Taj Mahal Cuisine Of India
1430 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87110
Taj Mahal Cuisine Of India Menu
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A'la Carte Shuruat (appetizers)
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Shorbe (soups)
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Hamare Tandoor Se (from Our Tandoor)
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Bawarchi Khan Se (from Our Kitchen)
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Shaan-e-murg (chicken Specialities)
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Samunder Se (from The Sea)
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Sabzi Ki Mandi Se (from The Vegetable Market)
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Basmati Ka Bhandar (rice Specialities)
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Tandoor Rotiyan (indian Breads From Tandoor)
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Achaar Aur Chutni (condiments)
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Pasand Apni Apni (desserts Of Your Choice)
Healthy Meal suggestions for Taj Mahal Cuisine Of India
-
A'la Carte Shuruat (appetizers)
-
Shorbe (soups)
-
Hamare Tandoor Se (from Our Tandoor)
-
Bawarchi Khan Se (from Our Kitchen)
-
Shaan-e-murg (chicken Specialities)
-
Samunder Se (from The Sea)
-
Sabzi Ki Mandi Se (from The Vegetable Market)
-
Basmati Ka Bhandar (rice Specialities)
-
Tandoor Rotiyan (indian Breads From Tandoor)
-
Achaar Aur Chutni (condiments)
-
Pasand Apni Apni (desserts Of Your Choice)
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1430 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM, 87110 - Phone (505) 255-1994
- Website https://tajmahalcuisineofindia.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 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 : Beer & Wine Only
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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Lydia L.
I hate to be the downer here but I was not very impressed with Taj Mahal, though my expectations were high. The restaurant seemed a little dirty to me and a little confusing. If you go in one door you are downstairs and disoriented as to where to go and if you go in the other door, the blaring sun comes through and gives a bit of a buzz kill to those dining in the rather dark and drab interior on the cheap institutional chairs. It lacks the fun and exotic charm of most other Indian restaurants I have been to. It need not be fancy but to me it could have been any kind of cuisine. The food seemed prepared a bit ahead of time and tasted as if it had just been rewarmed as it was not freshly hot. The food had no presentation quality, just served on a plate though by a nice waiter. I had an appetizer and a main dish which was brought with enough rice to feed four even though I was dining on my own that night. The rice was also so dry it was challenging to eat it with any degree of dignity. The peas which were in the rice also tasted like a freezer smells. It is a modestly priced establishment so no complaints about that but I would have hoped for a better experience than I got based on some advanced reconning but maybe they were just having an off night.
(2)Portia H.
This place is just NASTY! The restaurant looks deplorable. The nasty carpet and arrangement of down the stairs and then back up only to guess where the money is being collected? No waitstaff ever smiled? The Lamb Biryani looked like cheap frozen Chinese food. The Samosa was a cheap ready made phyllo wrapping. The sauces are wrapped in foil paper? The styrofoam container is cheap. After reading about the NASTY bathrooms I'm going to run with this bag of uneaten food to the trash can. This place should call Gordon Ramsey and beg to be next on Kitchen Nightmares. Do yourself a favor and RUN to INDIA GRILL on Wyoming where the food is fresh!
(1)JD W.
We tried their lunch buffet. It costs $11.50 per person and I think for the price, it isn't worth it given that their selection was limited. The buffet table was very small. I would rather pay a little more by ordering from a menu where I can customize the spice level and have left over food to take home than stuff myself with mediocre tasting food. The food was just okay. I am still glad we tried this place because we're willing to give restaurants a try in order to find the best restaurant that we can call our go to restaurants. Since this place didn't really live up to our expectations, we will try other Indian restaurants.
(3)Heide P.
I've been eating at Taj Mahal for years. By far, the best Indian Restaurant in Albuquerque. Favorite is Chicken Tikka. Tandoori Chicken is quite good. Love their naan. The service is outstanding. I've never been dissatisfied.
(5)Amanda V.
We had such a great time here with a group of six. We ordered Somosas, naan, pakora (sp?), kabobs, butter chicken, and basmati rice. The portions are HUGE and we couldn't ask for better food or service. We had so much to take home! We can't wait to go back!
(5)Rachel K.
This is our go-to Indian lunch buffet AND we come here to order off the menu at dinner. The tandoori chicken is reliably tender and delicious. The buffet always has at least two types of naan and two types of dessert, plus salad, raita, veggie pakora, saag paneer, and two different curries. It's all fresh and tasty without being too heavy. The chief complaint with the buffet is the lack of spice, but you've kind of got to go that direction if you're trying to please the masses. For dinner, go with the lamb kabab (Barra Kabab Makhani) and vegetarians should definitely try the creamy and delicious Bahaar-E-Subz. Add some garlic naan and that's good eating. The service is very good, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly, with plenty of seating. Bonus points for the candied fennel at the door.
(4)Varun R.
we went there for a lunch buffet over the weekend. The place was nice, looked like a duplex home that was renovated into a restaurant adding a nice ABQ touch! The curries in the buffet were pretty authentic and well made - and i don't mean that they will burn your palate - just that they'll taste flavorful! The roti was good too. The only complaint i have is that the buffet was limited to a couple of curries and a couple of starters - there was no biryani and just one dessert but I'm sure we're visiting this place again....!
