Why are Mixed Grills so Popular?

Mixed grills have become increasingly popular since the 2010s.

They have emerged as staples within Desi pubs and have won the hearts and stomachs of many people across the UK.

Many flock to Desi pubs to enjoy a mixed grill, whether they see them on Instagram or hear about them from friends.

Few dishes match the appeal of these sizzling platters, which entice the senses and provide a social experience to anyone who walks through the door.

Join DESIblitz as we explore what has made this culinary fusion so popular.

The History of Desi Pubs

Historically, British Asian people faced a lot of segregation in English pubs, and Desi pubs were formed to fight against segregation in bars during the 1960s.

This discriminatory practice was legal until the Race Relations Act in 1965. After this was implemented, many people from the Indian Worker’s Association protested this malpractice.

Subsequently, many of these English pubs lost their licenses, creating new Desi pubs.

By the 1970s, Desi pubs had become famous throughout the West Midlands, especially among the working class and football fans.

Following this, Balti houses began to emerge in Birmingham.

These establishments brought flavours from all over the South Asian subcontinent.

These restaurants have been immensely successful, making South Asian cooking popular in the UK.

The UK’s national dish is chicken tikka masala, which shows widespread appreciation for South Asian food.

Desi pubs provide the atmosphere of a pub while offering a restaurant’s variety, making them appealing to a diverse audience.

They are a great example of multiculturalism as they have broken through racial and ethnic barriers to create an environment that everyone can enjoy.

A testament to their popularity is how these Desi pubs have survived the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when many restaurants struggled.

With many other establishments having to shut down after years in their communities, Desi pubs have grown due to their versatility and the demand for food.

What is a Mixed Grill?

A mixed grill refers to a style of cooking. It often involves marinating meat and fish in a mix of yoghurt and spices before being cooked in tandoor, adding a unique smoky flavour.

Common items include seekh kebabs, lamb chops, chicken wings and chicken tikka.

Many Indo-Chinese recipes are included under this mixed grill umbrella and are often used to flavour meat substitutes for vegetarians.

The mixed grill is an excellent example of food fusion, with Indian ingredients applied to an English mixed grill.

English mixed grills traditionally consist of kidneys, bacon, steak, lamb chops and mushrooms.

The Indian mixed grill takes this meat-heavy foundation and makes it its own.

DESIblitz spoke to Mikey Singh, owner of Soho Tavern, a successful Desi pub in Birmingham.

He said:

“We have employed the best chefs from all over the world, creating some amazing dishes.”

This has drawn people from all over the country to try their food and highlights that each Desi pub creates its own interpretation of this famed dish.

This creativity and mixing of cultures allow for the food to be enjoyed by all.

Popularity among Health Enthusiasts

Generally, health and wellness are becoming increasingly popular among people in the UK.

With more British Asian men going to the gym and prioritising fitness, a high-protein diet has become increasingly desirable.

Mixed grills are protein-heavy meals that use lean meats, perfect for those interested in building muscle and strengthening.

Mikey Singh says: “They are a good balance between a healthy diet and an indulgence in meat.”

Grilling is considered a healthier cooking method because it allows excess fats to drip away from the food. It is also said to preserve more nutrients within the food.

The vibrant flavours created by a mix of aromatic spices also provide many vitamins and nutrients that nourish your body while tasting great.

Turmeric and cumin, especially, are considered great antioxidants. They help boost the immune system and create an extra barrier against illnesses.

Garlic and ginger also help with the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties, which allow your joints and muscles to heal.

Furthermore, using seafood in mixed grills makes them rich in omega-3. This provides healthy fats to the body and is a preventative measure against cardiovascular diseases.

The Social Aspect

Desi pubs are more food-oriented, which draws in a more varied crowd than your traditional pub.

Mikey Singh says: “The crowds are quite diverse, and I’m not really surprised at any crowd that comes to the venue as the food offering is extensive and can cater to many needs and wants.”

He added that “the crowd diversity is quite vast whether that be age or ethnicity”.

You will often see families with young children coming to these establishments due to their less rowdy atmosphere.

In Soho Tavern’s case, Mr Singh says: “Our establishments are usually done to a higher scale than casual pubs.”

This means customers can feel like they have more of a restaurant experience than a typical pub.

Many sports fans also love these establishments as they are a more family-friendly way to view sporting events while spending time with the family.

People can grab a few pints while watching the game and enjoying food that consistently tastes good.

These pubs are predominantly Punjabi-owned and many of these have also been passed down through generations.

Many Desi pubs started with the need for Asian workers to have somewhere to go. Now, community and family are placed at the heart of these pubs.

The community is loyal to these establishments, and now generations of families also come to have a mixed grill and spend time with one another.

The Visual Appeal of Mixed Grills

Mixed grills are full of vibrant colours with a variety of meat and vegetables.

Their aromatic qualities and colourful presentation appeal to all the senses, with the sizzling sound creating intrigue and excitement.

They are often garnished with coriander, onions, lemon, and salad, which boosts their visual appeal and creates a mouthwatering meal.

Typically serving several people, a mixed grill remains in the diner’s mind and creates a long-lasting memory that will make them want to return for more.

Affordability

Another reason for the growing popularity of mixed grills is their value for money.

In the current cost of living crisis, going out for food is becoming more expensive.

Mikey Singh explains: “Despite our food being in a better setting and cooked by chefs with high accolades worldwide, we are actually really affordable compared to other grill places.”

Soho Tavern’s Soho Grill costs £17.25 and serves 2-3 people. Its curries and Indo-Chinese dishes average about £6.

Compared to more mainstream restaurants such as Nando’s, where a sharing platter for two is £27.75, and other dishes range between £9 and £12, Soho Tavern’s menu is much more affordable.

The menus are designed for multiple dishes to be ordered and shared among large groups. Therefore, restaurant visitors can sample various foods for an affordable price.

This also draws in a wide demographic, as everyone can enjoy the food regardless of budget.

Adaptable to Dietary Preferences

Mixed grills can accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs, meaning they can be meat and gluten-free.

Some Desi pubs have extensive vegetarian and vegan menus, and the mixed grill itself is naturally gluten-free, with options to order rice as a side instead of naan.

Common meat-free substitutes include paneer, aubergine and bell peppers.

The spice levels can also be adapted to the customer’s taste.

When discussing what draws people to Soho Tavern, Mikey Singh explained:

“Our vegetarian/vegan options are equivalent to our meat offering, which is very rare in the mixed grill scene.”

This allows everyone to enjoy the rich flavours that accompany a mixed grill regardless of their dietary preferences.

Celebrity Attention

The review you’ve all been waiting for tonight. @EddieHearn knows that the Railway Inn is numero uno. ? pic.twitter.com/KTtlMSliVu

— Andi Purewal (@andipurewal) June 21, 2024

In June 2024, boxing promotor Eddie Hearn visited the Railway Inn in the West Midlands.

This was widely documented on X, and he was seen giving the pub glowing reviews.

In the video, Hearn says: “Top, top draw, the mixed grill, unbelievable value, unbelievable quality.”

Desi pubs are associated with the sporting world, as many people go there to watch sports, especially football and boxing.

Therefore, sporting figures visiting these establishments will only boost their popularity in the future.

As Mikey Singh says:

“Mixed grills are popular because of many reasons, but to summarise value and versatility.”

“They are affordable and available in smart-casual environments.”

Mixed grills have a long history attached to them, making them loved by their communities and have become a place where families go regularly.

Their health-conscious preparation and diverse flavours make them appealing to all, and their communal aspect allows for a great social and culinary experience.

Mixed grills highlight how food brings people together and how successful fusion food has become.