Welcome to Gaja, Charminster's newest destination for Indian cuisine and bar experiences, where the rich flavors of India meet modern elegance. Inspired by the sanskrit word for "elephant," Gaja symbolises strength, wisdom, and royalty - qualities reflected in every dish we serve. Our menu offers a diverse selection of authentic Indian cuisine, crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional spices.
Experience the perfect blend of cultural charm and contemporary ambiance, with warm lighting and attentive service ensuring a memorable visit. We prioritize hygiene and hospitality, making Gaja the ideal spot to savor India's vibrant culinary heritage in the heart of Charminster.
Gaja offers a delightful blend of authentic Indian cuisine, refreshing cocktails, and a cozy ambiance. Our menu features a variety of flavorful curries, sizzling tandoor dishes, and vibrant starters, all prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. Enjoy a wide selection of cocktails at our bar, from classics like Old Fashioned and Whisky Sour to favorites like Long Island Iced Tea. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a casual drink, Gaja provides the perfect setting for every occasion in Charminster.
Starters
Masala Fish£7.95
Spicy. Pan-fried fish in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Chilli Chicken£6.95
Popular Indian Chinese dish. Chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Chilli Paneer£6.95
Indian vegetarian dish. Cottage cheese in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Methi Balls£5.95
Fenugreek spiced batter fried in crispy perfection.
Onion Bhaji£5.95
Finely sliced onion and gram flour rolled and deep fried in a spicy batter.
Crispy Potato Bhaji£5.95
Crispy style potato bhaji.
Tandoor Dishes
Sheek Kebabs starter£7.95
Spicy. Minced lamb marinated in Indian spices and cooked in tandoor oven.
Tandoori Wings starter£6.95
Chicken wings marinated in Indian spices then grilled to perfection.
Half Tandoori Chicken starter£6.95
Half chicken marinated in Indian spices and grilled to perfection.
Paneer Tikka starter£6.95
Indian vegetarian dish. Cottage cheese marinated in spices and grilled to perfection.
Mains
Chicken Shashlik Main (6 pcs)£13.95
Full Tandoori Chicken Main£13.95
Paneer Shashlik Main£13.95
Sheek Kebab Main£14.95
NON VEG CURRIES
Lamb Palak£12.95
Rajasthani Lamb Curry£12.95
Butter Chicken£11.95
Chicken Rogan Josh£11.95
Chicken Jalfrezi£11.95
Chicken Korma£11.95
Chicken Kathmandu£11.95
VEGETABLE CURRIES
Egg Bhurji£8.95
Bombay Aloo£8.95
Matar Paneer£9.95
Tadka Dal£8.95
Chana Masala£9.95
Bindi Bhaji£9.95
Mixed Veg Madras£9.95
DESSERT
Masala Tea£3.95
Gulabjamun£4.95
Vanilla Ice Cream£4.95
Large House Salad£5.95
Small House Salad£3.95
CONDIMENTS
Chilli Garlic Naan£3.95
Butter Naan£3.95
Plain Naan£3.95
Pilau Rice£3.95
What 32 people are saying
GAJA reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Overall ratings and reviews
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
4.9Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.9Value
Noise • Moderate
Loved For
Dorset
Best Overall
Dorset
Best Food
Dorset
Best Service
Dorset
Best Ambiance
Dorset
Best Value
Dorset
Innovative
Dorset
Good for groups
Dorset
Healthy
Dorset
Neighborhood gem
Dorset
Romantic
Dorset
Good for special occasions
Dorset
Vegetarian-friendly
Dorset
Lively
Bournemouth
Most Booked
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
GAJA delights with "beautifully decorated" settings and a "wonderful experience" that includes individually cooked, flavorful dishes. Guests rave about the "best service" and thoughtful touches, especially for celebrations. The intimate atmosphere, "amazing food," and attentive staff create a memorable dining experience. Be sure to book ahead for this popular spot!
32 Reviews
V
Vikki
Dorset1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
From start to finish it was an exceptional experience.
When booking I mentioned it was a birthday. On arrival at the table was a birthday card signed by all the staff, a bracelet and chocolates. We also received a glass of prosecco on arrival. The staff's attention to detail was impeccable and the service was phenomenal.
The ambience of the restaurant was fantastic and decorated beautifully.
The food was out of this world and you could choose the spice of your curry to your taste.
At the end of our meal a dessert was bought out and they sang happy birthday. We had complimentary shots too!
Even the toilets were spotless and were we'll stocked with any sanitary needs. Even toothpicks!
I cannot recommend this restaurant enough and we will be sure to return very soon. Our new favourite place to go.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dorset1 review
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
What a won't restaurant. The best dining experience ever.
We were given a glass of prosecco on arrival, the menu explained and a cocktail special offer highlighted. The best Pornstar Martini ever .... £6.50!!
The ambience was amazing. A really lovely atmosphere.
I had a Nepalese Chicken dish which was lovely, and the pilau rice was so fluffy.
We were treated by the chef to his version of Dirty Fries. Beautiful with an Indian spice.
The chefs came out of the kitchen and spoke to each table, which I thought was a lovely touch.
We finished off the evening with two complementary shots!!
Go soon before the prices go up.
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M
Marc
London1 review
5.0
Dined on March 4, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Would thoroughly recommend this lovely restaurant . The staff are very informative there were 5 of us for dinner all had great meals and very reasonable prices
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S
Sandra
London3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
They phoned me to let me know they would be short staffed because of illness. They were so apologetic but assured me we would not have to cancel but we may need to be patient . They could not do enough for us, and they were so lovely. The food was delicious as were the drinks and I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
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N
Nicola
Hampshire1 review
5.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Excellent restaurant service outstanding, love the extras that they give you, great choice of food and drinks
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J
June
London1 review
5.0
Dined on February 25, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Our first visit to Ga Ja and we were very impressed. Warm welcome, very friendly staff. The menu was explained to us. Had a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival and complimentary poppadum's and dips. The service was excellent. Your food is cooked to your liking and strength of curry. I had a lamb Rogan Josh which was lovely with a huge amount of lamb. Very enjoyable evening in beautiful surroundings. We will definitely return
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D
Diane
Dorset2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
A fabulous place. Beautifully decorated with gorgeous table settings. Food amazing with a small but perfect menu and love that it’s individually cooked with your choice of heat. Great veggie options too. We were there for a birthday and they couldn’t have treated us better. It felt very special. We will be back again soon
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M
Mrs
Dorset1 review
5.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 4
Beautiful food, service and all round wonderful experience. Couldn't recommend enough. Those little complimentary extras make a difference.
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P
Philip
Dorset5 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 20, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
An intimate and cosy experience with good Indian/Nepalese food. The owners and staff are totally customer-focused and ensured we had an enjoyable experience. What a find in Charminster!
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L
Léna
Dorset2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Amazing experience with them I’m usually picky but I’ll give 10 of 10! The food was amazing the service was amazing and they were very thoughtful for my husbands bday! Would definitely go back and recommend it!
Just book in advance as they are very busy 😁
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FAQs
GAJA is rated 4.9 stars by 32 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
