Taj India Grill in Chattanooga: North Indian Cuisine with a Lunch Buffet
Taj India Grill is a full-service North Indian restaurant in Chattanooga that specializes in tandoori cooking, curries, and breads made to order. The space seats roughly 80 and operates at moderate pricing, making it the most accessible Indian option for daily dining rather than special occasion only.
What Taj India Grill Actually Is
Taj India Grill focuses on North Indian preparation methods: tandoori meats cooked in a clay oven, cream-based curries, and freshly made naan and roti. The menu includes both vegetarian and meat-forward dishes, with heat levels marked clearly so diners can choose their tolerance. Unlike buffet-only Indian restaurants, this location offers both a lunch buffet and an à la carte dinner menu, letting customers decide whether to graze or order specific dishes.
Menu, Pricing, and Buffet Service
The lunch buffet runs daily and costs approximately $11.99 per person. It typically includes 5 to 7 curries that rotate, bread selections, rice, and a raita or pickle. This is substantially cheaper than ordering three entrées à la carte, where main dishes range from $14 to $18 and are served with basmati rice and naan. Appetizers like samosas and pakora run $6 to $8. Signature dishes include butter chicken, saag paneer for vegetarians, and lamb vindaloo for those seeking heat. Naan varieties include garlic, peshwari (stuffed with coconut and raisin), and plain. The dinner menu is identical to lunch, but the buffet closes at 2 p.m., so evening diners order only à la carte.
How Taj India Grill Compares to Other Chattanooga Indian Options
Chattanooga has two other established Indian restaurants: Curry in a Hurry, which operates as takeout and delivery only with no dine-in service, and Himalayan Grill, which sits slightly upmarket with more complex dishes and higher pricing (entrées $16 to $22). Taj India Grill positions itself between these two. If you want a quick lunch buffet and don't mind a casual room, Taj is the choice. If you prefer to eat in a quieter setting and are willing to spend more for refined presentations, Himalayan Grill suits you better. For delivery or pickup only, Curry in a Hurry is faster and removes the restaurant experience entirely.
Who This Restaurant Suits and Who It Does Not
Taj India Grill works well for weekday lunch break diners on a budget, families with children (the buffet lets kids try small amounts of several dishes), and anyone new to Indian food who wants to sample without committing to a full entrée. The casual, bright dining room is not suited for intimate dinners or business meetings requiring quiet. The buffet is also less ideal if you have allergies or require customization; ordering à la carte gives you more control but takes longer and costs more.
What the First Visit Involves
A buffet lunch involves walking to a heated bar, selecting from available dishes, and returning to your table. Staff bring water and ask about drinks immediately. If you order from the menu instead, expect a wait of 15 to 20 minutes for entrées cooked to order. Naan arrives fresh within a few minutes. The restaurant does not require advance reservation for lunch or small parties, though calling ahead during peak hours (noon to 1:30 p.m.) can secure a table faster. Payment is at the table or counter depending on service mode.
Hours, Location, and Parking
Taj India Grill is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. (verify current hours by phone). Parking is available in a shared lot; the restaurant is accessible by car and does not offer valet. There is no carryout specialty section, though takeout orders are prepared with the same care as dine-in meals.
Taj India Grill fills a practical niche in Chattanooga's Indian food landscape: it is the only restaurant combining a lunch buffet, dine-in service, and moderate pricing, making it the go-to for casual exploration or a quick lunch rather than a destination meal.
