Mangaluru: Barbeque Nation is here with Wahrabia. Wahrabia, an Arabian food festival with a variety of Arabian dishes on offer. The entire environment takes the guests into the exotic land of Arabia. Barbeque Nation has created a special menu, keeping in mind the taste buds of the city populace and its vistors. The ambience, decor and and mouth-watering dishes, give the guests an experience they are unlikely to forget.

The Wahrabia experience begins with a host of mouth-watering starters. Marinated vegetables, fish and chicken on iron skewers placed on the grill, beguiled the diners as being their Arabian gastronomic journey.  Fattoush salad, a bread salad with fried pieces of bread and vegetables like radish, tomatoes and capsicum, Hummus, a spread made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice and other ingredients, Muhammara, a spicy pepper dip made with pepper, olive oil and breadcrumbs and Fried Pita Bread formed the Mezze Platter, the main-stay of the Arabian culinary experience, which is served as an accompaniment to the grilled dishes.

The vegetarian grills had Sheesh Kudra, Egyptian Zuben, Jalapeno Seasoned Lime Mushroom, Lebanese Kebab, Sweet and Smoky Pineapple and Afelia Batata. While the non-vegetarian grills had Fiery BBQ Chicken Tikka, Jujeh Kebab, Samak Meshwi, Rubian Meshwi and Arabian Kafta Lamb Seekh.

Falalfel with Pita Bread Roll for the vegetarians was as good as the Chicken Shawarma. There was a non-vegetarian live counter which was serving Kesabi Dajaj, Chicken Shawarma, Debel Kabab and Chicken Shestawook. Dabel Kabab made out of mutton and Chicken Shestawook made with marinated chicken are the two lip-smacking Arabian dishes which will be loved by foodies.

Uniquely, a variety of sauces and dips are placed on the table to enable guests chose their own spice trail! The guests are free to marinate the grills according to their preferences using a brush. The chef reaches out to all the guests to enquire if everything is going well. And if there is something lacking, the chef will make sure that the diners get custom made starters with perfect blend of their chosen spice mix to suit their taste buds.

The main course has a few Arabian dishes with a regular tomato soup having a dash of okra. Shourabat Dajaj, a chicken delicacy is quite tasty too. The regular vegetarian main course has Paneer Kadhai, Nargisi Kofta, Tawa Masala, Gobi Mussallam, Plain rice, Dal Makhani and Vegetarian Biriyani. The non-vegetarian main course comprises Burhani Gosht, Murgh Korma and Chicken Biriyani.

The Arabian attraction in the main course is Farareej El Fahem for chicken lovers and Samak Harrah Al Shara for those who love fish in the non-vegetarian section, while a vegetarian can feast on Curried Chick Peas and Zucchini Fasigratin.

“I’m from Mangaluru and I’ve been working in the Middle East since many years now. I have tasted Shourabat Dajaj and Farareej El Fahem at Bahrain. And now I’m having the same here. I would say, it’s absolutely delectable and appetizing. The Arabic food here reminds me of the food back in Middle East,” says Ajith Rego, a guest.

Kafir Mishi is a surprise dish which is cooked live in the midst of the guests. Cooked mutton with roti on a barbeque grill makes its rounds from table to table. It’s served hot to all the customers.

While the guests are busy feasting, the in-house waiters entertain you with a dance based on famous bollywood numbers. Some guests too join them on the floor making for wholesome entertainment.

Affordably priced mocktails are one of the highlights of Wahrabia at Barbeque Nation. Cirtus Mint Cooler, a blend of orange juice, mint leaves, blue curacao is nice and chilled. Royal Blossom is a mixture of guava juice, mint leaves, lemon and ginger. Pink Laban is full of yoghurt, strawberry and bananas. Sex on the Beach as the name suggests is a beach drink with a mix of cranberry, orange, lime, peach and apricot crush. 

With Starters and main course done, there is still too much on offer with the desserts in waiting. Bakalva, dry fruits stuffed into a puff and Muhallabieh, an Arabian milk pudding are the two desserts from the Middle East. The regular desserts such as Fresh Cut Fruit, Coconut Walnut Pie, Halwa-E-Gajar, Angoori Gulab Jamun, Ice Cream, Date Pastry, Dark Choco Brownie are nice as always.The kulfi counter has six flavours to choose from: Malai, Kesar–Pista, Fig, Paan, Mango and Strawberry. The kulfis are creamy and sweet. You can let the experts at Barbeque Nation to give you an exclusive kulfi.

Gopal Kumar Singh, the Head-Chef, said that Arabian food is served along with regular dishes as the spice and taste levels are different in Mangaluru. “We are offering Arabian food and the regular delicacies to the guests here, as the taste of Arabian food is different and spicy. That’s the reason we have shuffled both in the menu,” he said.

So for all those who want to have a bite of the Arabian food here at Wahrabia, it’s as they always say here, “Do not restrain your indulgence. Ask for repeats as long as you enjoy!!”

Incidentally, Barbeque Nation’s next outlet down south will be inaugurated at Kochi. It’s a dream come true for foodies at Kochi, as Barbeque Nation will be hosting many such food festivals there too. So Kochi…are you ready????