“ Taj Indian Cuisine in South Portland, ME, is a gem and a James Beard Award finalist—and trust me, it deserves all the hype! From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. For appetizers, we started with their samosas filled with potatoes and peas—classic and crispy perfection. But the true star was the *pani puri* . If you haven’t tried it before, it’s a crispy hollow dough ball stuffed with potatoes, onions, and mint sauce. The flavors hit you all at once in the best way possible—it’s like an explosion in your mouth! Fun fact: *pani puri* is a popular Indian street food that originated in northern India and has made its way across the globe because of its irresistible crunch and burst of flavor. Next up, we tried the *chicken tikka tacos*—such an innovative twist on a classic! I loved how customizable it was with different sauces to suit your mood. We also shared a *dosa*, which was HUGE! Perfect for sharing, and the flavors were on point. You can’t visit an Indian spot without indulging in some naan and curry, right? The *garlic naan* was so soft and chewy (filled with sooo much garlic), and the *chicken tikka masala* was creamy with the perfect blend of spices. My favorite, though, was the *saag paneer*—this one was extra creamy, and it just melted in your mouth! We almost tried the *biryani rice* with chicken. There is a taj special biryani rice only available on Fridays but unfortunately, we missed it (sold out! so get there before it does!). However, I’m definitely coming back to try it next time! Every single bite was a 10/10. From the garlic naan to the chicken tikka tacos to the samosas, it was all *chef's kiss* . The ambiance of Taj Indian Cuisine is fantastic too—perfect for a date night or just a cozy meal with family. It sets the right mood with its warm and inviting vibe. The only thing I’d say is that I gave it an 8/10 for ambiance, just because it was a bit busy when we visited. In terms of affordability, it was a pleasant surprise. Having grown up with Indian restaurant prices in Massachusetts, where a chicken tikka masala costs around 20-25, I was happy to see Taj’s prices were much more reasonable—our chicken tikka masala was only 16! Definitely an 8/10 for affordability! I can’t wait to return to Taj next time I'm in Portland. If you love flavorful, creative Indian cuisine, don’t miss this spot! ”

“ I highly recommend salt lassy drink and samosas as appetizer to get started. My favorite entre is beryani either chicken or goat. All other dishes are good and must try. But beryani rice is the most flavorful and very hard to make. It should be fluffy and not too moist like risotto and Taj nails it every single time. This place is super popular so go early or be prepared to stay in line for an hour. This is one of the best Indian places in the entire state of Maine. ”

“ It is always an amazing experience dining at Taj. Whether it’s the phenomenal lunch buffet, dinner, late night drinks and dessert, or take out for at home- Taj doesn’t disappoint. The customer service is the best in the city and truly doesn’t compare to anywhere else. The food quality and flavors are out of this world, it’s the only Indian food I’ll eat in the Portland area! Amazing mixed drinks and atmosphere, I can’t wait for the second location to open ”

“ A Flavorful Experience at Taj Indian Cuisine! Our first visit to Taj Indian Cuisine was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we stepped in, the rich aroma of spices filled the air, setting the tone for an authentic and memorable dining experience. The ambiance was warm and intimate, with dim lighting and charming little lanterns on each table that created a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and professional. We appreciated the thoughtful touch of a water pitcher on each table, which was promptly refilled throughout our meal. Every interaction with the staff was pleasant, making us feel truly welcomed. Now, let’s talk about the food—absolutely phenomenal! We tried the Green Chicken, and it did not disappoint. Every bite was packed with bold flavors, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. The dish had a wonderful balance of heat and richness, making it an instant favorite. If you’re looking for an exceptional Indian dining experience in a charming, intimate setting, Taj is a must-visit. Be sure to make a reservation—it’s worth it! We’ll definitely be back for more. Highly recommend! ”

“ I eat at Taj semi-regularly, and I feel lucky every time. This is a great restaurant in its prime. It’s a special moment. The food is remarkable. It’s consistently some of the best Indian food available in this part of the country. It’s some of the best food of any kind in Maine. The staff is friendly and dedicated to providing good service, which has been my experience every single time I’ve eaten here. The bar is especially charming, and that’s where I usually choose to sit. It feels like a relaxed party thrown every night by the bartender, Jim, for regulars and newcomers alike. Maybe I’ve been lucky, or maybe the drinks are really good, but it seems to bring out the most enjoyable side of everyone involved. The owner, Sai is warm and charismatic, and this is his family’s restaurant- it’s owned and operated by a completely unpretentious local family. They’re right there- you can meet them and talk to them. But ask around Southern Maine and you’ll hear a lot of love. Taj is starting to sound kinda like a sensation, and that’s kinda what it is. ”

“ Taj Indian Restaurant in South Portland is absolutely fantastic. SAI, the owner, is absolutely amazing and has assembled one of the finest staffs I’ve ever experienced. The team is warm, attentive, and makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in; honestly a 5 restaurant. Their eclectic buffet offers something for everyone, and the variety is exceptional. From tender chicken dishes to flavorful noodles and fragrant vegetable biryani, plus perfectly cooked rice and fresh, warm naan - everything tastes like it was made in a loving home kitchen. You can tell they care deeply about the food they serve and the people they serve it to. To top it off, they’ve brought in an excellent mixologist for their cocktail bar, and the custom cocktails are next level. It’s rare to find a place that balances authentic cuisine with a modern and creative bar program so seamlessly. We went for Father’s Day and had an amazing time. The ambiance was lively but welcoming, and the staff went above and beyond to make it special especially qith our young one. Taj is a great time with great food! Highly recommend! ”

“ We absolutely love Taj! When we moved to Maine we were so glad we found this place. We love our Indian food and this did not disappoint. From the small restaurant they had to their now upscale restaurant the quality has been consistently amazing. We love the atmosphere, the friendly staff, the amazing food and is always our go to for a celebration. Tonight (Mother's Day) was perfect and the best meal we have had to date at Taj. I also loved the coconut mojito! I would say to book because this place is popular and rightfully so! ”

“ Taj Indian Cuisine is fantastic! Every dish we ordered was bursting with rich, authentic flavors and made with incredibly fresh ingredients. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in every plate they serve. One of the best parts? The ability to customize the spice level to your liking. Whether you prefer mild or fiery hot, they get it just right without compromising the flavor. The entire experience—from the food to the friendly service—was top-notch. Highly recommend for anyone craving delicious, customizable Indian cuisine! ”