Davao Dining: Taj Minar

Taj Minar Indian Restaurant and Bar, the first authentic Indian resto in Davao.

Its my first time to eat Indian food and dine in an Indian Resto. Well, it was a nice experience.

The owner, Mr. Zafar Khan, treated us like we were guests to his abode home (take note, guests, not customers). I thought he was only doing it to us, but nope, he did that to every customer that came in that day.

Zafar reminded me of Ronnie Nathanielsz, the sportscaster.

The place looks cute! I think its a small place for a big town. But with the smallness comes the coziness.

The Taj Minar crew are pinoys (i think they’re even locals -Dabawenyos). But i hope they’d put clothes that is worn in India, to add to the ambiance/look of the place.

The guy above is preparing PAPADOM (P40.00/4 pcs)

A thin, crisp Indian ‘bread’ made from lentil flour, optionally spiced or flavoured in various ways and eaten with chutneys as a starter or as an accompaniment to a meal. Papadoms can be grilled or deep fried. –wikipedia

It was a bit salty, but i guess that’s how its prepared.

Vegetable Biryani Rice (P150) – Rice cooked in spices with Vegetables

Looks normal, doesn’t it? Its not. The Biryani rice is something new to my taste buds. Its an imported rice (P100+ per kilo)

Well, the vegetables were a bit over cooked and seemed to have been prepared earl. It lacks the crunchiness and freshness. Or maybe this is how they cook this? Or maybe its because i came in late! Hahahah.. I’ll try this one again and see the newly cooked version.

Chicken Curry (P175) – Chicken cooked in curry sauce, yogurt, and spices

Not the usual pinoy curry… but it tastes good!

Desert – Carrot Halwa (P80)

Carrot and Milk with Almonds.

Its sweeeeeet! But was ok. It jives with the the previous food that was served including the tea.

Refreshments

Iced Tea (P30.00)

Tea (i think its called LASSI – im just looking at their menu). Available in sweet or regular (P65)

It had the smell of ‘bayabas”. And ate ria said it smelled/tasted like something. :p I consumed it. Its not everyday that i get to sip a coffee from India…

Water is free. :p except for bottled ones.

That day, the acapella singing group Akafellas, also had their lunch at Taj Minar.

Taj Minar is at Damosa Gateway, Lanang, Davao City. You can reach them at phone: (82)303.4320 or by email: zafar@tajminar.com

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This is part of the Davao Food Trip organized by Brader Blogie. (Thanks Thanks Thanks!)

The idea is for a group of bloggers to have lunch or dinner (or even just merienda) at a restaurant that will sponsor us, and enjoy the food, ambience and company of fellow enthusiasts.

The Davao Food trip was kicked off last year with bloggers having dinner at Zakoya.

Watch out for more mouthwatering posts!