Authentic North Indian cuisine begins with an extraordinary understanding of spice.
Cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, clove, cinnamon and chilli each bring something different to the final result. Some are toasted to deepen their flavour, others are ground into masalas, while whole spices can be added directly to hot oil to release their aroma. That careful layering of spice – from golden turmeric and deep red chilli to green cardamom pods – gives each dish its depth, warmth and distinctive character.
At Taj, we showcase the jewels of North Indian cuisine, with spice at the heart of every creation. Flame-charred tandoori favourites, rich curries, fragrant biryanis, paneer, lamb, chicken, seafood, vegetarian dishes and tandoor-baked naan and roti offer something for every appetite. Some dishes are bold, some delicate, and others deeply comforting. Share them around the table and discover their striking contrasts along the way.
It’s this mastery of spice that earns Taj its crown. Come and experience our spice-led North Indian cooking here in Johannesburg.
Located in the Melrose Arch precinct, Taj Melrose Arch welcomes guests into a refined setting for leisurely lunches, dinner dates and memorable gatherings with family and friends. Surrounded by some of Johannesburg’s leading hotels, restaurants and boutiques, it places authentic North Indian dining at the centre of one of the city’s premier lifestyle destinations.
Traditional cooking methods remain integral to the kitchen. The tandoor gives marinated meats and paneer their signature finish, and naan is baked against the hot clay walls until soft inside with just the right touch of char. Biryani is prepared by slowly cooking basmati rice with seasoned meat or vegetables, giving each element time to infuse. Kormas and more robust curries bring plenty of choice to the table. Our meat is sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
A considered wine list and selection of cocktails complete the experience, whether you’re settling in over lunch, meeting after work or making an evening of it. Whatever brings you to Melrose Arch, Taj gives you a reason to stay a little longer.





Craving your favourite authentic North Indian dishes on the go? Taj Grab n Go at Mall of the South is a more convenient way to experience Taj, created for customers looking for freshly prepared Indian food when time is short.
Choose from biryanis, dal makhani, curries, roti rolls, chicken tikka burgers, lamb specialities, reshmi kebab burgers and other made-to-order classics. Perfect for lunch on the move, a bite between shops or dinner to take home – without compromising on the spices, ingredients and cooking methods that define Taj.
GOOD Based on 57 reviews Posted on Jon SVerified Great service and delicious food Popped in without a reservation. Really friendly welcome. Great service. We had starters, chicken madras, veg jalfrezi, naans. My veg curry was superb (I had a huge steak the day before - life’s about balance!) great flavours.Posted on Narisha SVerified Excellent Had the lamb kadai which was really delightful The staff were very friendly and professional Great service Keep up the great servicePosted on Shanna LVerified Good vibes Good food, good vibe, would highly recommend to family and friends. Went for a family lunch and had such a amazing time. The food was amazing. Ready to do lunch with the girls for sure.Posted on Inspire50643921855Verified Good food and friendly people Friendly staff and they served us with a delicious meal and drinks. The waiter was vey attentive and he kept checking on us. Plate presentation was 100%Posted on Howard LVerified An unexpected excellent dining experience I was a hesitant participant as I don’t like hot food. This was a complete delightful surprise The food and service was exemplary and reasonable The delicious alternatives to spicy foods were excellent. Especially the lamb dishesPosted on Sean MVerified Poor service! Ordered from Melrose arch branch via uber eats. The meals were packed very poorly in an old wine box. Upon arrival one of the containers of rice had fallen out into the box, one of the curries had ran out into the box. Phoned Ghazals who were prompt to blame uber eats, who had not packaged the food in the first place, refusing to take responsibility! Not at all impressed with this poor level of customer support!!Posted on ApathVerified Good Eatery Food was great (paneer makhni). Atmosphere was nice and the restaurant was clean and tastefully decorated. Only disappointment is that the waiter had poor knowledge of the menu and had to constantly consult another member of staff.Posted on GinaVerified Delicious Indian authentic cuisine Amazing food, great service. Wait or knew what to suggest. Very affordable. Meat platter for 1 as a starter R69. Curries from R149. The best garlic naan I have ever tasted.Posted on Trail827071Verified Great food great experience best indian restaurant in Johannesburg The best restaurant and a saviour for us during our south africa. Loved the hospitality and cuisine. Authentic Indian food home away from home for us. Special thanks to lakhveer singh sindhu our chef for the amazing food and making it feel like home :)Posted on JamesVerified Best iv had in a long time Honestly so delicious I can’t describe how nice this is. Anyway who is looking for great curry at fair prices this is the place to be.
In Indian cooking, whole spices are often briefly heated in oil or ghee to release their aromatic compounds before other ingredients are added. The technique is known as tadka or tempering, and it can completely change the aroma and flavour of a dish.
For the past two years, we’ve been proud to welcome you to Ghazal Melrose Arch, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support, loyalty and wonderful moments shared around our tables. Now, we’re excited to begin a new chapter as Taj Melrose Arch – a fresh identity that builds on the journey we’ve shared so far.
While our name may be changing, the things that matter remain at the heart of what we do: warm hospitality, genuine service and the authentic flavours of North Indian cuisine. Taj Melrose Arch is a new chapter, but one that carries forward the spirit and experience our guests have come to know and love. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what’s next.