The Taj Mahal

Indian cuisine is something that many Budleigh residents know quite a bit about thanks to last year’s popular Tantalising Tastes of Asia presentation by the town’s Taj Mahal restaurant during the May Gala Week.

The family-owned Taj Mahal in the High Street gets very busy at the weekend and during the summer so we chose a quieter weekday evening last night not only to enjoy the meal but to discuss the different dishes with the experts.


I never remember which Indian dish I tried last, and always want to try something new, so on this occasion went for the Chef’s Special Treat, a delicious combination of chicken tikka, lamb tikka and tandoori king prawns, with mango and pineapple mixed in with ground cashew nuts, butter, honey and tomatoes. “Sinful pleasures abound in every mouthful,” as the menu warns customers. Anthea by contrast chose her usual tandoori chicken, which I think she always goes for because it invariably arrives at the table in that spectacular sizzling fashion. And of course she says it never disappoints.
Above: (l-r) Taj Mahal staff Tusha and Russel

The Taj Mahal specialises in Bangladeshi and Indian dishes based on lamb, chicken or fish, but offers a wide variety to suit all tastes, including vegetarian. The restaurant is fully licensed and offers an excellent wine list, from which we chose a good claret. Our waiter Tusha and his colleague Russel were welcoming, helpful and informative. Both have worked in city-based restaurants throughout the UK and appreciate Budleigh because of its quiet charm and the friendly customers.

Above: Taj Mahal cooks spice up Budleigh at the Tantalising Tastes of Asia event in May 2008.

Photo credit: Ray Ambrose of Randa Creative

It’s great to have a restaurant which is open every day until late in the evening, serving excellent food at moderate prices. Our meal came to just under £40, including a bottle of wine.

Tel: 01395 446097
Taj Mahal
1b High Street
Budleigh Salterton
EX9 6LD