Taj India

Taj is my favorite restaurant in Birmingham. I've been coming here for nearly 20 years. Just visited their new location, and it's just as delicious as ever. I recommend chicken tikka massala, kabooli naan, and kheer for dessert if you have room. The house special is also spectacular. Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchairs accessible parking by the door, double wide entry.

With all the wonderful reviews, we had high expectations for this place. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the staff were prompt and welcoming. Also, the papad was good. That's about all the good things I could say about this place. From that point forward, it went downhill. We had ordered lamb karahi and butter chicken, two very standard dishes. I can honestly say this was the worst Indian food I have ever had. The lamb karahi tasted like beef stew. The lamb was tough, and the curry was so salty with no flavor. After tasting the butter chicken, we sent it back because it tasted like canned tomato soup. Somehow, it got worse. It seems they just added salt and thought it was flavor. If I wanted tomato soup, I would have gone to Panera. Again, the service was wonderful, and they were very nice. It just doesn't taste like Indian food. Anyone leaving a 5-star review has never had “real” Indian food.

The new location bodes well for this Birmingham staple. The dining room is clean and bright. Being able to glimpse into the kitchen from the buffet line is also a treat. Same great good. Same great service!