If it’s your first visit to Smokey Barrels, the menu throws up one genuine dilemma: a classic curry or the mixed grill? Both are core to what we do and neither is the “safe” choice. They’re just different nights out. Here’s how to decide.
The case for curry
Our curries are cooked the traditional way, with slow-cooked spice blends and fresh ingredients. This is the side of the menu for anyone who wants a warming plate of food with a proper sauce, whether that’s a Sunday night or a sit-down dinner with family.
Butter chicken is the pick if you want flavour without heat. Lamb rogan josh has more depth and spice, and chicken tikka masala sits in between. Vegetarians have paneer tikka masala and tarka daal. Between them they cover mild and creamy through to properly spicy, so the menu works whether you’re bringing spice-shy relatives or mates who order the hottest thing on principle.
The case for the mixed grill
The mixed grill is a different meal altogether. It comes out of the tandoor: chicken tikka, garlic chicken tikka, seekh kebab, chicken wings, a lamb chop and masala fish, all on one plate. It’s for anyone who wants a big, shareable spread rather than a sauce-based dish.
The Mega Mix Grill is the one to know about. It shares between three, adds a battered prawn to the line-up, and on a birthday or a big night out with friends it tends to end up in the middle of the table. If there are fewer of you, the Medium shares between two and the Classic Small is a meal for one.
Can’t decide? Do both
You don’t have to choose. Order a grill and a curry for the table, add naan and rice, and everyone picks at both. It’s the easiest way to work out which side of the menu you prefer for next time. The full range is on our food menu.
A few practical tips for your first visit
Coming as a group: the grills are built to share, so with four or more of you, a couple of grill platters and a couple of curries down the middle of the table works well. For a bigger celebration, look at our private event hire for 70 to 150 guests.
Watching the match: if you’re in for live sport, a grill to pick at and a pint from the drinks menu is hard to beat. Burgers are on the menu too if someone at the table isn’t in the mood for Indian.
Spice levels: don’t assume “Indian restaurant” means “hot restaurant”. Ask your server. Dishes range from mild to seriously spicy, and the staff will steer you based on what you’re used to.
Visit Smokey Barrels
Smokey Barrels is at 1741 Coventry Road, Birmingham, B26 1DS, with free parking on site. Whether you land on curry or the mixed grill, you’ll be eating with the game on in the background and a cold drink in hand.
Ready to try it? Book a table and find out which side of the menu wins you over.
