Taj Mahal Mt Lake — Restaurant in Mountlake Terrace

My verdict in two lines: Taj Mahal stays true to its roots, offering authentic Pakistani flavors without compromise. A place unapologetically Pakistani.

The owner is super nice, had a insightful conversation. I learnt that it's run by a family with a rich legacy in restaurant operations in Pakistan (Islamabad), the recipes and traditions have been passed down through generations. Women from the family are running the show inside tajmahal's kitchen, ensuring every dish carries the warmth of home cooking. With hand-slaughtered Zabiha Halal meat, strict use of premium desi ghee, and avocado oil in place of regular cooking oil, use of premium meat instead of lean Americanized chunk meats, every detail reflects their commitment to authenticity and quality.

What I Tried

Beef Nihari A showstopper! Rich, flavorful, and cooked in ghee with bone marrow, the tender meat melted in my mouth. One of the best Niharis i had for a long time. Perfectly spiced and an absolute must-try.

Makhni Lamb Karahi Creamy, aromatic, and indulgent. The lamb had a delightful richness from chunks of fat, and desi ghee. One suggestion to them: make the meat slightly more tender and the dish would elevate to next level.

Lahori Chicken Karahi Super tender chicken in a beautifully balanced, not overly tangy gravy, delicious. A bit more spice would have been ideal for me personally, but I guess it’s customizable.

Lahori Chole Flavor-packed chickpeas that retained their shape yet melted in the mouth—anything but bland.

Pulao Fluffy, nicely cooked rice in broth, though a touch heavy on cinnamon caused a little bitterness. i hope that's not a regular thing. Btw, pulao is their default rice.

Naan & Kulcha Not the best i ever had. but good accompaniments, soft and warm.

Firni Sticky, milky, and caramel-like, served cold—a sweet, delicious satisfying finish.

Final thoughts: i think i can skip vancouver trips for nihari and karahi. amounts are generous. With plans to expand the menu, it’s a must-visit for lovers of authentic...

Ordered over $80 in takeout after seeing all the reviews. I have mixed feelings about this place - I rate it at a 3.8 out of 5.

PROS: Authentic Pakistani food, a first in Seattle in my experience Great menu with lots of options including a variety of protein/vegetarian Family O&O which is good, I support small businesses Amazing biriyani and flavorful high-quality rice. Food is cooked correctly and spice level is high. It's actually spicy not just pretend spicy. Goat curry was my favorite, all their flavors were unique 10% off if you call in and order over the phone instead of delivery apps

CONS: Not adequate meat for what you pay. If I'm being charged an average of $22 a dish, I expect more protein in my food. Their meat to rice ratio is abysmal and I was disappointed to see this restaurant skimp out on protein after such prices. All the food was swimming in oil especially the goat curry. Food tasted fine, personally I would have preferred more salt Garlic naan was not naan at all, it was store-bought pita bread being sold for a whopping $3.99 per piece for the basic stuff, and $8 a piece for the fancy ones like cheese or paneer. This was insulting to me as a customer, and many others who know very well what is truly made in-house naan vs what tasted like cardboard bread. I would not order naan because they don't actually have a tandoor. Received only 1 box of rice when we ordered 2 full curry dishes.

I have only the best things to say about the quality of the food and the chefs in the kitchen. I do not care for the mediocre management who have yet to figure out price, portion size and should really not be indulging in terrible practices like making you pay $4 for a store-bought pita bread.

While I recommend this place, unless I see significant improvements in portion size I will not be ordering...

Taj Mahal Restaurant in Mountlake Terrace truly made our daughter’s birthday dinner an unforgettable celebration. We catered the event from this gem, and every dish exceeded our expectations. The chicken biryani was a delightful introduction, bursting with authentic Pakistani spices that created a symphony of flavors in every bite. Its aromatic rice and tender chicken were perfectly balanced, a testament to their culinary expertise.

The mutton kunna stole the show—easily one of the best mutton dishes we and our guests have ever tasted. The meat was exceptionally succulent, practically falling off the bone, immersed in a rich, decadent curry that had us all asking for seconds. Equally impressive was the Lahori chana, a surprising hit that offered a hearty, flavorful alternative to the more traditional dishes on the menu.

No meal is complete without their garlic naans, which were soft, thick, and beautifully garnished. They served as the perfect accompaniment, soaking up the robust flavors of the curries. The generous portions ensured that everyone left completely satisfied. We are already planning our next event with Taj Mahal, as their exceptional food and service have won our loyalty. This restaurant is a culinary treasure that elevates any...