This branch of Taj Mahal (which operates a couple of other stores in Joburg) recently relocated from Hobart Center in Bryanston, and is a welcome addition to Atholl Square.

The simple, unassuming dining room features only white tables and bright green chairs  — no bar, and minimal table settings — though more decor is no doubt planned as time goes by. There’s outdoor seating too, if you’re willing to brave the elements. The night we went it was lightly raining, but some diners still insisted on eating al fresco.

The food is primarily north Indian, with some Pakistani-influenced dishes. In addition to the standard naans, biryanis, kormas, masalas and vindaloos, there are fish curries, bunny chow, roti rolls and a huge vegetarian selection (I counted about 20 items). There’s no alcohol on the menu, but you can bring your own for a corkage fee of R20 per bottle. There are also virgin cocktails, to cater to the non-drinking clientele.

After pigging out on the delicious and massive pappadoms which were served as soon as we sat down, we ordered the mixed tandoori platter for two, which consisted of kebabs, chicken tikka, sausage, bhajis and samoosas with sambal sauce. All the items were very succulent and well seasoned. For mains I had the lamb korma, which had an enticing hint of sweetness to the sauce, but the waiter did not tell me why, claiming it was a family secret recipe.

The food was great, but the service was even better! Our extremely friendly waiter knew the menu very well, and was almost too helpful and solicitous — engaging us in conversation about where we from, what we should order, etc. — which is not common in South Africa.

Considering this place was fun, tasty, and local to me, I’d definitely come back again, either for a sit-down meal or a takeaway, which Taj Mahal does a brisk business in.