Perfect play of flavours

fresh fare

Taj Tandoori Nites, a multi-cuisine eatery in Vasanthanagar is quite popular with the residents in the area. It is located on a bustling street popularly known to the students of Mount Carmel College as ‘Loafer’s Lane’.

Because of its moderate pricing, the eatery is a must-try for those who like to savour tandoori and Chinese food. 

The most popular dishes here are the chicken biryani, chicken manchurian and noodles. What’s more, the eatery — which was opened nearly two years back — has a host of options for vegetarians as well.

“Our signature non-vegetarian dish is the chicken biryani, for which we generally use basmati rice and serve with the thigh of the chicken,” says Taj Mohammed, an IT professional, who runs the restaurant. 

“In the vegetarian section , the paneer chilli and crispy manchurian gravy are the signature dishes,” he adds. 

The place can host up to 15 people at a time. Since there are a number of PGs in the vicinity, it’s almost always crowded. 
“We have a lot of office-goers and students coming here. Those who live in the nearby paying guests accommodation drop in for a meal too,” explains Taj, adding that because of the crowd, many of the items on the menu are sold out by afternoon. 

“Often, customers ask for dishes to be customised. For instance, rice, roti and kebab are some of the items in which they want variation,” he says.  

A Royal Thali Meal, which includes one tandoori roti, biryani, one piece of chicken masala, chicken kebab, dal, raitha, salad, pickle and papad costs Rs 100 while a regular thali, which includes a Kerala parata, ghee rice, chicken gravy, chicken kebab, dal, raitha, pickle and salad costs Rs 85. A vegetarian thali with jeera rice, chapati, aloo gobi dry, dal, raitha, pickle and papad is available for Rs 75. 

“At this place, the food has a special flavour. I found that the meat is well-cooked with different spices. But it could be a bit salty for the uninitiated,” feels Prabha, who had the chicken biryani and tandoori chicken at the eatery. 

“Affordability is the key factor here. Besides, the spices in the food are authentic,” adds Anand, who tried out the chicken biryani and liked it.  

“The aroma of the spices is very strong, which is what I like. This is the first time I’m trying out the food here,” says Kumar, a customer.

Taj Tandoori Nites is located on 8th Main, Vasanthnagar.

For details, call 9019191908.