Food was excellent - we ordered malai kofta, paneer tikka, garlic naans and kachumber salad. The salad was quite creative with some chutney added on. The service was excellent and fairly quick. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is definitely above average indian restaurant - must have been remodeled since the server told us it was opened 15 years ago.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It is bit of middle of nowhere in Hickory and harder to get to from highway 40. We stopped by from our trip to Gatlinburg. The location is the only negative here. But great experience if you're nearby. read more

Perfect experience. Arriving at the restaurant is a breeze. There's plenty of parking and upon my arrival, I was able to get a seat at the bar. While they do have a nice drink selection, I opted for a water to accompany my chicken curry with naan. The food was delicious! Very flavorful and thankfully not too spicy for my weak self (I ordered mine mild - otherwise you CAN definitely get spicy food here). The portions are healthy and the prices are fair. I didn't have to wait long at all. I enjoyed dining at the bar where I was able to interact with the friendly staff. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space isn't super large but they can definitely accommodate groups of all sizes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything is clean and nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had a wonderful time and I'm sure I'll be back before my time in Hickory comes to an end. read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Chicken Curry - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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This was my first time trying Indian food. It was so delicious! I'm gonna work my way through the menu. I try it and now can't get enough! The owner was so sweet. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very good atmosphere and wonderful waitress![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would recommend this restaurant to any and everyone! read more

Awesome Indian food! Very attentive staff but not annoying also excellent wine so take part!

The food was delicious in this little Restarant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Surrounded by beautiful atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were greeted with a friendly staff. I would definitely go back. I wish I didn't live an almost 2 hours away read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]As soon as we walked in the mood was amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everyone was so kind and caring, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the smell of spice was very heavy and gave a great experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The butter chicken was delicious and the chicken vindaloo was perfectly cooked. Masala chai is the way to go if you like hot drinks! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Highly recommend for the vibes alone![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Butter Chicken Chicken Vindaloo chew - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Just moved from California and was eager to reignite my indian cravings. (I've only been to 3 indian establishments in Cali, and they are all 8+/10). Highly disappointed in the food. We ordered vegetable samosas, butter chicken and garlic Naan. Samosas had an overpowering spice that made it tough to enjoy, and the sauces were nasty. The butter chicken came out PALE YELLOW. How you would imagine yellow butter chicken tasting, but somehow much worse. All I tasted was butter, no spices, no flavor. It made me sick to my stomach. My husband and I were in disbelief how they could serve us that. The only reason I rated 3 stars was because we did politely tell the server we did not like the chicken at all and if they could replace it with chicken tikka masala, and they did (without double charging). The masala was much better, but still not ideal or nearly quality Indian cuisine level. However we were happy at least something was edible. The Naan was just okay, I've had so much better, (and not high end), just regular bomb Indian cuisine that makes you want to punch the table. Honorable mention, every good Indian establishment I've been to was Indian owned and all workers are of their culture, which was not the case here. Sadly, I won't be coming back. read more

I had lunch with two others this past weekend after hearing nothing but good things. We were greeted & seated as soon as we walked in. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is a smaller space than I expected from the outside but there is plenty of seating available from booths to tables to a bar.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everyone in my party enjoyed the decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our drink order was promptly taken & we were given time to browse the menu. Spice levels range from 1 to 5. For our first time having Indian Cuisine we ordered every dish at a level 2. We opted to start with Gobi Manchurian (Lightly battered Cauliflower sauteed in Ginger, Garlic & Soy Sauce), Vegetable Samosas (Deep fried Pastry stuffed with Potatoes, Green Peas & Spices) & Bullet Naan (White Flour Bread seasoned with Green Chili & Butter). My favorite appetizer was Gobi Manchurian, it was so flavorful at spice level 2. The three of us decided to split Chicken Tikka Masala (Tender boneless Chicken cooked in clay oven then simmered in a Creamy Sauce), & Butter Chicken (Chicken roasted in tandoor then cooked in Tomato & Onion Creamy Butter Sauce). The Tikka Masala was our favorite of the two. We ended the meal sharing Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream topped with Pistachio). The portions were generous as we all had leftovers to take home. Definitely recommend this is a unique dining experience in Hickory! read more

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Fantastic experience. Service was engaging and the time from ordering to serving was fast! Great dining experience with great rich flavors. If you're searching for something different while in Hickory then this place is worth the stop. read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Mango Lassi - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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The food was great and the service was too. I had the chicken Vindaloo and my wife had the lamb Karahi. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was nice , the place is not real big.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I really enjoyed my first experience at Taj. The service was quick and staff was attentive; the aromatics and taste of the food was amazing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was clean and had a relaxed feeling for great conversation with delicious food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Chicken Biryani - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Amazing food, friendly staff and an overall great experience. We love the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan, along with the vegetable samosa for an appetizer. If you haven't tried the rice pudding, it is delicious! read more

