A one word Tl;DR: Disgraceful!
Leftover Indian food after a work meeting I wasn't a part off set off a massive craving. Maharaj seemed to check all the boxes: good menu, highly rated, not too out-of-the-way.
After stopping in, I can tell you Maharaj checks none of the boxes. The only thing I enjoyed was the rice, and even that isn't meant to be eaten on its own. Though, I appreciate that it was cooked and salted perfectly.
I'd ordered the Maharaj Dinner Special, which I thought was a steal at $27. When the food came out, I was wowed by the sheer quantity of food, especially for such a low price. Alas, just like the medium heat (as requested), the flavors were MIA.
We start with the Papadum: I would have asked if this stuff was store-bought, but even store bought wouldn't be this depressing. Unlike Papadum with flavors from herbs and spices, the only flavors here were fennel seeds, and a heavy helping of salt. These even lacked that light Maillard-y flavor, seemingly being fried only enough to give the appearance, via bubbles, of being fried.
These were served with a green sauce that, to its credit, was delectably earthy. On the flip side, it was also served with what I can only assume was a Mango chutney, one that resembles the syrup from jarred fruits more than anything worthy of being called a chutney. It had a few tiny pieces of mango skin floating in it, so yay for that! (/s)
Then comes the naan - while warm and with a thin coating of oil, it lacked any herbs or spices beyond salt. Thus, I found myself preferring the stuff in the bread aisle at Aldi. If you just said "oof"... you're exactly right.
I wish it got better from here, but it didn't. My feedback across the board for all the mains is similar enough, I don't think it makes sense to break it down, for it would be 90% copy and paste. Here we go:
The flavors of everything were terrifically muted. There was a lack of spices and herbs, only salt and sometimes turmeric. The vibrant, bold flavors of Indian cuisine, much like even a whisper of [requested] heat were nowhere to be found. What was to be found was an oppressive amount of oil, especially on the plate with the kebabs, where items were swimming in a veritable kiddie-pool of fat. Why? Just, why?! There is a teeny bit of credit I can give the protein in that they weren't dry as flip-flops, but is that really saying anything?
After trying everything, I asked for containers and started packing up. While it failed as dinner, it would work at an office lunch tomorrow, esp. since it was already bought and paid for. During my struggle to pack up, I was brought a container of Gulab Jamun (comes with meal). While I admit they may have separate batches in the fridge for to-go, and for dine-in, yet that fridge took away from the flavors and textures. After being heated in the microwave at work, this is perhaps the only redeeming food I had.
Where it comes to their vibe, I am not 100% sure what they were going for. I distinctly remember a well-like thing by the kitchen entrance, but still in the dining area, that seemed to serve no purpose other than giving servers a place to sit.
Finally, where it comes to the service, I do want to recognize that it was appropriately attentive, and that food came out fast, though it was not busy at the time.
Final verdict: There are many reasons why I go out, but if i am faced with a situation where a trip to the grocer and a microwave gives three times better quality at a third of the cost, we have significant issues. read more