Taj Mahal - Napoli, italy

Rating:  3 / 10

Let's all blow the arse trumpet of mediocrity. These exact kind of restaurants are a disservice to the entire subcontinent. They are showcasing the very laziest, blandest branches of the Indian glorified banyan tree of cuisine to dull the senses and stifle the tongue.

Being an addict, I must deal with the odd occasion I buy mediocre products. It's not every day you can expect your local dealer to supply you with a shimmering plate of suffused joy wrapped in chillis and garlic and singing Hindu praise songs. Unfortunately, at times, a charlatan enters the picture and you end up eating a portion of misery.

Many will probably ask "Why are you looking for Indian food in a city famous for pizza?" Good question. May I reply: "Do you only eat British food in England? Only eat meatballs in Sweden? Only eat burgers in the USA?". Variety is the spice of life, and seeing if the local ex-pat community have managed to wrangle in some decent chefs is always a beautiful surprise. 

I've had superb "other" foods in many countries, which keeps me optimistic in my pursuit. This, however, was a dark, deep tragedy. The chicken curry was completely soulless, the dhal (COME ON? ANY HOMECOOK CAN MAKE A GOOD DHAL) was void of any flavour and clustered in inanity. It was an evening langouring in  tristesse as I ate my way through this colossal mess to assuage my hunger pangs.

Sadness is not ordering Indian food in Naples, it is ordering Indian food at this restaurant in Naples. If you want a good feed, then head to Ghi Rice nearby.

These recommendations are just personal opinions based on my palate, things change, chefs get fired or replaced, places open-close, relocate, so take it all with a pinch of MSG  and discover your own gems too. But please do try a few of these, they have been researched exhaustively.