The Indian Lunch Buffet in Madison Everyone Asks About (Tue–Sun, 11AM–3PM)
Explore Taj’s Indian lunch buffet in Madison: Tuesday–Sunday, 11AM–3PM, with rotating curries, vegetarian specialties, and fresh naan baked to order.
By The Taj Team5 min read
Quick answer: Taj Indian Cuisine & Bar serves an Indian lunch buffet Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, at 444 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715. We’re closed Mondays. Check the lunch page for buffet details and current pricing.
Looking for an Indian buffet in Madison where you can try a little of several dishes? At Taj, the buffet is a relaxed way to explore North Indian food, whether you already know your favorite curry or you’re deciding where to start. It includes rotating curries, tandoori items, vegetarian specialties, rice, and fresh naan baked to order.
Taj is family-owned and has served Madison on Park Street since 2003. Our chicken tikka masala and mixed vegetable curry also took first and second place, respectively, at the Taste of Taste competition for Taste of Madison.
What’s on the Indian lunch buffet in Madison?
The selection rotates, so the buffet can offer something different from one visit to the next. Here’s what to expect by category:
| Typically on the buffet | What to know |
|---|---|
| Rotating curries | A chance to sample different curry options |
| Tandoori items | North Indian specialties cooked in the clay oven |
| Vegetarian specialties | A variety of meat-free choices |
| Rice | A simple companion for curries |
| Fresh naan | Baked to order in the clay oven |
Naan is made fresh rather than left sitting on the buffet line. That means it arrives warm at your table, ready for scooping up curry. For a fuller look at the buffet and the restaurant’s lunch details, including current pricing, visit our lunch page.
Is the buffet a good way to try Indian food for the first time?
Yes. If you’re new to Indian food in Madison, WI, the buffet lets you sample different dishes in one meal instead of choosing just one entrée. You can explore familiar-sounding favorites such as butter chicken and chicken tikka masala alongside vegetarian dishes like dal makhni or chole bhatura, depending on what’s on the rotating line.
Try a small serving first, then go back for more of what you enjoy. If you’re not sure what to choose, tell our team what flavors you usually like and ask for guidance. We’re happy to help you navigate the options.
The buffet is also a convenient way for a table of people with different tastes to share lunch. And if you would rather choose one specific dish, you can look through our full menu.
How spicy is the food?
The short version: the buffet dishes are made at a mild spice level. Most days everything on the line is mild, and if we do put out something on the spicier side, we label it on the buffet so you know before you scoop.
Spice is personal, though, and we know it. What feels hot to one person can be medium to another and mild to someone else. Everyone’s taste buds are different, and some of the spices used in Indian cooking can make a dish taste spicier even at a mild level. So mild here doesn’t always mean bland, and it doesn’t always mean no heat at all.
If you’re ordering a curry from the menu, you can choose your spice level: mild, medium, hot, or Indian hot. If you’re eating from the buffet, ask a team member about the day’s dishes before you fill your plate. We’ll tell you what’s mild, point out anything labeled spicy, and help you find what suits you.
There’s no need to assume every curry will be fiery, and there’s no need to worry that mild means flavorless. Start with a small taste, then go back for more of what you enjoy.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. The buffet rotates and includes vegetarian specialties, so there are meat-free choices to explore. Taj also offers vegetarian, vegan, and naturally gluten-free dishes. Since buffet dishes change, ask our staff which options are vegan on the day you visit and whether a menu dish can be prepared vegan. Paneer is dairy cheese and is not vegan.
If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, speak with our team before choosing a dish.
How much does the lunch buffet cost?
Buffet pricing can change, so we don’t list a price here. Please check the lunch page for current pricing before you visit.
For many diners, a buffet is a useful way to try several kinds of dishes in one meal. You can discover which curries and sides you like best, then explore those favorites again on a future visit.
Can kids come, and is there parking?
Yes, families are welcome, and high chairs are available. Taj is at 444 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715, minutes from UW–Madison, Camp Randall, UW Health, and the Alliant Energy Center. There is a small customer lot at the building, along with street parking nearby. Check signs for current parking restrictions, and see hours, directions, and parking information before heading over.
How busy is it, and should I make a reservation?
How busy the dining room is can vary, and we can’t promise a particular wait at a particular time. Walk-ins are welcome when space is available. If you’re coming with a larger group, we recommend planning ahead and calling (608) 284-7958. You can also check availability through our reservations page.
Indian buffet Madison FAQ
What are the buffet hours?
The lunch buffet runs Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Taj is closed Mondays. Restaurant hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM, with last seating at 9:30 PM.
Are vegetarian and vegan dishes available?
Yes. Vegetarian specialties rotate on the buffet. Vegan options are available in Taj’s broader selection, too; ask the team which buffet items are vegan that day.
Can kids come to the buffet?
Yes. Families are welcome, and high chairs are available.
Is there parking at the restaurant?
There’s a small customer lot at the building, as well as street parking on nearby blocks. Always check posted signs.
How spicy is the buffet?
Buffet dishes are made at a mild spice level. If something on the line is on the spicier side, we label it on the buffet. Spice is personal, so ask a team member if you’re unsure about a dish.
Can I choose my spice level?
When you order a curry from the menu, yes: mild, medium, hot, or Indian hot. The buffet is set by the kitchen that day, so ask our staff for help with the current choices.
Can we walk in, or should a group reserve?
Walk-ins are welcome when space is available. For a larger party, call (608) 284-7958 to plan ahead or visit our reservations page.
Come try the buffet at Taj
Join us at 444 S. Park St. for lunch Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Check the lunch page for current buffet pricing and details, then stop by and discover a few new favorites.