(4)Marissa H.
THE GOOD: I get an occasional craving for Indian Food and the Taj Mahal is the right place to satisfied this craving. I look forward to all of the spices exploding in my mouth. Their buffet has most of the popular Indian dishes. Some of my favorites are the chicken Masala, Saag Pineer, Garlic Naan, and all the other vegetarian dishes. I must have their rice pudding for dessert. My husband and I joke that this pudding is the antidote for eating the spicy food on the buffet. It just helps with digestion process. The service for the most part is fast and friendly. Last time we were offered some suggestions of what sauces would go well with the vegetable pakora. So if you have a question of what would taste great with one another, ask and they will enlighten you and your taste buds. THE BAD You have to come here when you're hungry. Most times I have dined here it fills more up for the rest of the day. I'm not sure about the dinner portions. My experience is the all you can eat lunch buffet. It's around $12 for the lunch buffet. So in my opinion there are many other restaurants to eat at for a lot less. But if it's the only meal that you have for the day, then it's a bargain. THE UGLY During the lunch rush we have not always been greeted in a timely manner. They not necessarily being rude, just overwhelmed with other customers. The food is pretty salty, which turns you into the Sahara. So be prepared to crave water the rest of the day. I'll be back when I get that Indian Food craving for sure! If you get the same craving give them a try.
(4)Amy O.
Took a break from work and went to the buffet at Taj Mahal. This is a perfect place for lunch with co-workers or friends. Not sure I I would go for dinner but the buffet is definitely worth the money and the wait staff are very attentive to your needs.
(3)Damon T.
Taj Mahal is an Albuquerque mainstay; if you want Indian food here, Taj Mahal is one of the first options you consider. This is for good reason: the food here is consistent and consistently good. This isn't Michelin rating stuff, but it's damned good and served by a staff that remembers you and welcomes you back. Pro Tip: the buffet is not where they (or any Indian restaurant, IMHO) shines. The lunch buffet is good, but go for dinner when they can make your dish to order instead of for the community slop pail. The physical location is funky. There's the floor on which you enter, unless you enter from the south where you have to descend to what was at some point, I'm assuming, a bar. Now it's just more tables. Then there are stairs down to other tables, or up to the main floor. It can be confusing for first-timers. The decor here is nothing fancy; a few statues and paintings to make it "official", but the focus here is on food, not a dining experience.
(4)Amy G.
In my experience, Indian food buffets are typically open on weekdays only, so huge kudos to Taj Mahal for the seven days a week offering from 11am-2:30pm EVERY DAY! On our return to town after a few miles of hiking the volcanoes, we were starving in the way that only a buffet can satisfy! We woke the tot from his car induced nap, and seated ourselves. I think we accidentally slipped by the servers so although we were eating yummy tandoori chicken, chicken masala, naan, and veggie pakoras in no time, drinks took a little while to catch up. But our server was super nice, chatting up my cranky toddler and winning him over with mango juice. Left in a delightful food coma, and will definitely be back. Like my husband said, the tandoori chicken tasted just right.
(5)Howie K.
The Taj Mahal buffet has delivered some of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in this city, bar none. Grabbing brunch at this place, as a college student, was serious decadence. Living on loans, often hungover on a Saturday or Sunday, Taj Mahal was a communal treat of the Gods. Sure, the price set my debt sheet back a little further, but it was so worth it. All I could eat, I tried everything, every time. I'd manage upwards of three plates and the queasy cheap beer moving through my bowels found sustenance that had me up 'n at 'em for the day. Conversation with fellow drunkard academics always shined. Water glasses, slammed endlessly, remained full. This place was my Mecca. Over the years the buffet has maintained its consistency. I'm not about to claim expertise concerning this ethnic cuisine, I don't know what it's supposed to taste like, but for little ol' me, here's my go-to plate-two of 'em: start with the fruits and veggies. Pile one half of the plate with orange and melon. The other half, lettuce. Douse the lettuce in the yogurt/cucumber sauce. Devour the healthy goods. Follow this with the following: jasmine rice, Murg Tikka Makhani, and a few slices of the best garlic naan in New Mexico. Ditch the silverware and scoop up the the rice and chicken with the naan as you would heaping helpings of chile and beans with tortilla. You can try the rest, the saag paneer is money, meatballs are good, but for my student loan dollar you simply can't beat the basics. I can't get over that Murg Tikka thing. Buttery, decadent, artery-altering, it's the end-all. A side note: I've done dinner here just once. It's good. Do the buffet.
(4)Elizabeth M.
