Taj India, Birmingham’s original Indian restaurant is not moving anytime soon

Reading time: 2 minutes

Birmingham, Alabama, Highland Plaza, Taj India
Taj India at the Highland Plaza. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Now this is a great Happy Father’s Day announcement.

According to a June 21st morning Facebook post by Taj India, Birmingham’s oldest Indian restaurant, the establishment has worked out an agreement to stay in their current location for the next couple of years.

Why It Matters

The Taj India announcement is a big deal for Highland Park residents and businesses who have been watching with interest the possible re-development of the historic art-deco Highland Plaza building. Opened in 1938, the 24,000 square-foot shopping center on the 2200 block of Highland Avenue, between 22nd Street South and 11th Court South was once home to Savages, Pasquale’s Pizza and Pasta, the Upside Down Plaza and Hot and Hot Fish Club.

Birmingham Alabama
Entrance to Hot & Hot Fish Club in 2017. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Last year, Western Supermarket, the popular 24/7 grocery store closed (Western actually closed all its stores) leaving the shopping center without an anchor store.

In 2018 Highland Plaza was purchased by 22nd Street Partners LLC, an affiliate of Daniel Corporation, for $4.75 million. The partners have also bought two adjoining properties behind the shopping center, representing a combined 2.5 acres stretching to Ireland Way.

Taj India – Dine In and Takeout

Indian Food
Taj India lunch. Via- Taj India Birmingham FB.

Entering its 26th year, Taj India is a Birmingham original.

Earlier this month, they began a dine-in option along with curbside takeout. Everything is delicious on the menu – but if you looking for the perfect Chai Tea in Birmingham, this is your place.

What’s Next? Stay Tuned.

Screen Shot 2019 08 24 at 5.53.26 AM Taj India, Birmingham's original Indian restaurant is not moving anytime soon
The 1950s photo of the Highland Plaza is from Bham wiki. The current photo is from Pat Byington for Bham Now

What next for the Highland Plaza? Bham Now will follow up in the coming day with the Taj India’s neighbor Highland Package Store and the Daniel Corporation about their future plans.

Meanwhile – Authentic Indian cuisine sounds like a perfect Father’s Day gift.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

Articles: 2666