Barbecue enthusiasts in India have long been debating over which establishment serves the best grilled delights: Absolute Barbecues or Barbeque Nation. These popular barbecue chains have many similarities, but each offers its own unique dining experience. This article delves into comparing the two restaurants to help you decide which one best suits your taste buds.
Absolute Barbecues and Barbeque Nation both specialize in serving an array of delicious grilled starters, mouth-watering main courses, and flavorsome desserts. However, one notable difference between the two is the inclusion of the “wish grill” at Absolute Barbecues. This distinctive feature allows diners to create their own custom grilling experience, with a wide selection of ingredients and sauces to choose from.
In contrast, Barbeque Nation emphasizes its all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining experience, which is especially popular among larger groups and family gatherings. This format allows guests to sample a vast and varied range of dishes without worrying about portion control. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the dishes, ambiance, and various pros and cons of both barbecue giants, enabling you to make an informed decision the next time you’re craving some grilled delicacies.
Absolute Barbecue vs Barbeque Nation
Historical Background
Absolute Barbecue (AB’s) and Barbeque Nation are both popular restaurant chains offering live grill and buffet dining experiences in India. Barbeque Nation was founded in 2006 by Sayaji Hotels and has since become one of the leading casual dining restaurant chains in the country. On the other hand, Absolute Barbecue was established in 2013, with its first outlet in Hyderabad. Despite being a relatively newer brand, AB’s has garnered significant attention and is now rising as a strong competitor to Barbeque Nation.
Popularity in India
The popularity of both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation can be attributed to their unique dining concepts featuring live grill and buffet-style serving along with a wide variety of starters, main courses, and desserts catering to diverse tastes.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of both chains:
| Absolute Barbecue | Barbeque Nation | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | 1. Good main course 2. Unique “Wish Grill” concept 3. Pan-flavored ice cream 4. Variety in live counters | 1. A popular brand with widespread recognition 2. Many locations across India 3. Consistent quality |
| Absolute Barbecue | Barbeque Nation | |
|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Limited locations 2. Comparatively fewer options in some outlets | 1. Standardized menu format 2. Lacks innovative offerings |
The Wish Grill is a unique feature in Absolute Barbecue restaurants that lets customers choose from a variety of meats, seafood, and exotic vegetables, which are then freshly prepared according to their preferences. This personalized aspect of dining has been a major factor contributing to the growing popularity of AB’s. Meanwhile, Barbeque Nation has maintained its loyal customer base by ensuring consistency in food and service quality across all its chain outlets.
In terms of online presence, there are numerous reviews, blog posts, and YouTube videos comparing the two chains. These discussions showcase the fierce competition between them as both strive to offer superior dining experiences to their customers.
The popularity of both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation in India reflects their commitment to providing unique, flavorful, and enjoyable dining experiences. As the competition between the two continues, it will be interesting to see how they evolve and innovate in the Indian restaurant scene.
Dining Experience
Ambience
The dining experience at both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation varies depending on the outlet but, overall, both offer pleasant and vibrant environments. Customers often appreciate the modern and spacious interiors at Absolute Barbecue, while Barbeque Nation is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Both restaurants feature live grilling stations, adding excitement and interactivity to the dining experience.
Service Level
When it comes to service, customers often have a slightly better experience at Absolute Barbecue. Guests at Absolute Barbecue frequently praise the hospitable staff and their attentiveness, resulting in a memorable dining experience. Barbeque Nation is also praised for its staff, but some reviews suggest that it may not be as consistent when compared to Absolute Barbecue.
| Restaurant | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Barbecue | Hospitable and attentive staff | May not be consistent across all outlets |
| Barbeque Nation | Warm and welcoming atmosphere | Slightly lower service level |
Live Music
Both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation offer live music at some of their outlets, enhancing the overall dining experience for their guests. The live performances often include instrumental tunes, creating a pleasant backdrop for guests to enjoy their barbecue meal. The availability of live music varies between locations, so it’s essential to check whether your chosen outlet offers this entertainment feature.
Menu and Food Quality
Wish Grill Counter
At Absolute Barbecue, the Wish Grill Counter is a unique live grill where customers can choose from a selection of meats like chicken, fish, mutton, and other exotic seafood options. Barbeque Nation also has live grills, but without the customizable aspect that the Wish Grill Counter offers.
Buffet Options
Both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation offer buffet options that cater to a wide range of tastes. The dishes include both continental fare and North Indian palate. While Absolute Barbecue seems to have a more extensive spread in terms of the number of items, Barbeque Nation is known for its consistently good quality and taste of dishes.