How on earth did this place get so many stars? How is it that every time I pass by this restaurant, the parking lot is full? Really, the only reason I gave it two stars, instead of one, is because the service was good and the food was a step above bad. I am sorry to give Taj Mahal such a bad review because I was ready to enjoy a local indian restaurant and dote on it with my love. Yet, I was entirely disappointed. I went to Taj at 11:00 for the lunch buffet, skeptical that it would be as good after the food had a chance to sit out. I must say, It looked good and my stomach growled. I grabbed a plate and dug in, excited to try a little bit of everything. However, most of it was nearly tasteless--no spice! The meatballs in one dish tasted like cheap fast-food meat. The tomato based sauce accompanying it was nothing short of Chef Boyardee. My favorite was the chicken marsala, but even that began to taste one dimensional and more and more like a microwaved meal. The paneer did not taste homemade; I've bought better out of the freezer at Indian grocery markets. Plus, I'm pretty sure the naan had minced garlic from a can (that's a flavor that's hard to cover up). I wasn't surprised to see that Rasmali was not offered as a desert, since that is something that must be made fresh... It's sad that one could *taste* the shortcuts the chefs took. I will not be coming back here. I suppose I will have to go back to cooking my own saag paneer with tofu instead of paneer and waiting until I can fly back to the East Coast to have the authentic version. In this case, I'd prefer abstinence to trying this again.
(2)Christine S.
Love coming here for the lunch buffet. Not sure why their hours say they're closed, because they're definitely open and you should definitely go!
(4)Sarah B.
They failed in everything!!! Worst food, horrible service!! The hydrabadi biriyani looked like rice floating in stale lamb gravy. Honestly? Chicken gravy we ordered had more vegetables than meat. It sucked in taste too. There was no effort made on food presentation as well. We made a big mistake and we realized it right after we looked at the food. Let's talk about the service... The waiter filled water glass and spilled water everywhere on the table even over my phone. Instead of cleaning up the table, he went inside giggling...really dude? Btw, that piece of shit food costed $43 (biriyani and chicken gravy). Would never recommend this place especially people who want decent service and authentic flavor!!!
(1)Mario J.
My wife and I love this place. We like to get the chicken tiki masala, it is very hard to try anything else. We have tried the buffet though and it is excellent. The owner is always present and she is the nicest lady. Definitely the best Indian food in Albuquerque!
(5)Stephanie W.
This was some of the BEST Indian food I have had since being in India! Amazing chicken Korma!!!
(5)Nat S.
I have been to this buffet 4-5 times now. The last 2 times many things were over salted. I know it is a buffet and you are cooking in mass quantities, but over salting food is not acceptable especially for the 12$ price tag a person. I do not think we will be back unless I am super desperate. There are other cheaper buffets that do not have this issue. When you look at the ratio to the times I have been to the buffet and the times it was over salted it is like 1/2. My boyfriend commented maybe the chefs taste or salt receptors are screwed up, as my fathers are. He will dump straight from the salt container onto his food. No- it is not that salty, but still come on quality control. Someone should start co tasting. You can not un- salt or un cook, but you can always do more after you check your work. Also there are no Bollywood videos to watch. Which I love as part of the experience.
(2)Juliette B.
Oh, how I love Taj! I have been a loyal customer of Taj Majal for over 10 years. This family run restaurant does everything right. The space is large but cozy and always clean. The staff are very attentive and really hustle to take quick and good care of you. The food is delicious. It is always fresh and they will make your order crazy spicy if you prefer a endorphin rush. I always order the samosas, garlic or potato naan, and spicy mutter paneer. The beer and wine list is good, too. I think this is the best Indian restaurant in New Mexico. I only wish they offered delivery. If you've never had Indian food, you shouldn't be timid about trying it here, as the staff will guide you through their extensive (but not overwhelming) menu. They are vegan and vegetarian friendly, but also have options for meat eaters, too.
(5)Gayle T.
Second time here and still love it. It can be a little hectic at times as this place is always packed. With traditional Indian staples, you can go wrong with the buffet. I was surprised though that they change the dessert, and I love the rice pudding so that was a bit disappointing. Would love if they had more dessert options for the buffet. Hours are limited.
(4)Zane M.
Best Indian Food I have had ever, EVER! AMAZING lunch buffer especially on Fridays. Delicious Saag, Malai Kofta and Murg Tikka Mukkhani!
(5)Michael O.
Waiters never once even smiled. Female bathroom [I'll spare you the details] was BEYOND repugnant! Unusable! A crime scene really. All the buffet food tasted EXACTLY the same and if there was any spice in anything, we simple white kids just couldn't taste it anywhere. Not ever going back - even tho the Garlic Naan Bread was pretty yummy. Ever!
(1)Bike Chaplain O.
Too good. From Shyna's warm and friendly greetings to the comfortable seating to the most delicious Indian cuisine, Taj Mahal stands heads above it's fellow Indian restaurants. We love the lamb kofta in a mouth watering, bursting with aromatic flavorful creamy sauce. One bite and you feel transported to another exotic land. The dish is accompanied with basmati rice and peas. Having eaten Indian dishes in many different cities, states and countries this Taj Mahal is our favorite. We recommend this restaurant most highly. Thanks for reading. The Bike Chaplain
(5)Donovan W.
I've been to several Indian restaurants in this town and I gotta say, this is the best one I've been to. The lunch buffet is small but they keep the fresh food coming. The Masala is wicked good!
