Dubai: Absolute Barbecues or AB’s as they are known in India, may be just over a month old in Dubai but they already look the part to be the emirate’s best value destination for a do-it-yourself dining experience. And as the name suggests, the trendy 172-seater (including 24 open air), takes grills to an absolutely different level.
My lunch began with a sumptuous line-up of starters comprising a Chicken Shish Tawook and an American Mustard Fish alongside two Indian varieties of a mildly spiced Banjara Chicken Tikka and a delectable Mutton Gilafi Seekh Kebab – all placed on a live grill right in front of you.
There was enough on the grill for the vegetarians too – from a chargrilled mushroom to crispy corn to American cheese potatoes, but the two items that caught my fancy were the Churrasco (barbecue in South America) Pineapple with a distinct cinnamon flavour and their BBQ grilled fruit chaat.
The best, however, was their Wish Grill where you could mix a range of veggies with your choice of seafood or meat, from turkey to duck, octopus to quail, squid or prawn in one of their secret sauces for an over the counter grill.
These done, turn your attention to their lavish buffet – comprising tastefully done Indian dishes with a few international items thrown in. So I had my Shikari Gosht – a rich North Indian mutton gravy and Chicken Stroganoff - both in equal measure - with my naan.
What I particularly liked from the mains, however, was their Lebanese Okra stew - a less spicier and, dare I say, a more delicious take on the good old Indian Bhindi masala and grilled basa in tomato basil sauce. They also have a steamy chicken dum biryani to boot along with a subtly spicy mirchi ka salan.
If you were thinking that’s about it, you would be surprised by their range of desserts, from traditional Indian sweets to designer ice creams.
Details:
Meal for Two: Dh110 to Dh160
Location: Ground Floor, Sidra Tower - Exit No 36 Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai
For Bookings Contact: 04 552 0562
Timings: Lunch: 12pm to 3.30pm, Dinner: 6.30pm to 12am
