Barbeque Nation, Bangalore: Mohammed Ali Road Recreated

If Eid means tender meat, delicious Nihari and mouthwatering Biryani to you, then Barbeque Nation’s ‘Magic of Mohammed Ali food festival’ is the place where you want to be. The brand, which is known for its elaborate buffet, has brought the magic of Mumbai for their Bangalore foodies. It has recreated their menu giving an ode to Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali road, which is famous for its delicacies of Eid.

When I received an invite to the place, I was a little intrigued as the project seemed ambitious. To recreate one of the most iconic food place in India is no mean feat and it has done a good job, although there were a few misses.

The highlights of the festival were the live-counters and rehri-carts, where dishes like Mutton Seek Kabab served with warm pav; Patthar Ke Kabab– succulent mutton and paneer cooked on a Ladi stone; and Raan e Gosht– tender pieces of mutton in a sumptuous gravy delicately perfumed with spices was cooked in traditional style. Customers were able to bask in the aroma of marinated, skewered meat sizzling over hot grills and tawas. They were also able to sample the piping hot Mawa Jalebi swimming in hot oil, another traditional sweet from Mohammed Ali Road.
For starters, the Chutney wala Jhinga and Taltali fish were the stars of the evening. Both the prawn and the fish were spicy and aromatic. For vegetarians, the Masala corn and the marinated grilled pineapple were the stand out dishes of the event. Barbeque Nation has kept all its main attractions the same and has played with marinates and the spices. Just like the food served on Eid, they have increased the spice level and the taste quotient with it.

When asked how difficult it was to create the Mohammed Ali street taste in Bangalore, Chef Praveen Gonzalez said, “It was a very tough task to recreate the menu in three months. It was challenging as we wanted to source in the ingredients- the masalas from different parts of the country . We trained our chefs and a lot of effort has gone into this.”

Owing to the marinations and the masalas, what we know as Barbeque Nation starters, taste a lot different. However, the Tandoori tangri was a disappointment as it was dry and seemed to be overcooked, but the Seekh kebabs and chicken tikkas were delicious, hot and spicy.

Many of my friends have a habit of overeating to Barbeque nation’s starters and skipping the main course and going straight to desserts. If this sounds familiar, then the next time you are visiting this place, stop yourself as you would miss something if you do not try their Mohammad Ali Mutton Khichdra and Nihari Gosht with some light flavorsome Biriyani. The Bangda fish curry and Zam Zam Pulao, when compared to others were not noteworthy.

While the Malpua, Kesari Phirni and Sheer Korma were perfect, I missed kulfi with faluda. But I think that is human nature, to want the one thing not available on the menu.

The food festival is going on in all Bangalore outlets of Barbeque Nation till November 15 and the Regional head Ritam Mukherjee, promises everyone not only the Mohammad Ali street food, but also an astir ambience with qawalis playing in the background.

Where: Barbeque Nation outlets – Indiranagar II Koramangala II JP Nagar II Lido Mall- MG Road II Whitefield Road II Kammanahalli II Electronic City

Date: October 28 to November 15, 2015

Average meal for two: Rs 1600

Timings: Lunch and Dinner hours

Phone: 080- 60600000