Barbeque Nation - Lulu Mall, Thiruvananthapuram — Restaurant in Kerala

Barbeque Nation, Lulu Mall, Trivandrum: A Mixed Experience of Excellent Service and Overly Salty Cuisine Our recent visit to Barbeque Nation at Lulu Mall, Trivandrum, presented a stark contrast between exceptional service and a significant letdown in food quality, primarily due to excessive saltiness. The booking process was commendable. The app-based reservation system was efficient, promptly followed by a confirmation call from the restaurant and a WhatsApp message, ensuring a smooth arrival. Upon reaching, we were warmly greeted by the captain who professionally ushered us to our seats. The initial interaction was thorough, with the staff diligently inquiring about our food preferences, potential allergies, and desired spice levels. The table setup was impeccable, with cutlery, crockery, glassware, and water neatly arranged. Service throughout the meal was a definite highlight. The captain and servers were attentive and proactive, consistently ensuring we had everything we needed and offering refills multiple times. The starters, including the barbeque kebabs placed at the table's live grill, were served promptly, and the overall service in this regard was very pleasant. A minor hiccup was the delayed provision of hot water for my wife, which required multiple requests to different staff members. We also noted that the restaurant has a strict no-tipping policy, which was clearly communicated. However, the culinary experience was largely disappointing due to an overwhelming salt presence in most dishes. While the butter garlic fish was light and flavorful, approximately 70% of the food, including almost all the kebabs, was excessively salty for our palate, significantly impacting our enjoyment. A chicken wings-based Chinese dish had an unpleasant "blood smell" on two separate servings, despite our request for a replacement. The crispy corn, however, was a tasty exception. The prawns were satisfactory with an acceptable salt level, but the chicken, in particular, was notably over-salted, suggesting either over-brining or a chef's higher-than-average salt preference. The main course, including the biryani and salads, also suffered from high salt levels, although the gravies were palatable. On a positive note regarding the food, my wife thoroughly enjoyed the Indian desserts, pastries, payasams, and kulfi. The fresh fruit selection was also good. The pani puri chaat, presented creatively on a custom-designed plate, was a delightful and decently tasty addition. Towards the end of our meal, we reviewed the initial menu and discovered that tea, coffee, and aerated drinks were included in the buffet package for the first round. We ordered a Coke and Sprite, which were served without hesitation. The complementary kulfi and ice cream included with the buffet were also a nice touch. Despite the attentive service staff inquiring if we wished for anything further, we were unable to consume more due to the pervasive saltiness of the food, observing that other diners seemed to be enjoying the food, presumably having a higher tolerance for salt. The billing procedure was also very good. The process was smooth, and they accepted both cash and UPI payments. Our online app discount was seamlessly included when we paid with cash. While the service was commendable, we will unfortunately not be returning to Barbeque Nation due to our inability to genuinely enjoy the food. We would rate the service aspect 3.0 out of 5, primarily due to the single delay with the hot water. A key suggestion for improvement would be for the servers or captain to proactively communicate all inclusions of the buffet package at the outset, ensuring complete transparency regarding what is complimentary and what incurs an...

While I'm travelling in India, I ends up going to BN at last to fuel up my body craving for decent meats apart from the pure veg tiffin items that I am used to consume at most. The lulu BN is not far from most BN I dined in many Indian cities as well as the one in Kuala Lumpur. Anyway the ambience is top notch since its newly opened in Lulu mall like clean, bright and comfortable seats etc.

Let's talk about the buffet spread, I was extremely surprised that there are no one single green leafy salads items like lettuce, watercress, pakchoy, spinach, or even olives and tomatoes, apart from cucumber, carrots, onions and corns and raita types. Seems that's what this branch is offering, so I gotta just stick to those available and I was just ok with. The grilled meats are generally OK, but kinda salty side snd too charred into burnt in appearance, so I couldn't really eat much after all. The kadao paneer curry was flavourful and tasty, but it's too dry in texture since they were grilled like paneer tikka first and dunk into gravy. And ar BN, my all time favourite paneer tikka was cut into thin slice shape like tofu slice, resulting in again too dry and no moisture kept in when I bit. I hope they should cut the paneer into an equal size cubic sized chunks, not sliced!! For biriyani, there are only chicken or vegetables version, no mutton biriyani.

The fruits are only watermelon and papayas cuts, but the problem is that the papayas are too bruised and mushy, not freshly cut state!

Their kulfi is so good as expected!

Other than that, the food is just OK. I have had a better items in other BN outlets, so I don't think I will repeat here to be honest unless they improve such mentioned items.

The best part of all is that all the staff is kind, welcoming, and very attentive! Keep up...

BBQ Nation is an excellent place for food lovers, offering a fantastic dining experience with delicious grilled items and a wide buffet spread. The food quality is top-notch, with perfectly marinated and flavorful BBQ dishes, especially the starters. The main course and desserts are also well-prepared, catering to various tastes.

The ambiance is inviting, well-lit, and spacious, making it a great spot for family gatherings, friends' meet-ups, and celebrations. The AC is well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable dining experience, and the music adds a nice vibe without being too loud.

The service is outstanding, with the staff being extremely caring, attentive, and friendly. They make sure customers are satisfied, constantly checking on preferences and customizing dishes as needed. The entire staff is supportive, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

The place is hygienic and well-maintained, ensuring cleanliness at every level. The serving style is excellent, with quick refills and hot, fresh food always available.

For those who enjoy drinks, the bar service is impressive, offering a great selection of beverages that complement the grilled dishes perfectly.

Overall, BBQ Nation provides a premium dining experience with great food, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere. Definitely a must-visit!

Special thanks to staff the whole...