My husband, brother-in-law and I went to the Royal Taj last weekend for their lunch buffet, and we were pleasant surprised by the great variety of choices as well as the friendliness of the staff and the owner. The food was excellent, and the $12.95 price was so welcome in today's economy! The selections were continually replenished, and your empty plates were removed so you could go back and get more food without lots of used plates cluttering the table. The friendly employees asked if they could get you chai or another drink from the buffet so you didn't have to get up again. There is only one dessert, rice pudding, but it is very creamy and good, and hey, who has room for dessert anyway after eating all of that food?! Most of the selections were vegetarian, but there were three chicken dishes, chicken masala, tandoor chicken, and one other. The entire experience was very relaxed and pleasant, and the food was excellent. We'll be going there again.

The Royal Taj is the best place for Indian food in Columbia, hands down. From the moment you walk in until the time you leave (usually a few hours later because you are so comfortable....) you are completely taken care of. The food is always of the highest quality and the drinks are always refreshed. I'd highly recommend the tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and the spicy dal. Be sure to get extra orders of naan because you'll need them! The owner will be there to greet you with a smile on his face, making sure you have the best dining experience there is to offer. Be sure to check out their weekend buffet as well... I'd highly recommend reservations as the weekend comes because it fills up quickly.

The place is usually packed. The tables are small. But hey...i am there for the food right? Well, the food is very delicious, seasoned well, and very good portions. If you try the buffet guess what...it comes with Hot chai!! What a treat. The desserts are not much to brag about...usually kheer, halva.

The staff is attentive, the table service is clean and water is chilled. We will visit again soon.

Another excellent dinner of fine Indian cuisine at the Royal Taj restaurant in Columbia, MD. My wife and I were greeted and seated immediately. We browsed the menu for a few minutes, enjoyed some delicious Papadam (thin pieces of crisp lentil bread with a variety of 3 sauces), and then placed our orders. My wife ordered Vegetable Korma, a combination of mildly spiced mixed vegetable curry cooked with yogurt sauce and spices. Perfectly prepared and delicious. I ordered Lamb Roganjosh, tender morsels of lamb [they almost melted in my mouth] with saffron and spices. The Roganjosh normally comes mild, but I ordered it with medium spices and it was excellent. Both dishes were served with Basmati rice. As always, the service was impeccable and the food delicious. This is a 5-star dining experience!