned- if you order something hot, it isn't creole hot, it's Indian-holy-bujeezus hot. mmmmmm So on to the not so great stuff. The air-conditioning issue seems to be a new thing. I took two friend there about a month ago and it was warm from the moment we stepped in. The manager, or owner (not sure), said that the air was just turned on and it takes a while to cool the place. But there were fans set out and it was pretty obvious that we weren't going to get any cooler. hopefully that was fixed as it seems that the previous reviewer may have actually been on the same day that we went. Next, the building itself... you may miss the place because of it's location, but I don't mind that. The inside has poorly laid pergo floors and the rooms seems a bit make-shift. But the furnishings are nice and I've never had bad service. Overall, despite any potential problems, the food is great and we will continue to eat there often.
(4)Nita M.
Simply delicious. We have gone to Taj Mahal twice now and it is officially our favorite Indian Restaurant in the Metairie/New Orleans area. We enjoyed the Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry) and Saag Paneer. We ordered it to go and also requested some Mint Chutney and Raita Yogurt. We emphasized we wanted both dishes very,very spicy and we were not disappointed. They added just the right amount of heat to compliment the wonderfully full favored authentic dishes. They have an extensive menu and we plan to come back and dine at the restaurant which is small and intimate.
(5)