I came as soon as they opened for dinner at 5:10 the restaurant atmosphere is pretty nice. For the foods taste it was pretty darn good. The Kulcha Naan was really really good and the Masala Chai is also a nice dessert for after the meal. I will say the portions were a bit small. In total I paid 28$ before the tip just for myself and I only got 3 items. I will say this is pretty normal for an Indian restaurant and it is one of the only ones in Hickory. If you can afford 18-22$ for an entree and 6$ more for the naan I'd say it's a good spot to come have dinner! read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Kulcha Chicken Karahi - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Taj is extremely good and the staff are very nice. Highly recommend. I had never had a lot of great experiences in the past with Indian food but Taj is exceptional read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Lamb Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Was so happy to see an Indian restaurant in Hickory!!! Decided to try them & it was so good. Cute casual vibe, very friendly staff. Full bar, lots & lots to pick from on the menu. I chose a dry Riesling & went with the chicken & coconut curry. It was absolutely delicious. Tender chicken in a delicately spiced creamy curry sauce, wow I'd love some right now! Give them a try I think you will love them! read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Chicken coconut curry - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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I have to drop some stars. Huge pet peeve of mine. If you close at 3pm then you close at 3pm. Not 2:30pm not 2:45pm not 2:55pm. If you want to close at 2:30pm I understand, change your hours to 2:30pm. Instead I have to waste my time driving down to Hickory, knowing I would get there before 3pm, and only get turned away because they didn't feel like working at 2:30pm. So if you come here make sure it's about an hour before closing time or you might waste your time. read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Lamb curry and Chana masala - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Have been twice now and it's been awesome both times. I haven't had a lot of Indian foods so was a little nervous. Ordered the Chicken Saag (chicken & spinach) and it was SO GOOOOOD. Feels fancy enough for a nice date and we will definitely be back. We ordered spice levels 1 & 2 - waitress said there's a pretty steep jump between 2 & 3 - so we played it safe and it was good. Also the chicken samosas are to die for - tho they ARE spicy. Highly recommend! read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Saag, Poori (2 Pcs) - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Best Indian in Hickory, possibly NC. No seriously. I've eaten here 3 times after living in Raleigh for a decade and this place beats the pants off the triangle. read more

We recently moved to the Lenoir area which sadly is lacking in quality restaurants. Thankfully, we are finding some gems in Hickory with Taj Indian Cuisine being one of these gems. We had dinner there last night and the food was delicious. Their Baigan Bhartha was the best I've had...wonderful spices and flavor. The tandoori chicken was delicious and super tender and we loved the sauce on the side. The garlic naan is amazing and do not skip the papad with mint chutney. I do believe next visit that I will have to splurge and order the Kheer while my husband said he wants to try their Palak Paneer after how delicious the Baigan Bhartha was. Service was wonderful...our waitress was informative, answered questions, offered suggestions, and was attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant is nicely decorated and clean. read more

Found out it was take out only for now so I called in my order from Valdese and they told me when to stop by to pick it up. An hour later I arrive at TAJ INDIAN CUISINE and walk inside to pick up my order that was packaged carefully In a nice big strong reusable bag with handles! The food was delicious and I mean my taste buds were dancing! Me and a friend enjoyed our meals of creamy Lamb Korma (extra spicy) and tasty Curry Chicken (mild). I also ordered the coconut shrimp fritters that came with a type of fruit sauce similar to plum or tamarind! So give yourself a treat and visit soon! Taj Indian Cuisine (near Panera Bread) 958 2nd Street NE Hickory, NC, NC 28601 (828) 855-3130 Contact Taj Indian Cuisine on Messenger www.tajhickory.com Indian Restaurant www.sidecardelivery.com read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - a bowl of curry and a plate of naan bread - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Visited here for the first time today, was greeted immediately, server was so pleasant and helpful! I had the shrimp tikka masala spice level 2, was perfect for my taste! The soft relaxing music was very soothing and relaxing! My wife had the chicken tikka masala spice level 1, she loved hers, but wants to go up a level next visit!!! read more

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Really enjoy this spot when we are in the general area. Good flavors, generous portions.

