Taj Agra - Kaleen

We chose this restaurant on the spur of the moment and were so impressed we brought a larger group a couple of days later. The food was authentic, the service friendly and attentive and the atmosphere comfortable.

I ordered take away for two from Taj Agra after working a very long day. The food was delicious, much better than expected, especially for take away. I stopped in to pick up the food at about 10:10 pm (they closed at 10 pm) and was relieved to find the door unlocked and the staff waiting for me. Most other places in Canberra would have simply locked up. The staff were extremely polite and didn't seem at all fussed by my lateness. The restaurant looked quite cozy. I think this is now one of my favorite take- aways and plan to eat here again soon.

We have been regular Taj Agra diners for many years so decided to celebrate my husband’s birthday there last night. Sadly it was the wrong choice. Firstly, the waiter didn’t seem to have a clue whether or not there was a booking (I booked a week ago for a table of 5) and said ‘you can have one of these two tables’. As the restaurant was a third full this wasn’t an issue. The waitress took our orders for entrees, mains and drinks and it was about 30 minutes before we received our entrees (Onion Bhaji, Samosas, Tandoori Mushrooms) which were delicious. Our empty plates sat there for what seemed like an eternity before eventually being cleared by the waiter. Then we waited, waited and waited. After an hour our waitress asked if we would like any dessert. She seemed surprised when we told her we hadn’t received our mains yet!! She spoke to the male waiter who just shrugged and shook his head. I gather when he cleared the plates he had not informed the kitchen that we were ready for our mains. Our waitress was extremely apologetic and mentioned that they were very busy. This was rubbish as the restaurant wasn’t full and other tables were also waiting for their food. Ten minutes or so later our mains arrived. The Chicken Korma, Bakra Masala, Aloo Bengan and Madras Beef Curry were all tasty but the Butter Chicken was the worst I had ever tasted. The chicken was tender but the sauce tasted exactly like tinned tomato soup – brilliant red, watery and very salty. I have had the Butter Chicken here before and it did not taste like that. We finished our mains and asked for the bill. This took 20 minutes as the male waiter (who had to prepare the bill) cleared tables and often answered a phone which didn’t ring. At no time during the evening were we offered another round of drinks. At 8.45 we got the bill – we had been there since 6.30. Again, profuse apologies but no reduction in the bill due to the long wait times and abysmal service. There is usually an older lady who acts as front of house who is absolutely brilliant but it must have been her night off as the restaurant was left in the hands of two very inexperienced wait staff. Very disappointing considering it was a birthday celebration. We will venture back to Jewel of India when we next feel like a little spice and good service.

I went with 6 people to the Belconnen Taj Agra. Three of the three curries were over cooked with the meat hard. There was a disproportionate amount of sauce to meat. As we had four children with us normally three curries is enough. We all left hungry and dissatisfied. The staff asked how the food was and we told them the truth. While acknowledging this that was as far as they went to resolving the issue.

I have never enjoyed Indian food as much as I have here. I got the $30(?) banquet with a 3 other friends and it was all lovely. They catered to our desired spice levels beautifully and we enjoyed every mouthful and couldn't even finish dessert! I'd definitely return.