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Items
In the vegetarian buffet section, it’s observed that Absolute Barbecue offers more items than Barbeque Nation. However, for the non-vegetarian items, both restaurants offer a variety of meat dishes for seafood, chicken, and mutton lovers.
| Restaurant | Vegetarian Items | Non-Vegetarian Items |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Barbecue | More | Variety |
| Barbeque Nation | Fewer | Variety |
Sauces and Marinades
Both restaurants offer a range of sauces and marinades to accompany their grilled items. While specific offerings may vary depending on location and season, the sauces are designed to enhance the taste and complement the flavors of the grilled dishes.
Dessert Offerings
When it comes to dessert, both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation have dedicated dessert counters with a variety of options. Absolute Barbecue boasts a more extensive dessert menu, while Barbeque Nation has a few specialty desserts like the pan-flavored ice cream that are highly recommended.
Unique Features and Services
Seat Reservation System
Both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation offer seat reservation systems which provide a seamless dining experience for their customers. Reservation systems allow patrons to book tables in advance, ensuring a comfortable experience without the need to wait in queues. Reserve your seats online or telephonically to avoid the rush during peak hours.
Customization and Garnishing Options
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One aspect that sets these establishments apart is their focus on customization and garnishing options. At Absolute Barbecue, the “Wish Grill” allows diners to choose from a variety of meat and vegetable options and have them grilled according to their preference.
In addition, both establishments offer an array of sauces and garnishing to enhance the flavors of the dishes. Customers can choose from a range of spices, herbs, and condiments to tailor their meal to their liking. This level of customization allows a personalized experience, catering to individual tastes and preferences.
In-House Specialties
Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation each have their own in-house specialties that make them stand out. At Absolute Barbecue, some of the crowd favorites include:
- Full Pineapple: A unique starter with grilled pineapple slices.
- Paan flavored ice cream: A refreshing and sweet after-meal treat.
On the other hand, Barbeque Nation is known for its:
- Live Counters: Offering a wide variety of dishes and grilling stations, with chefs preparing the food right in front of the customers.
- Barbeque Nation Box: A take-home meal option featuring an assortment of grilled items and main courses.
These in-house specialties not only provide delicious food options but also serve as one of the factors that differentiate the two establishments.
Locations and Expansion
Bangalore
In Bangalore, Absolute Barbecues (AB) has several outlets, such as their Marathahalli location, which is near the Park Plaza Hotel on the Outer Ring Road. They have consistently ranked highly among restaurants in Bengaluru, known for their barbecue and Mediterranean cuisines. Barbeque Nation (BBQ Nation), on the other hand, also has numerous outlets throughout Bangalore, serving a wide range of delicious barbeque dishes.
Chennai
Both Absolute Barbecues and Barbeque Nation have a strong presence in Chennai. They offer a variety of barbeque dishes, catering to diverse palates.
Other Major Cities
In addition to Bangalore and Chennai, Absolute Barbecues and Barbeque Nation have expanded their reach across India. They have established their outlets in various major cities, providing delicious and unique dining experiences to guests. Some of these locations include:
- For AB:
- Hyderabad
- Mumbai
- Pune
- Coimbatore
- Kolkata
- For BBQ Nation:
- Hyderabad
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Pune
They continue to maintain a strong presence in multiple cities, catering to those who enjoy barbeque cuisine.
Overall Comparison and Verdict
When comparing Absolute Barbecue (AB) and Barbeque Nation (BN), several factors stand out that may sway one’s decision on which establishment to choose for a culinary experience.
The experience at AB seems to be driven by an extensive offering at the “wish grill” counter, which allows patrons to customize their dishes with a variety of non-veg and veg items, according to their taste. On the other hand, Barbeque Nation is known for live grilling right at your table, allowing for an interactive dining experience.
In terms of quality of food, both establishments have enthusiastic supporters. However, based on the general opinion, diners seem to prefer the variety and customization options provided by Absolute Barbecue. Additionally, AB has a higher overall satisfaction rate (89%) when compared to BN (65%).
Improvement in service is another aspect worth considering. Although both restaurants strive to enhance their guest experience, given the high LEF (Life time employment factor) at absolute barbecue, it seems that they are doing a better job of improving their service quality based on consistent positive reviews.
For the culinary experience, it might depend on your personal preference. While both the establishments offer a wide range of dishes, Absolute Barbecue’s wish grill counter offers an edge in terms of unique and customized culinary choices.
In conclusion, both Absolute Barbecue and Barbeque Nation offer exceptional dining experiences with delicious barbeque options. The choice may depend on your preference for either more customizable options with the “wish grill” at AB, or the interactive live grilling at BN.
