The picturesque streets of Chateauroux, France, have been transformed into a mini India, thanks to the presence of two Indian restaurants: Taj Mahal and Bombay. Among these, the Taj Mahal restaurant, located in the heart of the city, has become a haven for Indian athletes, especially the double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and her fellow shooters. For these athletes, the restaurant is not just a place to eat but a nostalgic escape from the lacklustre fare at the Games Village.
Discover Chateauroux’s Taj Mahal Restaurant
Breaking a 12-year medal drought, the Indian shooters have achieved an unprecedented haul of three bronze medals at this year’s Olympics. Manu Bhaker, in particular, has made history as the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Games. This achievement has made her a beloved figure at the Taj Mahal restaurant, where she and her teammates have found solace in familiar flavours.
According to PTI via The Hindu, Atif Noman, a co-owner of the Taj Mahal, revealed that he served Manu and her team members Matar Paneer, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, and plain naan, all medium-spicy to suit their palates. These dishes, rich in flavour and reminiscent of home, provided the athletes with much-needed comfort amidst their rigorous competition schedule.
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A Mini India In France
At the Taj Mahal, the menu boasts a variety of Indian delights. From cheesy naan and basmati rice to flavourful poulet makhani, chicken roast, fish tikka, chicken tikka, and biryani, there is something to satisfy every craving. The shooters, however, preferred the simpler, more comforting vegetarian options. Their regular visits brought a lively atmosphere to the restaurant, filled with the camaraderie of shared meals and conversations in Hindi.
While the athletes’ visits have tapered off as competitions intensified, the restaurant continues to host coaches and officials, according to PTI via The Hindu. The warm hospitality and the familiar taste of home-cooked meals at the Taj Mahal have left an indelible mark on the visitors, who cherish their time spent there.
For anyone visiting France, a trip to Chateauroux would be incomplete without dining at the Taj Mahal restaurant. Beyond the delectable Indian cuisine, the restaurant offers a unique glimpse into the camaraderie and culture that bind people together, transcending borders and backgrounds. The Taj Mahal in Chateauroux promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Cover Image Courtesy: Restaurant Taj Mahal/Instagram
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