Some years ago, when Barbeque Nation (BN) began its first restaurant at Indore, it started a trend that has been followed by many, to their success. The whole concept of kababs being grilled live at the table followed by a sumptuous lunch buffet, and a large selection of desserts with great service and at a value for money rate has helped it become one of the largest restaurant chains in India.

BN has had many competitors, which are also surviving, clearly showing the potential this segment has. The latest to enter this segment is The Ancient Barbeque (TAB), an enterprise started by a chef from The Kabab Factory, and a good option for those living close to Sohna Road or Golf Course Road. The point of difference between BN and TAB, as per the restaurant manager is that TAB also serves Italian pastas, and as I discover later, also much tastier salads in the buffet and a marginal edge on desserts. Regarding the grills and the mains, BN has a lot more varied tastes.

Getting into specifics, though the kababs and grills are competent, they all have a similar masala profile, and the palate does not get any varied tastes. Remarkable among kababs are the ever popular crispy corn and the tawa mutton champ. Among the soups, Tom Yum chicken has potential to be a great soup, if the oil levels are kept much lower.

Some salads delight, and others are almost there. I love the Healthy Sprout Salad, Mexican Fish Salad and Chicken Tikka ki Chaat. Kimchi Salad is almost there, but alas……I can taste Maggi hot and sweet sauce in it. 

The mains are again competent, but nothing more. The same is the case with the desserts.

TAB is a new kid on the block, and I am sure the food will get better. In terms of the concept and the location, it is capable of becoming a favourite restaurant for the residents living in the vicinity.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.5 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.0 | Overall: 3.5

Meal for two: Rs.1300 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Goodearth City Centre, Sector 48, Sohna Road, Gurgaon. Tel: 011 33106173