The Taj Indian Restaurant Review

Classic Indian

How is a restaurant's success measured?

By the number of bums in seats? Perhaps not. There have been many restaurants that have been filled to the gunwales and yet have failed to stay afloat.

By the quality of food, service and atmosphere? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Marvels of the dining scene have sunk without a trace on many occasions.

By glowing restaurant reviews? Hardly.

Or perhaps by the length of its existence? Surely, a restaurant that is open for 10 years must be more successful than one that closes its kitchen after 5 years.

If staying power is an indication of a winner, The Taj Indian Restaurant on Spence Street is one of Cairns' most triumphant restaurants - by a long shot. Open since 1986, this is the original and longest-running Indian restaurant in Far North Queensland. So the question is: how has it remained viable for so long, watching as its competitors come and go like the tides?

There is one simple reason: it caters to everyday folk, like all of us. There are no pretentious assertions that eating at this restaurant will make you look like Nicole Kidman or Russell Crowe (thankfully), nor will diners experience tastes that elevate them to heights of sensual madness. The Taj won't even combine flavours from 7 different continents and bill you as though you've travelled to them all.

Instead, the family run Indian restaurant has basic décor that is comfortable and practical albeit aged. The service from the hardworking owners is easy-going and diligent, and the wide range of good Indian food is healthy, tasty and suitable for kids. Don't worry about running out of rice to cool your curry, the conscientious waitress feverishly keeps a lookout for depleted rice stocks and replenishes your supply in an instant. You can select a bottle of wine from the wine list, or save a few pennies and bring your own.

The atmosphere inside The Taj is decidedly relaxed, and it feels as though the patrons have congregated to escape the hype of the outside world and let their hair down, so to speak, in an old-style FNQ restaurant. For me, this is good dining, a fascinating timeout from the modern PR-laden world, and a lesson in living.

My main meal was a traditional Indian dish, Rogan Josh. Originally from Kashmir in Northern India, Rogan Josh literally means "red meat" and is coloured from crushed red chillies or paprika. A dazzling array of spices - cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin and ginger - turned my lamb into an aromatic delight.

So are these experiences the key to the success of The Taj? I can assure readers the achievement isn't derived from expensive marketing campaigns, professionally decorated interiors, or prime positioning. Rather, the success of The Taj Indian Restaurant derives from its warmth and its simplicity. It's a lovely place to dine when you're seeking mains around $10, and I highly recommend it to anyone on a budget.

The Taj Indian Restaurant	Cairns CBD
Taj is the oldest authentic Indian Restaurant in Tropical North Queensland. Vegetarians are amply catered for, and dishes are created ranging from mild spice to extremely hot. Be prepared!
cuisines: Indian, Vegetarian features: A la carte, BYO, Licensed, Take Away avg. main: $17 review: Classic Indian (23/8/2003) contact: (07) 40512228 | 61 Spence Street
Mini Reviews
Warda	1st May 2006
By far the most delicious Indian cuisine I have ever tasted! They keep me coming back for more! The service is warm and welcoming and the food is phenomenal. Much to my surprise the cost for such an authentic experience is minimal. I highly recommend The Taj to anyone (both local or visiting Cairns).
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