(4)Dennis J.
I always go for the buffet (lunch time). I've never tried the dinner menu. But my favorite meal is Murg Tikka Makhani. It is made of chicken with tomato paste. It is amazing.
(4)Ten Z.
Food was great! The building layout is super confusing. Customer services is not the best, but I'm here for the food and its buffet. So no need to worry to much on that. Overall I was satisfied.
(4)Clayton A.
Aside from a very disappointing dish I had months back of the beef tandoori variety, I really like the food here. My wife and I have found our go-to dish in the curried chicken made with almonds and raisins. I forget the name, but if you look for those two items, you'll find the dish. I love curry and here it is thick, creamy and robust in flavor. The almond and raisin are highly present in the sauce and do a great love dance with the more prominent spices. The chunks of chicken are tender, well marinated in the curry, and come in generous servings. On our most recent visit, we had an order of naan and the above-described plate with a massive plate of rice and it was enough for the two of us and our little one. This is a safe route to go for the mildly hungry. I also find the service to be attentive and not annoying. On an odd note, I noticed on my most recent visit they don't have their appetizers listed. In the end, bad for them and good for me as I wasn't tempted to drop money on a bunch of apps I really didn't need. But in truth, you get good bang for your buck here and the prices are very reasonable at about $9-15 a plate.
(4)Lauren S.
Love this restaurant. It is close to my house and the food is to die for. I have never had a bad meal here. My family typically eats here about 3 times a month. The buffet has a great selection of entrees for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. I am a person who loves condiments, so I was thrilled when I tried their house made chutneys. Sometimes I call in to purchase the mint and tamarind chutneys to add food at home. Also, the service is great. I also like that you can customize the heat level in your dish to suite your palate. I love spicy food so I am able to get the hot food I crave, while also making sure that my grandma is able to get her favorite dishes at spice level she can tolerate. Make sure to wash down your spicy curry dish with a mango lahsi.
(5)Todd R.
We've eaten here a number of times as a couple and with a larger group of friends. The owner is super friendly and comes to check on how we are doing every time happily makes suggestions on what to order. Our order tends to be pretty predictable, but the garlic naan is excellent as well as the Malai Kofta, which are dumplings in a creamy curry sauce. We've also enjoyed the lentils and the palak paneer is delicious. The cheese is firm and nothing like you might find in those pre-packaged Indian meals at the store. Although my partner hates it, I'm a fan of the salty lassi. Service is always fast and friendly. And we've never had a bad experience with the food.
(5)Rachel N.
Had the lunch buffet, it was very expensive and so so salty.
(3)Michael H.
Food was really delicious and service was A+. Water always full. HOWEVER, my date and I had very terrible and painful Diarrhea the next day. It was the only meal that we shared that day, since I was out of town. While we were eating, we mentioned the the chicken was really gross and slimy in one of the dishes, so maybe that was it.
(2)Johnny N.
The buffet was very good, I tasted everything in it. The service was good and the desserts were delicious. I will return!
(4)Lena M.
The food aaa full of so many flavors! The staff was very friendly and helpful when it came to ordering. The food was a tad bit too filling although the prices were very reasonable. I would have enjoyed it better if there was more lighting and a little more organized and clean. Overall though, I had a good experience and will be back!
(4)Megan M.
Very good food, wide menu with authentic cuisine of the region. The wait staff was very attentive and the owner/manager was extremely welcoming and helpful in menu selection. The iced chai was very good, and free refills were awesome!
(4)Chris K.
The ambiance and service were below average, but the lunch buffet was decent and surpassed my expectations for an ABQ Indian establishment. The quality and flavor are a far cry from the great Indian options in Houston.
(3)Natalie F.
Really great lunch buffet, enough veg options to please, always has great flavor. Also has carryout available too which is a plus. One of the better indian restaurants in ABQ, at least around the university and heights area IMO.
(5)Christopher P.
Taj Mahal is quite simply the best Indian food restaurant in Albuquerque. Every curry dish I've tried has been authentic and exquisite. All of the breads are delicious, and the staff is friendly and super to deal with. Can't wait to go back. The lovely Jane and I love splitting a couple curry dishes and a couple of breads and always have lunch for the next day... under $30... sweeeeeeeeeeeet~! Rock on, Taj Mahal.
(5)Steven J.
Massive flavor! Killer for lunch; buffet gets you in and out during the week. Best Indian in town.
(5)Rafael H.
I have lived for 9 years in Albuquerque and this has been one of my favorite restaurants. I love the buffet, nice selections, my all time favorite is the Saag paneer, it is just scrumptious! The naan is also really tasty and their curries are amazing. I really love it when they have the mango custard, it is so good!
(5)Jazmine V.
