Taj Indian Cuisine

The first time you walk into Taj, you notice the room hums with an energy that feels earned. Packed tables, spirited conversation, bartenders pouring drinks with precision. This is what happens when a family-run kitchen actually delivers on every plate and the hosts make you feel like you belong.

The Guntaka family opened Taj in South Portland after years of building a following through takeout, and the reputation preceded them: best Indian food in Maine, a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality, and the kind of place where reservations disappear weeks in advance. The menu spans classical North Indian curries and Tandoori, South Indian dosas and uttapam, and a cocktail program that swings from creative riffs (espresso martinis, pineapple mocktails) to drinks you won't find elsewhere.

What sets Taj apart is the commitment to craft. Spices arrive directly from India. The Bachi Dum Biryani - available Friday and Saturday - marinates chicken for 18 hours in yogurt and spices, then layers it with basmati rice and steams it sealed. Hemalatha runs the kitchen with the kind of care that turns a samosa into something that tastes nothing like the generic version. Sai and Sudarsana front the house and remember your name.

---

The Guntaka family runs this kitchen like they're feeding their own table. Hemalatha oversees every dish from scratch. Sai works the dining room with a warmth that feels genuine, remembering regulars by name and celebrating milestones - one guest mentioned the staff surprised their son with a birthday card because they'd noted it in the reservation. Multiple reviewers from as far as Tampa, Las Vegas, and Washington DC have made Taj their go-to spot in Maine, a rare signal that this is a destination restaurant, not just a neighborhood option.

The lunch buffet is legendary and still an astonishing value. At under $15, it rotates with curries, breads, rice, and sides that compete with anything you'd order à la carte. Regulars book it habitually; new visitors discover why the wait is worth it. One longtime guest called it "beyond any other in Maine."

Handcrafted cocktails elevate the whole experience. The espresso martini arrives "looking like dessert." Pineapple mocktails, coconut mojitos, and creative riffs on classics are made with the same care as the food. The bartending team is genuinely knowledgeable, and reviewers consistently single out their friendliness.

The outdoor igloos transform dinner into an event. Through winter, Taj sets up heated plexiglass igloos for outdoor seating. Multiple guests described the experience as "cozy," "warm," and perfect for celebrations - Valentine's Day couples and friend groups alike booked them specifically for the novelty and intimacy.

Dietary flexibility without fuss. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and various spice tolerances are accommodated with ease. One group included a gluten-free diner, a vegetarian, and spice levels ranging from zero to seven - all handled seamlessly and quickly, even though they had a movie to catch.

---

The menu draws from North Indian classics, South Indian street food, and contemporary riffs that show confidence in the kitchen. Spices are balanced, never heavy-handed, and the kitchen respects heat levels - ask your server to calibrate. Dishes come in generous portions; a table of four typically shares three to four entrées plus appetizers and bread without excess.

Standout dishes from guests' repeated mentions:

• Bachi Dum Biryani - Chicken marinated 18 hours in yogurt and spices, layered with basmati rice and steamed sealed. One guest called it "hands down the best biryani I've ever had." (Friday and Saturday only; $16.99)
• Butter Chicken - Dark meat sautéed in butter and spices with a creamier, deeper profile than tikka masala. ($16.99)
• Chicken Tikka Tacos - Hand-pressed corn tortillas with grilled chicken, tamarillo, and curry salsa. A surprising bridge between cuisines that works.
• Vada - Lentil donuts (not wheat-flour) served with chutneys for dipping. Multiple guests noted discovering this appetizer and returning for it.
• Samosa Chaat - Vegetable samosas topped with chickpea sauce, onions, garlic, and tamarind. A guest praised the fried dough work.
• Paneer-based curries (Malai Kofta) - Marinated cabbage, carrot, potato, and paneer sautéed with cashew gravy. Strong vegetarian anchor.
• Chicken Chettinad - Boneless chicken with Chettinad spices, onions, tomatoes, and coconut milk. A regional speciality done right.
• Naan and garlic naan - Wood-fired or clay-oven bread that's soft inside, lightly charred. Multiple reviewers specifically praised the garlic and coconut naan.

The kitchen handles big groups - one party of six was served "promptly" with everything hitting the table at the right temperature. Portions allow sharing across the table; pace your order to enjoy the meal rather than rush it.

---

The dining room is warm and lively, with bright accents and a soundtrack that sets an energetic mood - Khruangbin in the background on one visit, a curated playlist other evenings. The room fills quickly, especially dinner service and lunch buffet, which creates a sense of occasion but also noise.

The trade-off is volume. Multiple guests flagged that when packed, the room gets loud - one anniversary diner found it too energetic for intimacy, another couple noted difficulty hearing each other at moderate volume. This is an honest detail: Taj is built for celebration and community, not whispered conversations. If you want a quieter experience, request an early seating (the 3:45 slot is easier than 7:30 p.m.), book one of the outdoor igloos for winter dining, or go for the lunch buffet, which tends to be slightly calmer. Tables are reasonably spaced for a casual dining format, though the room does feel snug when fully seated.

