TCP: The Curry Project

Speaking of a connection between India and Syria brings to the minds of many the distant past, when caravans traveling the Silk Road connected the two. For the culinary world, Taj Majal continues to do just that.

To much of the Western world, Syria exists enigmatically, an abstract and psychologically inaccessible country. Damascus, its capital city, is vibrant and dashing, full of sheesha, mezze and renovated 17th century courtyards. It’s also the oldest continuously habituated city in the world. In the Old City, travelers twist through narrow conduits, the sound of their footsteps lost in the exotic and penetrating call of the muezzin.

It was my last night in Syria, and, like most nights over the last couple of years, I longed for curry. Fortunately, Taj Mahal was nearby.

Located a few minutes walk from the Four Seasons, Taj Mahal claims itself the “Ritz of Indian Food.” When I walked in, I was immediately greeted by Imad al-Dakr, restaurateur, concept creator and former chef. The rectangular dining room was dark and intimate. Tables and chairs were covered in rich patterns, and the (faux?) stone walls were adorned with elephants, plant life and what appeared to be local Syrian artwork.

I ordered; vegetable pakora, garlic naan, plain rice, (very spicy) chicken tikka masala, and a mango lassi. Dakr, quick-witted and, from what I had heard always ready to enhance the dining experience, commented on my order. “Too much food…good!” He pushed me to order more, but considering I had already ordered enough for that night and the next morning, my pre-airport meal, I declined.

Boy, was the food tasty. So tasty that I wasn’t surprised to hear that the head chef trained in India for several years. I used my naan to mop up masala sauce and neutralized the spices with my mango laasi.

Take Syrian hospitality, add a pinch of efficiency and promptness, and throw in an authentic Indian-trained chef. If you’re like me and craving Indian food in Syria, the Middle Eastern heart of darkness to most of us Western folk, then be sure to check out Taj Mahal. Tell Dakr hello.

images from http://tajmahal-syria.com

Restaurant Details:
Taj Mahal
Abu Rummana Street, Nejmeh Square (5 min walk from the Four Seasons)
+963 11 2453434
http://tajmahal-syria.com
info@tajmahalsyria.com
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00am – 9:00pm &  Sunday from 5:00pm – 9:00pm