A passage to India - right here in Pretoria, Pretoria News,
Friday October 31, 2003.At
the Taj Mahal Restaurant in Centurion they take you to India and back - all
within the space of a few hours.
Now under new management, the Taj Mahal currently has on its menu more than
100 dishes, drawn from the mystic land that is India.
"There is food from all four corners of India. We can take you to different
regions," says new owner Sunil Khusal.
Indeed, the Taj Mahal, designed along the lines of the famed Indian architectural
wonder, is set to give Durban's better known Indian restaurants a run for their
money.
Its menu draws from all the major dishes in Indian cuisine - popular Mogul
and Kashmir dishes, the fiery dishes of Delhi and Mumbai and the hot spicy
recipes of Goa and Madras. A central feature of the Taj Mahal is the Tandoor,
the clay oven in which meats are roasted with a distinctive flavour and special
Indian breads are baked.
Culinary delights without entertainment do not amount to much. Taj Mahal
management now gives patrons a chance to unwind by staging and screening regular
entertainment events. The dining experience will never be the same again as
patrons experience live Eastern and Western entertainment in the form of belly
dancing, bhangra (Indian dance) as well as Eastern and Western bands.
A brand new bar is also open and every Thursday
there is a comedy showcase.
The big screen (3,9m x
2,4 m) broadcasts Indian music DVDs and events of high entertainment value such
as international contests, film awards as well as cricket, soccer and rugby for the
sports fan.
The atmosphere is rather plush and the setting is fantastic. Tables decked out in maroon
and accommodating groups of 4, 6, 8 or 12 guarantee privacy for those holding
secret conversations during a meal. The eating hall is also spacious and diners
can move freely between tables, without inconveniencing anyone or being
inconvenienced themselves.
As the band plays on, customers can select from Taj Mahal's tantalising menu
consisting of only Halaal foods. Their chicken, lamb, seafood and pure vegetarian
meals are an experience to treasure. And of course they are served with fragrant
Indian Basmati rice and the special breads - rotis, naan and parathas.
Set menus are also available on request for group occasions, be they functions
(private or corporate), parties or anniversaries. The Taj Mahal can accommodate
up to 140 customers and its staff is specialise in serving buffet menus as well
as snack platters for finger lunches and office parties.
A takeaway facility is also available. One of its most popular items is the Taj
Mahal ‘bunny chow’ which is generously filled and has earned the reputation of
being the best in Gauteng.
Those not feeling too hungry are also free to order half
portions (known as
ladies' dishes). Children have not been forgotten either and can pick from the
Kiddies/Quick Meals, specifically designed for them.
All the chefs at Taj Mahal have been sourced from Indian continent’s principal
gastronomic regions, meaning the food you order is as authentic and as original
as you can get.
The Taj Mahal Restaurant is situated at the corner of South Road and Lenchen
North, Southlake Building.
To make your reservations, please call (012)
643-0031.