Can I just say that this place has take-out down to a science? It's refreshing really. I had been craving Indian food and hadn't had it in a very long time...too long really. I remembered going to Taj Majal a few times since I've been in Albuquerque, and decided to give it another try. I'd dined in before and loved it. This time I wanted take out. Fifteen minutes after I ordered, I walked through the parking lot to the front door. The smell of the spices coming from the restaurant was intoxicating. I was practically (okay...maybe literally) drooling! I happened to walk through a side door to the place and one of the employees quickly helped me find the take out area. BTW..this place is multileveled and pretty dang cool looking inside. My food was waiting for me when I arrived. I always have the worst luck with to-go (lost order, fumbling around, waiting another 20 minutes for my order, etc. etc. etc.)...so this was a welcome surprise. These people are ORGANIZED! I was quickly on my way back to my house to eat the grub. The tomato soup cup was wrapped in aluminum foil so it was still piping hot when I got home (and OH SO delicious). I had a lamb dish that was awesome. It was enough to feed 2 or 3 people..which made me feel better about spending $18. I'm looking forward to the leftovers.
(5)Jamie R.
Too funny that the cheap eats offered mid-day in buffet style is only accessed through a side door. The place is packed on three floors during these buffet lunch hours. The food is steamy and replenished often. I was miss piggy, nom-nom-nomming on several kinds of chicken and sopping up the last of the delicious sauces with fresh, grilled Nan. So wish this was close to where I live so I could visit regularly.
(5)Isabella P.
I love every single thing about this restaurant. The food and service are amazing. I am a student so it is a treat to go here and I don't do it very often, but I am never disappointed. The samosas, the curry, the naan - everything is amazing.
(5)M L.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant in Albuquerque. I have been here numerous times and the food is consistently good. Service is hit or miss but usually my drinks stay filled. I order vegetarian, the malai kofta and saag paneer are fabulous. I have had multiple other dishes which are great also. The food tastes fresh. I have never been to the lunch buffet, so I am unable to comment on buffet.
(4)Ameina Q.
My favorite Indian place in New Mexico. So delicious. The tandoori chicken is so tasty. Defiantly do the buffet that way you can try a bit of everything. Oh and this place is so yummy that it gets packed very quickly. I always go as soon as they open. Waiters are friendly and always there to fill your cup. Oh and try the mango pudding!!!
(5)Karen E.
Went back at 2pm for their lunch buffet last week and everything was so fresh. A-OK is a decent rating in my view. I'll probably be back.
(3)Alexis Z.
I have eaten a lot of Indian food in a lot of places. Taj Mahal is the third Indian restaurant I've dined at in ABQ, and the third buffet. I tried out their lunch buffet last Friday. I honestly don't know why it has so many positive ratings here on Yelp. Not only was it the blandest Indian food I've ever tasted, it had to have been the blandest food I've had in a good long while. Not just not spicy, but bland, completely lacking in flavor. They were burning incense to a nauseating degree, which probably didn't help notice any flavor of the food (if there was any). The one positive is that their chai is pretty good, and they kept it full very regularly. They gave me Kraft honey packets with it. I like the idea of sweetening chai with honey, but not with Kraft honey. I will stick to Rasoi's buffet.
(1)James H.
The buffet has been upgraded, what a wonderful wide variety of dishes. We had a delicious lunch, the folks that operate this restaurant are consummate professionals and always give great service. If you're in Albuquerque give them a try.
(5)Lynn D.
Best for the lunch buffet, otherwise can be a little pricey. I come here often for lunch.
(4)Marissa F.
Pretty nice service and good variety for their buffet. Being a vegetarian, I love Indian food because there's always something good for my partner and I to eat. I've had better naan, but everything else was very good.
(4)Robert B.
Came here on a whim after class and on the way home. The staff was amazing - super friendly and helpful. And the food was great. I ordered tandoori chicken, a chicken curry, mutter paneer, and the garlic naan. All of them were great, but especially the chicken curry. Wow. The rest were good, but not the best I have ever had. The quantities were perfect as well. Cost wise, a little expensive - about $50 for the whole thing, no alcohol. Not crazy, but not the cheapest either. Overall, worthwhile for a nice night out, but not an every day place.
(4)Nat L.
Like most of Albuquerque it's in a strip mall and it's OK. Not great, not bad. I wouldn't avoid it but I wouldn't seek it out either. It was passable Indian food. The inside is nice enough. If someone suggested we eat there I wouldn't say no or suggest something else. The double doors on the westside of the building are the main enterance.
(3)Jay E.
