Absolute Barbecues (AB’s) in Deira, Dubai. SUPPLIED

We didn’t expect a Tuesday dinner to turn into a mini celebration—but that’s exactly what happened when the Expat Media team rolled into Absolute Barbecues (AB’s) in Deira for a taste of their famous grill-it-yourself feast. Spoiler alert: we left full, happy, and plotting our next visit. It was our editor’s birthday, and guess what? At AB’s, birthday celebrants eat for free. Not only did they surprise her with a slice of cake and a rousing birthday song, but our lively server Suman was the MVP of the day. He made sure our grill stayed hot and stacked, refilling it with tender prawns, juicy chicken, beef and mutton, and smoky paneer before we even had a chance to ask. There's also an Indian-themed buffet to go with the live grill. “This is my kind of buffet,” one of our team members declared between bites. Every table at AB’s has its own live grill (ours had three!), which instantly turned dinner into a fun team-bonding experience. We argued (lovingly) over how long the prawns should be kept on the live grill (fueled by hot charcoal that surprisingly didn't blast smoke all over the place), debated the right number of sauces per skewer (consensus: four minimum), and dared each other to try the infamous Wish Grill—where you’ll find crocodile, quail, and goat brain. We chickened out this time. Next visit, maybe. The new summer menu added flair to familiar faves, and dessert (warm gulab jamun + ice cream) sealed the deal. The vibe? Super friendly, no-frills, and made even better by Suman’s impeccable service. So here’s the verdict: whether it’s your birthday, a Tuesday, or just because you’re hungry, Absolute Barbecues is where you light up the grill, laugh with your crew, and leave feeling like the main character. Don't miss it What: Absolute Barbecues buffer Where: Absolute Barbecues,enturion Star Tower, Deira Timings: 12pm–4pm & 6:30pm–11pm Contact: absolutebarbecuesme.com A condensed version of this story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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