S.P. Publishing Group Co., Ltd. 11/1 Soi 3 Bamrungburi Rd., T. Prasingh, A. Muang., Chiang Mai 50200 Tel. 053 - 814 455-6 Fax. 053 - 814 457 E-mail: guidelin@loxinfo.co.th

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Gourmet Visits TAJ Restaurant

It may or may not be widely known, but Indian cuisine ranks top of the pile back in the UK. Yes, it's true; forget fish and chips, the curry gets the vote every time. At least it does in my book.

Some years ago I spent a time living in South India and happily ate nothing but local dishes from morning until night. And with India being such a huge country, the variety of different seasonings and cooking techniques is vast. Whether you like it burning hot, tandoori baked, or smooth and creamy, there is a taste and texture to suit every palette.

Chiang Mai has a great gang of Indian eateries to choose from, and last week I took two friends with me to try out TAJ Restaurant on Chang Klan Rd.

TAJ is a totally unpretentious place. It inhabits a small space on the 2nd floor of the Pavilion Night Bazaar. The tables are neatly set and doors open from 4 pm. We arrived closer to six, which was a perfect time. It wasn't busy yet and we were able to sit in the expansive window, watching the colorful world of the street vendors setting up below us.

Khun Kitty, one of the restaurant managers, came over to join us.

"Some of our most popular dishes are the chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken and lamb rogan josh. The garlic nan bread is also very well liked." She went on to explain that TAJ makes authentic Halal South Asian food, care of the vibrant chef, Hassan, a young Bangladeshi man who is quite a character. Hassan's vivid description of how to make your own paneer (S. Asian style cottage cheese), was both highly entertaining and endearing.

Scanning the affordable menu, 80-150 baht on average per dish, I spotted an old South Indian favorite of mine, the masala dosa; a kind of giant vegetable stuffed savoury pancake. Better though to opt for dishes we could all share, I thought. We weren't disappointed with our choices either. There's lots of choice for vegetarians too.

The garlic nan was indeed delicious and fresh oven baked. This was accompanied by a very tasty but only moderately spicy chicken butter masala. Hassan also served up tender chicken reshmi kebabs, marinated in a yoghurt sauce. These really came to life when dunked in the tangy fresh mint and coriander chutney.

Life on the street below was soon in full swing and a stroll around the Night Bazaar began to beckon. Was there time for a mango lassi before departure? Well, what do you think?

TAJ is open daily until midnight. Last orders are at 11:30 pm. There's also al fresco seating on the terrace where smokers are welcome.