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The menu for Taj Mahal says that, after 500 years of evolution, the art of Indian cuisine has reached the West in its authentic form. I have never been to India, so I can't address the authenticity, but I can certainly speak to the deliciousness of the food.
Located in a strip mall adjacent to the UNCC campus, Taj Mahal, which specializes in the cuisine of North India and Bombay, is an unassuming little place that belies the quality of the fare. Using fresh ingredients and genuine spices, the chefs create culinary masterpieces. For those not familiar with Indian food, descriptions are included on the menu, and the wait staff is very knowledgeable, as well as very accommodating.
At first glance at the menu, I was glad to see some of my favorites that are not usually offered, as well as some dishes that were entirely new to me. After enjoying the complimentary papadum (crisp lentil wafers, lightly spiced), my companion and I started with Paneer Tikki (homemade cheese dipped in delicately spiced batter and fried to perfection). This was a new dish for me, and it was delicious and very light, just perfect as an appetizer. For my entrée, I had Matter Paneer (tender garden peas gently cooked with Taj Mahal's own homemade Indian cheese), which is one dish I have not seen at many Indian restaurants. My companion tried the Malai Kofta (fresh ground assorted vegetable and homemade cheese balls, delicately spiced and cooked in curry sauce) with a side of Rogani Nan (unleavened hand made battered bread). And what better accompaniment than Indian beer! They have a number of Indian as well as domestic brands and wine. They also offer lassis, a yogurt drink, in sweet, salty, or mango flavors, and iced or hot masala tea, which is flavored with aromatic herbs.
There are also several desserts, but I can recommend the Pistachio Kulfi (homemade Indian ice cream blended with pistachios). In fact, you might want to eat half your entrée just to save room for this dessert!
As in most Indian restaurants, the degree of spiciness can be varied according to your taste. One word of warning: Do NOT order your food super hot. I like my food spicy, but this was too much for me. However, to show how accommodating they are, the waiter offered to have the kitchen make a milder version for me when I asked for raita (yogurt sauce) to take away some of the spiciness. They are that dedicated to your enjoying a pleasurable dining experience!
Taj Mahal Information:
| Address: | 9510 Hwy 49, University City Blvd Charlotte NC 28262 |
| Phone: | (704) 717-9090 |
| Fax: | (704) 510-2244 |
| Price Range: | ($15 and under, take 10% off with your Student ID) |
| Hours: | Open all week, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Rating: |  |
About Jerri
Jerri Kidder is a life coach who maintains a private practice in Charlotte, NC. She has been a practicing vegetarian for 16 years with an interest in alternative medicine and nutrition. She can be contacted at (704) 921-3221 or jerri53@aol.com.