Tajmahal Indian cuisine — Restaurant in London

Terrible place to visit. Right across KingsCross station there are three restaurants, I chose to go in this one to get some desi chai. As I was trying to enter, one customer was storming out with anger, the manager or who ever stands at counter was running after him asking him what happened, and the customer rushed out in anger and asked him to leave him alone. With a sheepish smile the manager made fun of that customer. I got in, asked for the chai to go, he initially said no we don't have it, I said okay then he asked do you want to take it, I said yeh I am not going to sit in for chai only. He asked to walk in, stand at a place at his directions. I went in, another waiter came in and asked me if you have a to go order, go and stand at the other place. I told him politely that your manager asked me to do stand here, he checked with his manager and left. His manager boiled the water and started making me tea bag tea after almost 10 mins of me waiting, I asked him is it a tea bag tea, he was like yes, I told him you could have told me since I asked for a desi chai. I started walking out at that the manager and the same waiter started yelling why should we tell you what kind of tea we have, by that time I had already walked out of the restaurant, the two came after me and asked me to leave, I asked them who are you to tell me to leave? I am not at your property, in the meantime other neighboring restaurant people came to me and asked what I wanted and I asked them if they have desi chai, both of them said no they don't. Both the other resultants which are tandoori and some Indian restaurant were very nice, neat and clean and courteous with full of manner, however I never had this kind of experience ever, I don't know where do they get these illiterate people to work in UK who first of can't speak in English, secondly within 10'mins pissed of two customers. I hope the owner of this restaurant takes notice and teach these two men a lesson. Even though I didn't eat or drink any thing, but the attitude of their staff compelled me to write...

TL;DR: I came to Tajmahal on a Tuesday early evening, the food was good, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere was good. The prices are excellent given the location, there are lots of vegan options and I would come back 100%.

Overall the food was nice, I had the Vegetable Biryani (w/ vegetable curry) and a Chole Masala - the Biryani was nice, well spiced and a generous portion. The Chole Masala was also a good portion but it was rather bland. I was expecting perhaps a bit richer and spicier (having read reviews to this effect) but I also didn't specify when I ordered so that's probably on me. The vegetable curry accompaniment was fine. It's nice they have lots of vegan options.

Atmosphere is also good - the seats and tables are comfortable and clean, the decoration is lovely and the painted walls are fantastic. It was dead quiet, no music or anything. But generally lots of chatter and people seemed happy.

Service is where this place really shines - everyone is super lovely, can't do too much for you, and will do anything they can to help. I would recommend people come here at least for this.

Overall, great price, good selection of veggie and vegan options, nice enough food and...

Absolutely the WORST dining experience I have ever had. The prawns were served unclean, with digestive waste still inside – which is not only disgusting but also a serious food hygiene issue. When I raised my concern, the staff showed zero customer service, no apology, and no attempt to put things right.

Even worse, we felt discriminated against. As Indian customers, we were dismissed and treated poorly, while local customers around us were given polite and attentive service. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and deeply unprofessional.

The restaurant also advertises itself as “completely halal,” yet serving prawns in such an unclean, unhygienic way does NOT uphold HALAL standards at all.

This is not just bad service – it raises real concerns about food safety, hygiene, and discrimination. I will be reporting this to UK Food Standards Agency and HMRC for further investigation.

Tip for others: If you care about food hygiene, respectful service, and genuine halal standards, avoid this place at all costs. There are far better and safer...