The Taj Mahal restaurant in Gera has a charming owner and positive vibes so the dining experience in term of service and ambience is top notch.
The good news is the core basics such as basmati rice, papad and accompanying sauces are excellent.
The chana (chick peas) and other legumes are soaked in water overnight so you won't suffer from stomach gasses which is great.
The not good news is most of the food is actually German food with Indian names.
The daal tadka turned out to be yellow peas (not lentils) in a sauce.
It was tasty but I couldn't detect cinnamon, hing, mustard seeds, anise star, ghee, and in short most things that make tadka a tadka.
The chana masala is basically boiled chick peas that after boiling are mixed in a paste. It is edible but not a single Indian would ever call it chana masala.
The biggest blunder was the soup..
I was warmly recommended to order the vegetable soup by the very friendly Afghan waiter during my second (it was also my last) visit.
Alas, the soup turned out to be powder mixed with water into which a couple of very small cauliflower florets were thrown in (they hail from frozen bags. No fresh cauliflower florets are ever so shrunk).
Luckily the soup quantity was very small (literally three or four spoonfuls so I could consume it without having to leave it and get embarrassed).
The soup costs only 4.50 Euros but honestly I wouldn't eat it again if it was even offered for free.
I think the owner is genuinely a nice guy and the restaurant has potential to improve.
I hence blame the locals in Gera and German visitors from other parts of Thuringia and Germany for the below average level of cooking.
I fully understand most of them never visited India and they are clearly unaware of the wonderful complexities of Indian food.
By showering praises on establishments that underperform they doom the beautiful city of Gera to be a culinary backwater and that does not bode well for its future...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Taj Mahal (Indisches Restaurant) in Gera, while on my driving back from Prague to Netherlands. It was an experience that transported me straight to the heart of India. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, this restaurant offers a perfect blend of traditional Indian flavors with a modern European twist.
From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the tone for the evening. The decor was a beautiful fusion of contemporary design and traditional Indian elements with intricate patterns. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and were attentive throughout the meal, ensuring we felt welcome and well cared for.
The menu is both extensive and thoughtfully curated, featuring a range of dishes from different regions of India.
Overall, Taj Mahal (Indisches Restaurant) exceeded our expectations. The food was exceptional, the service was impeccable, and the ambiance was both elegant and cozy. The prices were reasonable, especially considering the quality of the dishes and the portion sizes. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to try something new, Taj Mahal (Indisches Restaurant) is a must-visit. I will definitely be...
Read moreIt was my first time trying Indian food of any kind, and I was very surprised by it, all I can say is that for the first time the taste of the food was something new but also something that I won't forget, it's very delicious with diversity in tastes, so I can't rate it just the way it is a 10 out of 10, also the hospitality was very pleasant the staff can also speak English at least the one that helped me, also it was very nice of them because I didn't had a reserved place but still found me one right than, and thanks to the manager because they offered an icecream after the main course and a shot of mango I think some liquor, that icecresm with mango also was also very tasty 😋, the place itself it's something to admire, to be able to see a different culture in a foreign country of it, so I am grateful that I ate there and for sure I'll come back 💯, p.s. because the price was also fair and the food enough for one person, something that is maybe rare...
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