The vibe suits date nights, groups, families, and solo diners at the bar. Dress is casual; you'll see everything from jeans to business casual. The staff treats everyone the same - welcome and unhurried.

---

Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. · Fri 4:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. · Sat–Sun 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Closed: No listed closure days (open seven days a week).

Reservations are essential. Taj is consistently booked 2–4 weeks in advance, especially dinner service and weekends. OpenTable and the restaurant's website handle reservations seamlessly. Bar seating is first-come, first-serve and works if you're flexible on timing. The restaurant notes that weekend service may run slightly behind reservation times - plan accordingly if you have another commitment.

A handful of reviews flagged long waits despite reservations (one guest waited 25+ minutes beyond their booking time; another experienced 45-minute food waits during peak service). The kitchen manages takeout, DoorDash, and in-house seating simultaneously, and busy nights can strain timing. If you have a strict schedule, mention it when booking and arrive at your reservation time.

Call (207) 828-6677 or book via OpenTable or tajofmaine.com. Walk-ins are possible during quieter lunch service, but dinner walk-ins are unlikely to get a table.

---

"Taj is our favorite South Asian restaurant in the Portland area. We've never had a bad meal, going back to when it was take-out only during Covid... All of the dishes we ordered were great. The espresso martini came looking like dessert and was greatly enjoyed." - Jeff, Greater Boston · 4★

"Absolutely spectacular experience on Valentine's Day at Taj. I already knew their food is second to none, but they managed an incredibly busy Valentine's Day seamlessly. Love that place, no better Indian food around." - Amanda, Greater Boston · 5★

"Hands down the best biryani I've ever had, and the cocktails are next level. The staff makes the experience even better - friendly, welcoming, and clearly know their stuff. If you're looking for an intimate spot to take someone special, this is it." - Kumar, Greater Boston · 5★

"Really loud. Dining area was full because the food is so good. They need to dial down the volume of the music. I could barely hear the server and had difficulty hearing my partner... Not a good choice for intimacy." - Daniel, Greater Boston · 4★

"One of the best restaurants in Portland, where the food and service is always excellent." - Ioana, Maine · 5★

"Taj is simply the best EVER. If I could afford to eat here every day, I would." - Michelle, Greater Boston · 5★

The overwhelming majority of reviews praise food quality and service warmth. Two consistent caveats emerge: noise levels during peak service (especially for romantic dinners) and occasional timing hiccups during very busy nights when reservation windows slip and kitchen waits stretch. Neither issue significantly dampened overall satisfaction - the food and hospitality consistently overcame logistical friction.

---

South Portland's retail corridor near Clarks Pond Parkway isn't picturesque - it's a shopping center strip with an axe-throwing bar and kids' play space next door - but the location is practical and accessible from much of Greater Portland and beyond.

• From downtown Portland: 10 minutes south on I-295
• From Cape Elizabeth: 5 minutes west
• From Brunswick/Midcoast: 25 minutes north; many guests from Midcoast and further make the trip for dinner or lunch buffet
• Day trip from Boston: 1 hour 45 minutes north via I-95; reviewers from Greater Boston are a significant portion of regulars
• Parking: Private lot; ample free parking, rarely an issue even at peak times
• Walk-nearby: Overlook Park (10 minutes), local shopping; this isn't a walkable neighborhood, but parking is never a headache

The location is unpretentious and functions well for a restaurant that prioritizes food and hospitality over setting.

---

Do I need a reservation? Yes. Book 2–4 weeks ahead for dinner, especially weekends. Lunch buffet and early dinners (before 5:30 p.m.) are sometimes easier to secure last-minute. Bar seating is first-come, first-serve.

Is there a dress code? Casual dress. Jeans, t-shirts, and business casual are all appropriate. No jacket or formality required.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options? Extensive. Samosas, pakora, paneer curries, dosa, uttapam, and vegetable curries dominate the menu. The kitchen easily handles vegan requests (leave off ghee, skip cream-based sauces). Ask your server about specific dishes.

Is there a lunch buffet? Yes, weekdays 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and weekends 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. It rotates daily and is widely considered the best value in Maine for Indian food. $14–16 per person depending on day.

Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? The dining room is accessible. One reviewer noted restroom facilities (one per gender) are limited and accessed via a "beat up door," with occasional lines; accessibility to the restrooms themselves was not detailed in reviews.

Are there outdoor dining options? Yes, heated plexiglass igloos in winter months (roughly November–March). These are popular for date nights, groups, and celebrations. Mention preference when booking.

How spicy is the food? Fully customizable. The kitchen accommodates zero to seven on a heat scale; ask your server to set the level during ordering. Dishes can be mild, medium, or very hot without affecting flavor balance.

Is there a James Beard award? Taj is a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality, a significant recognition in the restaurant industry.

---