I love Indian Food. I eat it fairly often. And I really love the types of peppers specific to the heat of Indian Food in general. The first 2 times my wife and I went into Taj Mahal, we were fairly unimpressed. While the portions were large and the price was not bad (rarely a good sign), the service was inattentive and the food itself was pretty bland. Dishes labeled as "spicy" had little to no spice whatsoever. So we decided to give it another shot tonight. We were greeted by a mildly friendly young woman and an incredibly unfriendly very large man; seemed like more of a bouncer in both appearance and demeanor than a host or a waiter. We had our 2 year old with us and I don't think they were too keen on him, but tough right? 10 minutes after arriving the same young woman asked to take our orders... We had not ordered drinks nor we're we given a drink menu. She got us a drink menu, took our drink order and pretty much insisted on taking our food order as well. My wife ordered a chicken curry dish labeled as "spicy". I ordered a vegetarian paneer dish with a tomato cream base that was labeled as "very spicy". While the order was being prepared I took my son to the bathroom. Possibly the filthiest bathroom I have ever seen in the US. Feces ALL over the inside and outside of the toilet. Urinals and sinks that have not been cleaned in the last few weeks. Soap dispenser that had been tagged and had not been replaced since the 90s. Open top and over-flowing trash can... Yuck! Do not want to know what the kitchen looks like. ADA compliance was laughable. I would have said something but they clearly take no pride in the cleanliness of their bathrooms so why even bother. On to the food... The naan was edible, but probably the most bland naan I have had. My wife's curry dish did not have even the faintest scent of either turmeric or spice. The flavor was equally as bland. The chicken itself was fine. My paneer was firm and crumbly with a sponginess far closer to tofu than any paneer I have had. The sauce was not dissimilar from jarred generic tomato sauce that one would use for pasta. The peppers and tomatoes were fine but nothing special. And the spice was so gentle on both I could have bathed my eyes and sinuses with either dish. I have had enough. Really too bad as Taj Mahoal is just 2 minutes from my house. Back to Rasoi for us. Pay more, eat less, eat better. Again, only in ABQ could a restaurant like this stay in business let alone get good reviews..
(1)Brad L.
Got off the plane in Albuquerque and went straight here. Couldn't have been a better experience. The gentlemen who seated me, brought me a couple desserts from the back during the course of the lunch buffet and they were outstanding! (Rice pudding with crushed pistachio and a mango custard). I was also lucky enough to grab a samosa when they were available. I totally recommend this place.
(5)Rashi B.
The food is best and so is the staff and prices! Must try! Buffet open all 7 days :)..
(5)Edgar H.
Love Indian food! I first experienced it in Salt Lake City and was instantly hooked. I had my favorite Indian buffet I frequented and once I moved back to Abq I had to find my Indian food fix, Taj Mahal fit the bill. I have been wanting to go try their lunch buffet again soon but haven't had a chance, highly recommend it.
(5)Miss Missy G.
I have eaten in Indian restaurants throughout the US and some in Europe. This place holds its own! Very flavorful meals, and the chefs are not afraid to spice it up for you. The lady who doubles as a hostess and waitress is one of the nicest people. This is a great restaurant for dine in or carryout!!!
(5)Daniel C.
If you want excellent, authentic Indian food in Albuquerque, look no further! Taj Mahal is the final word in all cuisine Indian! This has been my favorite restaurant in Albuquerque since the first time I stepped through the door, 6 years ago. The atmosphere, service, and general feel of the place is great; my wife and I go at least once per week. I highly recommend the Murg Tikke Makhani: chunks of boneless, white meat chicken from the Tandoor Oven, served in a buttery light curry sauce with herbs. For you vegetarians, try the Saag Paneer: spinach with fresh-made cheese. Also, Taj boasts an impressive selection of imported beer from India. Most are light, crisp pilseners that are wonderfully complementary of the spice in the food here. My favorite is the Maharajah. They also have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for 9 bucks! Great food, great prices. It doesn't get any better than this.
(5)Katie B.
As we continue to move around the country, I have yet to find a place I love as much as the Taj Mahal. Best Indian food!!! I miss the friendly staff and awesome buffet!
(5)Adam S.
I was going to rate Taj Mahal 4 stars or even 5 but in the past 5-6 months the place has been winding down in quality. This is too bad, since Taj was my favorite Indian place in ABQ previously. Instead of being above Indian Palace or Taj Palace it now rates as maybe equal to any of those. The spiciness of the dishes in their buffet was excellent, daring to go a little more flavorful and hot than most of their competitors. In my last couple of trips the food has gotten much more bland. The dishes don't seem to have the attention paid to them that they did in the past. I hope this place improves, cause it really was the best.
(3)Lotus X.
They have a decent lunch buffet with both vegetarian and meat options. IMO their price is a bit high, so go with an empty stomach to get your money's worth! Also, their kitchen is quite close to the dining area, so be prepared to smell like Indian food for the rest of the day. Everyone will know what you had for lunch; the smell will NOT go away until your next shower. Trust me on this one!
(3)Mark J.
the lunch buffet is tops. the staff is always very friendly and accomodating.
(4)erica U.
Dinner was great. I would definitely go back.
(4)Andrew J.
Now I am not saying that this could be the best Indian cuisine ever (how could it be, it's in Albuquerque, NM), however for Albuquerque, it is a damn good place to eat. They have an all you can eat buffet for lunch that is very well priced. The naan is amazingly buttery and crispy, and the curry chicken is prepared perfectly. Dinner is a bit more expensive, but worth it.
(5)RealWater W.
Great staff, consistent, and yummy! I have dined here several times over many years. Although it is not as charming as other Indian places I have been, I'm willing to take taste over decor. Whether you have the lunch buffet or dine in for dinner, the food always tastes the same which is important to me personally. I am not much of a buffet eater, but I have made the exception here. As for the buffet- The food is swapped out constantly (mostly because it is so busy) so you don't have to eat food that's been hangin' around for hours. They have a decent variety of meat and vegetarian choices. Plenty of Naan and basmati rice. A few choices of fresh fruit, salad, veggies and kheer for dessert. For dinner- I like the Tikka Masala: very rich and tender chicken. All in all its a good place to eat for lunch and dinner. My only drawback would be the additional seating that they have downstairs. You feel disconnected when you sit down there. It's not as warm as upstairs and the service lacks a little. Try to sit upstairs. :)
(3)Scott K.
