Raj Mahal — Restaurant in Cotswold District

We had dinner at Raj Mahal on 10 June, 2023, our first evening in the Cotswold. After less than hospitable experiences in two other restaurants in Moreton-on-Marsh on this, our introductory evening, Raj Mahal was warm and welcoming in comparison. The food was pretty good, the service efficient and the prices fairly competitive (our benchmark being London where we spent the last ten days). As an Indian who cooks and can discern good Indian food, two pieces of constructive feedback I would give the restaurant:

1. the vegetarian food could be made more distinctive by using different spices in different dishes - the Gobhi Alu (Cauliflower & Potato), Paneer Matar (Cottage Cheese & Peas Curry) and the Chola (Chickpeas curry) of the Chola Bhatura we ordered were all tasty but also very similar (tomato based) in their look and flavours. A drier Gobhi Alu with only dry Indian spices and fresh ginger and coriander leaves, and a dark brown Chola gravy (the trick is using black tea water for colour and flavour!) would be more authentic.
2. The breads (Tandoori Roti and Parathas) would be nicer made thinner. They were both very thick and therefore a bit stodgy/ less flaky, light and crisp than desired. The Tandoori platter was a good option for variety. The Chicken Kababs in it were particularly good. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and would recommend Raj Mahal to others looking for a good Indian meal with...

We visited this place after some recommendations from friends and online sources. The good parts- food was well cooked, ambience was great, and they had good quality high chair. The goods sort of ends there. The food was way below standards, and remember this is 2024. Biryani- more like coloured rice, nothing like what the menu described. Naan and roti- well cooked, good quality. Daal makhni- this is not dal makhni. No offence. It was made with Chana dal. It’s a bit like calling a hamburger a chicken burger. Go figure. Paneer achari- same base gravy added to some pickle. Tasted quite good. Service- cold, was told the owner didn’t know many of the dishes and the authenticity. Told many times the plate was hot( this is clearly racist- it only matters if you eat with your hand). The plate was unusually hot, so our 6 year old daughter got a plate the size of her palm( in picture). Yes that small. Why a hot plate can’t be cooled down before keeping on table, I’d never know. I truly hope that these restaurants can grow up, and stop acting like nobody is watching. This is not 1950 where all it takes to be called Indian food is the name of the dishes you serve. While the sizeable British clientele will keep them in business, it’s a matter of time before real Indian food displaces these...

I was recommended this place by a friend about the top quality of food and service.

I came here with my two brothers. Upon arriving was greeted by the host and just said that it be a few minutes wait. The host was welcoming. As he said the table was ready withi. Few minutes and had one of the waiters escort us up. A friendly Kamran took us up and took us to our table. Was friendly and asked hows our day been and made general conversation.

He was very attentive, asked us for our drinks and provided us with menu. The drinks came out quickly and presented them nicely.

The menu had loads of dishes that I never seen before so when a waiter called Sayed came over, I asked him what he would recommend. He asked for my preference which was great to see, he mention that everyone has their own taste and would rather accomdate to mine which was awesome.

Upon recommendation the starter was king prawn on puree, this was divine as the touch of pomegranate seeds and blueberries combination took my a bit of surprise at the beginning thinking how wierd but to my surprise I loved it 😍. The lamb ghost with Hyderabadi biryani was amazing! Honestly one of the best biraynis I had, was juicy and moist and the curry packed full of flavours!

Recommend this places...