Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal has been serving Indian food in central Reykjavik long enough to have built a loyal following among both locals and regular visitors. On a quiet side street near the junction of Laugavegur and Hverfisgata, this restaurant offers the kind of reliable, well-prepared Indian cuisine that you return to because you know exactly what you are getting — and what you are getting is good.

The Food

The menu is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of North Indian cooking. Tandoori dishes are a strength — the clay oven produces properly charred, smoky meats with the distinctive flavour that defines tandoori cooking. The chicken tikka is well-marinated and juicy, and the seekh kebab has the dense, spiced texture that comes from good preparation.

The curry selection runs from mild (korma, butter chicken) to fiery (vindaloo, phaal for the brave), with the mid-range options — madras, jalfrezi, rogan josh — providing the best showcase for the kitchen's spice work. The sauces have depth, building from a foundation of properly toasted spices and developing complexity as you eat.

Biryani is done well here. The rice is fragrant, the meat is tender, and the layering is evident — this is not a rice dish with curry stirred in. The raita and pickles that accompany it add the necessary contrast. The naan breads are fresh from the tandoor, and the garlic naan in particular is worth ordering.

The vegetarian options are extensive and treated with equal care. The chana masala has good texture and spice. The paneer dishes use firm, fresh cheese. The dal preparations are rich and comforting.

The Setting

The restaurant is intimate and comfortable, with Indian decor that establishes the right atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Seating is sufficient for a busy service but compact enough to feel personal. The side-street location means less foot traffic than the main strip, which gives it a quieter, more local atmosphere.

Lunch Versus Dinner

The lunch specials represent the best value — a full main course at reduced pricing, served with the same care as the evening menu. The lunch crowd is a mix of nearby workers and visitors who have done their research. Dinner is a more relaxed affair, with the full menu available and a pace that suits a longer meal.

Practical Tips

Lunch specials run until 14:00 — arrive before 13:00 for the quietest experience. Takeaway is available and well-packaged. Reservations are not essential for lunch but sensible for weekend dinners. The Vitastigur location is a one-minute walk from Laugavegur. Reykjavik's Indian restaurant scene has grown, but Taj Mahal remains one of the most consistent and well-liked options in the city.