Was looking for a place after the dentist appointment. This place is right across the street, nice. I am a rookie at India cuisine, so I didn't go in with any real expectations. I was completely satisfied. I got the buffet to be able to sample many different flavors, and I wasn't disappointed. All, and yes, I made it point to try a little of each thing on the buffet, was very good. The service was excellent, and the buffet was always full of fresh hot food when I went back to sample something else (probably because of the many patrons it had that day, heck, probably everyday.) Will definitely go back for dinner, and try something different, but the buffet was well worth the $12 it was with tip.
(3)Nessie V.
This place is real nice. With big portions. One warning though. Just because youre used to all the chiles in NM, and maybe you have been to India and thought that was the minimum level of spice you need. Now when you walk into this establishment, and ask for it spicy, just be warned that they don't frak around. That was one of maybe 2 times in my life stopped eating because of the heat even though i was still hungry. Even with the rice to cool it off. Only negative is i wished they had a few more veg options. They do have a bunch but they're missing my faves.
(3)Sandy L.
I went to the lunch buffet and thought it was great. Very flavorful Indian food, but not to spicy. I hope to go back soon. The place is kind of a dump though.
(4)Hiker Chicka e.
Pretty much the best Indian food I've ever had, period. The naan is very crisp and fresh and the dishes are very well prepared. I highly recommend the Shrimp Makhani (sp?) which is a tandoori shrimp in a creamy orange colored sauce with ground almonds. Yumm-o! The samosas and the sizzling dishes on a skillet are also great. Go with a party, so you can share! If you're in the mood to try lots of things, do the lunch buffet which is popular with the office folk. But honestly, I like to go at night for the shrimp dish. Heck, I'll like to drive all the way to ABQ for this one.
(5)Dorothy W.
I have had really good indian food in orange county, CA, San Diego, CA, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. This place is seriously up there in terms of quality. Now, I can't comment on their buffet. But their dinner items were fantastic. Their Saag Paneer is perfection - not too creamy, the perfect amount of cheese, and well seasoned spinach. The navrattan korma is a knockout for vegetarians. So flavorful and that mix of veggies, nuts and raisins is brilliant. The basmati is perfectly cooked. The naan is really good although I wish it was a little thinner. The samosas are very good but the actual pastry portion could be lighter and less thick. Overall I'm at 4.5 to 5 stars but the majority of food was so good it deserves 5 stars.
(5)Brie H.
Great lunch buffet .... Other times a bit pricey.
(3)Dana R.
Food here is always good and the service is great. If you want it to be spicy you have to ask for it. We usually get Saag Paneer, Lamb Vindaloo, or Malai Kafta and all are good, the naan is great.
(4)K J.
This place is amazing! Not only is the food absolutely delicious (and some of the best Indian food I've had), but the owners are super friendly. My friends and I felt so welcome here. I was only in Albuquerque for the summer and near the end, we were coming several times a week -- it's that good! This is one of the top things I will miss about living in Albuquerque.
(5)J S.
When the westside India Palace closed its doors and became the very disappointing Saffron Tiger, we immediately began a search for a decent replacement for great Indian food, never expecting to find something as great as the old IP since it had been so great. We were very, very pleasantly surprised to discover that Taj Mahal was much, much better than it had been when I last visited there years before, and that it was in fact as good or better than the old westside IP! (BTW an important note: This review is based on fresh entrees ordered at night or off the menu during the time that others are eating the buffet food.) Not only has Taj become my favorite Indian joint in Albuquerque, it's also my favorite restaurant in Albuquerque. It's one of the few places where you can get a delicious, authentic, reasonably-priced meal served by a staff that always bends over backwards to make sure you're happy and in an atmosphere which is actually dimly-lit and cozy. Any and all of the curries we've ordered have been stellar, the pakoras are better than any of the 10+ Indian restaurants I've eaten at from the east to west coast (as is the mint chutney, I might add....I can literally drink that stuff it's so good), and the naan is always fresh and delicious. As a result, Taj is now on a nearly-weekly rotation for us to enjoy, and it's well worth the almost hour-long round trip we take each time we eat there.
(5)Alena S.
I love the Taj Mahal. We went there to celebrate my birthday this month and the service was excellent- as always! My favorite meal is their chicken masala with garlic naan. Everyone is always so friendly! We will be back again soon!
(5)Patrick V.
