Indian restaurant Taj Mahal — Restaurant in okres Děčín

After a summer spent with my wife’s family in North West Bohemia, I was long tired of Czech food and after reading the reviews for this place, I was really looking forward to some decent Indian food.

We live in the UK, birth place of the ‘British Curry House’ style of Indian cooking. The food is generally very good but people who know about Indian food know 'Curry House' is absolutely nothing like the food in India. Ask any Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Nepalese person.

So when I read reviews that mentioned how the food in this place resembled food the diners had experienced in India, I was even more excited.

Authentic Indian food. In Decin? Wow!

We ordered Lamb Jalfrezi and Lamb Masala. Note to reader - ‘Lamb Masala’ is a 'British Curry House’ dish. It was invented in the UK. You don’t get it in India. I felt the the plot thickening...

We had rice and ‘Nan’ bread as accompaniments.

The first thing that my (Czech) wife and I noticed was the smell. My wife said it smelt a bit like a cheap Czech pub. After tasting our curries, the reason became apparent - both dishes had a definite taste (and smell) of Maggi-type stock cubes. Next came the sickly sweetness. Jalfrezi is meant to be a rich, spicy, fairly dry curry with lovely fried onions and split green chillies. This was just sticky sweet sauce, not at all spicy, with soggy onions and green peppers thrown in. That would be bad enough, but these onions and peppers looked and tasted just like the Czech pickled vegetables you get in a jar. Unbelievable.

The masala fared no better - the sauce was identical - my wife described it as being like the sauce they pour over curry-wurst in Germany. She was spot-on.

Finally the meat. I appreciate that lamb is not eaten often here but even so, this was the worst lamb I’ve ever had in a curry - anywhere. It was tough as old boots, fatty and gristly. Really nasty.

The ‘Nan’ bread was not ‘nan bread’. It was sort of like a paratha but it wasn’t really that either. It had certainly never seen an oven. It was pan-cooked, like a chapati only much thicker and very tough.

The rice was fine.

This astonishing experience cost 550 Czech Crowns - around €22 or £19 (which isn’t that much less than a decent-quality version would cost in England).

Truly, the worst Indian food I’ve ever tasted, anywhere in the world. And how anyone reviewing this place could write that the food tasted ‘authentic’ and keep a straight face baffles me.

This was a million miles from ‘authentic’ Indian food and a million miles from ‘British Curry House’ Indian food.

If I’d received a curry as bad as this in a works canteen I’d be unhappy.

For those who know the first thing about how such food is meant to taste - caveat emptor.

For those who don’t - believe me, it’s not meant to taste...

Taj Mahal Děčín: Where Czech tradition meets Indian flair

An interesting fusion that resonates in every bite – Taj Mahal Děčín is a testament to what happens when tradition meets innovation.

Situated in the heart of Děčín, amidst the classic Czech architecture, is Taj Mahal Děčín, an Indian restaurant that's doing more than just serving food – it's creating an experience.

A blend of cultures: a sight to behold

Walking into Taj Mahal Děčín, you're struck by a fusion that's nothing short of mesmerizing. The Czech late medieval period meets Indian motifs, creating an ambiance that's both unique and inviting. It's like stepping into a historical fusion, where every corner tells a story.

The gastronomic experience: A symphony of flavors

Now, let's talk about the real deal – the food. The Lamb Masala? A culinary masterpiece. It's not just lamb; it's lamb transformed. The sauce is a harmony of flavors, rich and deep, without the typical overpowering lamb aftertaste.

Nan and Tandoori Kulcha? Picture this: bread so supple, drenched in ghee, perfectly complementing the robust flavors of ginger and masala. It's the kind of stuff you dream about after a good meal.

And for the spice aficionados, the spicy dishes here aren't just hot; they're a slow burn that blossoms like a rosebud in your mouth. It's not about the heat hitting you in the face; it's about the flavor unfolding, layer by layer.

Service with a smile

The service? Top-notch. The fact that the staff have taken the time to learn Czech, no easy feat mind you, adds to the authenticity of the experience. The warmth and hospitality here are just what you'd hope for in an Indian eatery.

Taj Mahal Děčín is a cultural immersion. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or just someone looking to explore new flavors, this place is a must-visit. It's not just about eating; it's about experiencing a blend of cultures that's both refreshing and satisfying. Let your taste buds...

Prawn masala and chicken jalfrezi were both delicious. Portion of cumin rice wasn't sufficiently big and almond naan was dry therefore not so tasty. Food decoration wasn't typical fresh cilantro but old parsley leaves. Mango lassi was too warm so we had to ask for some extra ice. Staff wasn't attentionate and seemed slightly arrogant. Lights weren't cosy and overall the atmosphere wasn't enjoyable in such a big hall. Tables were a bit sticky. Acoustics weren't ok, it was extremely noisy with just 5 tables occupied. Our candle under the serving bowl went off after the first half of the meal but there was nobody to bring us a replacement. Prices were relatively high. Only midday menus (vegetarian dishes only) were 30 Kč cheaper than usual but their portions were smaller. If you are into good food served in the canteen atmosphere by not so friendly people then this is...