Quick answer On a first visit to Taj Restaurant and Banquet, 247 S Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL, start with the Hyderabadi chicken or mutton dum biryani, add something from the grill such as malai or tikka boti, and finish with Irani chai. Butter chicken and malai boti are the mildest dishes; Chicken 65 and the 65 biryani are the hottest. All meat is Hand Zabiha Halal.
What should I order at Taj if I'm eating alone?
A biryani. It is a full meal on one plate, and it is what our kitchen is built around:
- Chicken Biryani — fragrant basmati layered with spiced chicken, saffron and caramelised onion, cooked dum style.
- Mutton Biryani — bone-in mutton and basmati with whole spices; richer and deeper.
- Taj Haleem Special or Beef Nehari — the slow-cooked specials, if they are on that day. Ask when you order.
Add an aaloo samosa on the side and an Irani chai to finish. On Fridays from 12 to 3 pm, the Friday Special thali is $16.99: bagara khana, dalcha, chicken 65, fried fish and gulab jamun on one tray, which is a good way to taste Hyderabadi food in a single visit.
What should two people order?
One biryani, one curry, one grill dish and naan, shared. A plan that works:
- Start: Chicken Pakora or Papdi Chaat.
- Grill: Mixed Platter — Half, with tikka, malai and hariyali boti and a tandoori piece.
- Curry: Butter Chicken, or Chicken Kadahi if you like more pepper.
- Rice and bread: a Chicken Biryani to share, and two garlic naan.
That gives you the grill, a gravy for the naan and the biryani in one meal. If it is your first time, ask about anything you don't recognise on the menu.
What should a family order?
A family-size biryani and the full grill platter. Our family biryanis — chicken, mutton or 65 — each serve four to six, and the Mixed Platter — Full brings every boti, tandoori chicken, naan and chutneys to the table. Add a mild curry such as butter chicken or paneer butter masala for the children, a khatti dal, and extra naan.
For a bigger family gathering at home, order trays from our catering menu: a half tray serves 8–10 and a full tray serves 18–20. For a family event out, our banquet hall seats up to 100; see events.
Which dishes are mild, and which are spicy?
Butter chicken and malai boti are the mildest; Chicken 65, the 65 biryani, mutton kadahi and the chilli naan are the hottest.
- Mild: Butter Chicken (a rich, buttery tomato gravy finished with cream), Malai Boti (cream, cheese and white pepper) and Paneer Butter Masala.
- Aromatic rather than hot: the Chicken and Mutton Biryani.
- Spicy: Chicken 65, 65 Biryani, Mutton Kadahi, Banjara Boti and Chilli Naan.
The menu marks mild and spicy dishes, so you can check anything else before you order.
What drinks and desserts should I try?
Irani chai, a lassi and a ras malai tres leches. Irani chai is rich, creamy Hyderabadi-style tea; lassi is thick yoghurt, sweet or salted, and cools down a spicy meal. For something different, try Pakola, the green ice cream soda from Karachi.
For dessert, the Ras Malai Tres Leches brings cardamom, saffron and pistachio to a three-milk cake. The Biscoff and classic tres leches, chocolate tres leches and the small cheesecake cups are good too.
Where is Taj, and do I need to book?
We are at 247 S Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, about ten minutes off I-55 with parking at the door. We are open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 am–10 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am–11:30 pm; closed Monday. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing time. For a large group, call (630) 808-1832 ahead. Prefer to eat at home? Order online for pickup; most orders are ready in about 30 minutes.
First visit questions
What kind of food does Taj serve?
What is the mildest dish at Taj?
What is the spiciest dish at Taj?
How much food should a family of four order?
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