This place has a wonderful feel and character. The hostess is cheery and attentive. Tables are immaculately dressed in maroon linen. We savored Kingfisher beer from the impressive-looking bar. The samosas were just the right thing to set the pace for dinner. We ordered entrees after some pleasant conversation with the hostess. My mate was is in a mood for Chjicken Tikka Masala with Basmati rice and I indulged with the Lamb Korma - Lamb Biryani combination. There was the mandatory Garlic Naan to nibble before being served dinner. Right after the food arrived I regretted not having ordered a vegetable dish. Our hostess suggested a seasonal okra dish that the chef quickly and expertly prepared. It was delectable and perfectly complemented the lamb. Both the chicken and lamb were fresh and tender, seasoned and cooked just right. Portions were generous but our appetites were driven by the great taste and most of the food was devoured. My mate remarked on the background music which was not so loud as to interfere with conversation but enough to muffle the noise. We ordered Indian coffee and waited to select desert. The rasmalai with its distinctive rose water syrup rounded off the evening for me perfectly, while my mate preferred to pass on desert, saying she had begun her diet early! We lingered for a while after paying the very reasonable bill, enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. The Royal Taj is now on our ""regular"" list, especially since it is so convenient to the 101 freeway. I've sampled Indian food the world over and say without reservation that Tempe's Royal Taj is on par with the best.
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