Located next to Civic Boulevard Section 4, "Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant" is a hidden gem bursting with exotic flavors in the bustling area of Taipei. It takes about ten minutes to walk from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. The façade is understated, but once you step inside, you can feel the strong Indian vibe: richly colored drapes, hand-painted wall decorations, and the aroma of mixed spices, as if you've instantly stepped into the streets of Mumbai or Jaipur.
The interior space is spacious and comfortable, with ample distance between tables, making it not crowded—perfect for a lunch gathering with friends or a solo meal enjoying international cuisine. This time, I opted for the weekday business lunch combo, which is both affordable and substantial—an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to this restaurant.
Drink: Indian Milk Tea
It completely exceeded expectations. I initially thought it would be a cloyingly sweet version, but in reality, the tea flavor is rich and smooth, with layers of spices—cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom aromas—but the balance is just right, not overwhelming, and it's very easy to drink!
Sweet Lassi
Somewhat ordinary, it’s a bit thin and lightly sweet, making it more suitable as a palate cleanser with spicy main dishes; on its own, it lacks a bit of flavor, so I recommend the milk tea instead.
This time, I ordered two sets (both include yellow lentil curry, salad, white rice, plain naan, and Indian dessert):
Set D: Flavorful Chicken Curry
The chicken curry sauce is aromatic and rich but not greasy. The chicken is tender and well-seasoned, making it perfect with either rice or naan.
Set E: Flavorful Lamb Curry
The lamb curry is exceptional, with tender lamb and no gamey taste. The curry has a warm, aromatic flavor that's rich yet not heavy—definitely a dish you'd crave again after trying it. The difference with Set D is the additional mixed vegetable curry, which is somewhat bland, resembling stewed vegetables in tomato sauce. Personally, I think you can skip it without affecting the overall enjoyment.
A special mention goes to the Garlic Naan:
The bread is baked to be crispy and chewy, with slightly charred edges, and topped with minced garlic. It elevates the deliciousness of any curry, and I highly recommend not missing out on it—definitely worth ordering!
The included Indian Dessert is similar to a creamy sago pudding, with moderate sweetness and a hint of milk and spice aroma—perfect as a final touch to the meal.
Overall, Taj Mahal’s business lunch offers not only generous portions and great flavor but is also very friendly for beginners. The price is proportional to the quality, making it a rare find for high CP value international cuisine in the area.
A little note: both of us felt incredibly "smooth" afterward—perhaps due to the marvelous combination of spices and lassi? In India, lassi is also known as "Rassi." After the meal, we really felt the effects, haha (that's a compliment)! In summary, if you're looking to taste authentic Indian flavors near the East District without breaking the bank (during business lunch hours), Taj Mahal is definitely worth adding to your list!