Pretty good lunch buffet, theres alot of vegetarian choices if you stick to a certain kind of diet like myself. I eat only Halal meat. I haven't asked if any of the meat on buffet was halal only because I don't want to make a fuss. I will however call ahead and see if they are serving any Halal meat before I decide to dine for dinner. Sometimes they have Chicken and Goat but sometimes only goat.
As far as authenticity goes, I can't personally say because I am not south asian. That being said, a friend of mine who is complains alot that there is no authentic south asian restaurants in Madison. This how ever does not take away from the tastiness that I have experienced at Maharaja.
They have satisfying dishes that come in satisfying portions. If you dare to go to the spicy side of the spectrum they are constantly filling your water, which is awesome. You don't want to be left without water when the burn becomes too much. You can ask for not so spicy though ;)
The only not so great thing I've ever had here was the Cheese pakora, they kind of seemed like they were pre made (as in frozen) and not fresh. That was the only thing, ever, in all the times I've been to Maharaja.
Both east and west locations have awesome service and tasty main dishes.