This was our 1st try at Indian cuisine and obviously 1st visit here. The waitress was very helpful and explained everything to us and made great recommendations for entrees and appetizers. I had the lamb mughal curry and my wife had the beef ghost saagwala. They are served with a large bowl of rice to share. We had the reshmi seekh kabob and the onion garlic nan as well. The entree's were delicious. My lamb curry was tender, succulent and spicy. My wife enjoyed the creamy spinach and beef curry. By combining the entrees and appetizers with rice and nan and dipping sauces you acheive a variety incredible flavors. Our waitress recommended mixing and combining various flavors, including lemon on the kabob and the sauces on the non etc. Just awesome. We will be back. We're going to try the lunch buffet 1st to figure out what we like & then go back for dinner for another pleasant date night with our new found love of Indian cuisine.
(5)Phi G.
Finally, a place in ABQ that lives up to the yelp ratings. I came upon this place driving home from work. There are two entrances, so if you have a wheelchair, use the side one without the awning. The place is nicely decorated and quiet. The wait staff are nice and friendly. And the food is plentiful, tasty, and served on time. They had a bunch of standard Indian dishes and a few more that I didn't recognize. I had their spicy Lamb & potato curry which came with a warning that it wasn't for the weak. I am not weak when it comes to heat. And it was weak for me. But flavorful none-the-less. The price seems a bit higher than I would have liked, but average if I was in LA. Granted, it was dinner and that always jacks up the $$. Definitely will return and recommend. Oh, if you are in a wheelchair, consider using the bathroom before hand. The waiter informed me that the restrooms were downstairs and not accessible. I supposed you could crap outside the entrance as a form of protest, but I liked the place, so don't.
(4)Valerie H.
How many people love a restaurant so much that they can say their favorite restaurant is 1000 miles from their home? Their Chicken Tikka Makhani (Chicken Tikka Masala) is amazing, their Naan is incredible, and their other dishes are yummy, too. I make sure to come here every time I am in town.
(5)J S.
All I can say is that the food is fresh, authentic, and good. Price is fair when considering how much food you get for a lunch buffet. Service is always good and people are friendly. I'm not holding this against them because I'm a bit of an architecture snob, but I am always off-put by the grounds of the restaurant. I think a much better design (or any design outside of asphalt parking lot) would help transform an unassuming, generic indian food place into something visually interesting and inviting. I think this would remove the speak-easy nature of this restaurant and help business.
(5)Estefany G.
I have a soft spot for indian food and this is my favorite place in Albuquerque so far. The food is delicious! Good service for the most part. Sometimes I get a grouchy server but then the owner always walks by to greet me with a nice smile so it kind of makes up for it. I like this place because it's not too fancy so I don't feel bad walking in all unkempt and famished after an evening of indoor climbing.
(5)Leslie W.
My mother was introduced to this place by a co-worker. She raved about it and then took me there for the lunch buffet. I've gone back, several times. The buffet isn't huge, but the food is piping hot. (I don't normally do buffets because I want my food hot, not lukewarm) They have a few varieties of chicken (stewed and tandoori) and at least one lamb curry. They have different vegetarian combinations. I like the cauliflower ones and the daal. There is a salad bar and desserts (rice pudding), too. The naan has been sitting, but is still fresh and slightly chewy. They get busy for the lunch buffet, but at dinner, they are slower. There are two entrances, so it gets a little confusing. The waiters are nice and will take the time to explain things to you.
(4)Amanda P.
My husband and I come from NYC. We have the best of restaurants at our fingertips. Tag Mahal makes great food! When I come into ABQ every 6 months of the year my first stop is here. The staff is relaxed and friendly. We've also been bringing our daughter there since she was months old. They could not be more welcoming and accommodating. It's like a big family there. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Anthony O.
I had dinner here with friends while passing through Albuquerque. Very pleasant atmosphere and everyone was friendly. Everyone had something different so I sampled a few different dishes. It was all very tasty and the portions were just right. I ordered a shrimp dish and it was delicious. The service was good and we all had a good time.
(4)Sara K.
Sag Paneer is so easy to make. Why can no one in ABQ get it right. Safe bets here are garlic nann and Dal.
(2)Cate C.
Lunch buffet or dinner, Taj Mahal is one of my favorites for great meal. Buffet is the best in the city.
(5)Benjamin H.
Always reliably good. Best chai
(5)Drew B.
Go to the buffet Eat the good food then leave With no diarrhea (I really like this place. Even their buffet is good... and I generally tend to steer clear of buffets. Easy to get to, good service, and wonderful indian food. Highly recommended.)
(4)Zoe L.
i liked this place even before i entered; the parking lot smells fantastic. service is always kind + friendly. food tastes consistently yummy + is spicy enough for my partner, who has a hard time finding curries spicy enough for his taste. kind of pricey, but the portions are big- one order of chicken biryani makes 3-4 meals for us. lots of space inside (there's downstairs seating too), soft lighting, and comfortable seating.
(4)Chupacabra X.
Great for the lunch buffet. That spinach stuff is the best. I could fill up on their naan. We also got take out for dinner recently and those dishes were the real treat. Fantastic.
(4)Jeff K.
Great food at a great price. For dinner I got the tomato soup (very good, nice spice level) and the shahi korma with lamb, the sauce was excellent and the lamb was good; the service was also excellent. If I lived in Albuquerque I would definitely be a regular here.
(4)