Barbecue Times opens in Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA — When Vik Bansal and Anuj Batra began developing their first restaurant, they wanted to ensure their concept was unique. 

While they knew they wanted to open a buffet restaurant, they researched ways to add a new twist to all-you-can-eat. 

“There are so many restaurants. A buffet is going to be common, so what’s a special thing we can give to our clients?” Bansal said. 

For the concept, they decided to fit each table with its own charcoal barbecue grill, billing the idea as a first in North America. Barbecue Times officially opened at 1900 Fowler Dr. in Mississauga on April 8, fittingly in the home of a former gym. 

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“Barbecue is popular, but gas grills are common. It already exists with Korean barbecue places,” Bansal explained. “The smoke of the charcoal actually gives flavour to the meat.”

For the grill, guests are served a range of skewers of mainly Indian flavours, such as chicken tikka, lamb kebab and paneer. 

To boost the interactive concept, guests are given several spices and sauces to season the meat as it cooks. 

Each table is also fitted with its own exhaust hood and sprinkler system. 

“We’re from India, so we know a little more about the cuisine,” said Bansal. “It’s always good to do something you know about.”

Alongside the barbecue pits, the 150-seat restaurant has a traditional buffet and full bar. 

The buffet is stocked with chicken and goat curry, soups, butter chicken, several paneer dishes, Chinese and Italian dishes, as well as North American-style salads.

“We tried to add a little fusion,” Bansal said. 

The price for the buffet ranges from $18.99 for lunch to $28.99 for dinner on weekends. 

Bansal added all of the meat used at the restaurant is halal certified and vegetarian skewer options are also available. 

“We have tried to keep everybody in mind, from their taste to emotions,” he said.