It is good considering it is the only Indian restaurant in hickory. A little expensive for what you get. There are places in Mooresville/troutman, That have a buffet on the weekend. You get a lot for what you pay. And is way better imo. read more

Indian cuisine is one of my favorites and Taj came through on all cylinders. The atmosphere was just right and not noisy. The service was impeccable. The food was perfectly prepared and presented and portions were generous allowing for some goodness to take home. Can't wait for our next visit as this was a totally pleasant experience. read more

Outstanding food, service, and atmosphere! Loved their Garlic Naan and masala. Looking forward to the next time going here

Amazing food and great service. I've never gotten food I didn't like or bad service. Highly recommended

Extremely authentic. Cute ambience! And amazing food!! Definitely a Hickory must!! Service is great too.

Small place and wasn't expecting to see it be a full house. Their menu had many varieties to choose from. We started off with 2 appetizers and then got four different dishes, 2 chicken, 1 shrimp and 1 salmon. Plus some delicious naan garlic bread. It was delicious and seems like a small portion but very full filling. I would definitely go back to try the lamb dishes. Overall , I enjoyed the food but service could've been better but understandable. read more

Definitely recommend this restaurant! Great food and great service. I always gets the shrimp tikka masala, garlic naan and the mango lassi. I'm so glad that we finally have an Indian cuisine in Hickory. Never have been dissatisfied with this place. Try it out! read more

Taj Indian Cuisine - Shrimp Tikka Masala - Indian Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Love this place! Bullet Naan and Lamb Vendaloo. They take their heat level seriously, and you should too! Outstanding experience!

I wasn't expecting to find excellent indian food in Hickory , NC but it was excellent . The place was full and people were lined up to get take out . Service was good and the staff friendly . Even though it's in a strip mall the ambiance was nice . read more

Taj is typically very bus at dinner and with good reason. Everything we have had from there has been top notch. We've had take out for dinner a few times and lunch there. It is consistently tasty. I typically get veg, channa dal, dal makhani, etc. The samosas are wonderful too. read more

We eat here often and love the food and the service is outstanding! The environment is very relaxing and it seems no one is trying to rush you out! read more

I really, REALLY wanted to like this place but it's just objectively not worth your time (and believe me you'll be waiting a LONG) time. SETTING: 7:30 table for two reservation. Restaurant was clearly busy, and the decor and seating area is very nice. THE ORDER: Samosa appetizer, lamb biryani, chicken tikka Masala, garlic naan. After ordering our food, we noticed that things were clearly taking awhile. Almost none of the tables at the restaurant had been served, as the kitchen was cranking out to-go orders for the line of Grubhub drivers. Our appetizer (two samosas) took over 40 minutes to get to the table (during which period our server didn't visit once), and our entrees didn't hit the table until well over an hour after we ordered. The server completely forgot we had ordered naan, at which point we just canceled it, took the check and left after finishing our entrees. The food is pretty good, and for the only game in Hickory is definitely solid. However, for nearly $20/entree the portions are small, and certainly won't blow you away if you're familiar with Indian food. Overall, the service is terrible, the wait times are hilariously long, while the food is good there's no guarantee you'll get your order within two hours and it's very expensive. I really wanted to like Taj, but I just can't. Very disappointed. read more

Wow- wow- wow!!!!! What an amazing food and service my wife and I had here. The server was very knowledgeable on he menu items, she even recommended the spice level (level 3) and it was spot on. She also recommended Goat Karahi and WOW delicious. I enjoyed everything I had there. As a Local real estate agent (www.MarlonRodriguezHomes.com) I love to find places I can recommend clients and friends to go out and try something new or different. I would definitely recommend them! Unfortunately no pictures, by the time I remembered it was toooo late. Thank you read more

The authenticity of the food is amazing Ordered take out. Service was great. Not too spicy. read more

Note: I only give 5 or 1 stars if you change my life for better or worse. My son took me here for Father's Day. Clean. Nice atmosphere yet not too ostentatious for an Indian restaurant. It is a place you can take a visiting friend with certainty that it will be pleasant. The service is accommodating without being intrusive. We had the vindaloo and naan that could compete well with any comparable establishment. If anything, this year has been atrocious for restaurants and Taj has somehow come into a pandemic swinging good. I'll definitely be back. read more

The food was great, I will be back soon and bring a friend! The service was great and friendly, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the Ambiance was relaxing!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Service was good. Food was OK. Good to see an Indian restaurant open in hickory the decor was cool. Wish the owners luck.

Well I used to enjoy the food here, but the last couple times the coconut chicken has been relatively bland and the chicken chewy. The Palak paneer is still fairly solid. The prices are now way too high for the quality provided. I think I'll pass from now on. I will say the service has improved though as it used to take forever, but it also appears less busy. read more