Visit & Vibes

I was recently invited to check out Grilled by Ajay Kumar, which officially opened to the public on 30th July 2025. This was a pre-launch event, giving us a first look at what the new place has to offer.

Ajay already has his first restaurant, Swadish, located in Merchant City, which holds two AA Rosettes. Swadish has been a favourite of mine since it opened—you get top-quality service, stunning presentation, and every plate just tastes absolutely amazing.

Grilled, however, has a much more relaxed atmosphere. There are traditional tables as well as bar seating, giving off a casual yet stylish vibe. Whether you’re looking for a few small plates or a full-on barbecue feast, this place caters to all appetites.

As soon as I walked in, I got that chilled, welcoming feeling. It’s a nice contrast to Swadish, which leans more towards modern fine dining. Grilled feels laid-back and social, like the kind of place you’d happily hang out for hours. I loved the look of it right away and couldn’t wait to sit down and see what the pre-launch menu had in store.

Décor	★★★★★
Noise Level	★★★★★
Restaurant Temperature	★★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness	★★★★★
Background Music Level	★★★★★

The Food

Menu Choice

★★★★★

Tonight, we were treated to a taster selection of what Grilled will be serving once it opens. And if this preview is anything to go by, you’re in for a real treat.

First up was the Pani Puri—one of my favourites. This version was particularly good; the outer shell had an extra crispiness, which gave it a more satisfying crunch. That texture boost really made it stand out for me.

Next came the Chicken with Mint and Coriander Spice, and wow—this was perfectly cooked. The coriander was beautifully balanced and didn’t overpower the other flavours. I could have easily eaten a few more of these.

Then came the Lamb Kebab, and I have to say, it was one of the juiciest kebabs I’ve ever had. The flavour, texture, everything—it was absolute perfection.

These were followed by a duck dish, which was also very nice. It had a subtle duck flavour, which I personally prefer, and I really enjoyed it.

Next up was the Vada Pav Slider—this was really tasty, and the flavour was once again spot on. I’ve had this dish before, a long time ago, but tonight’s version stood out. Thanks to its well-balanced flavour profile, I’d say this was easily the best one I’ve had.

Following that came a Chicken Kebab on a skewer, and just like the lamb earlier, it was incredibly succulent. The seasoning was rich and full of flavour. Personally, I still think the lamb just edged ahead for me, but that’s purely down to taste—they were both excellent.

Then we were served Chicken Tikka, this one impressed me. It was perfectly grilled, tender, and had a lovely smoky depth to it. By this point, every single dish coming out of the kitchen was tasting incredible—and judging by the reactions around me, everyone was loving everything.

To round off the evening, we were treated to Mango Kulfi. I’ve had kulfi in the past and wasn’t overly impressed—it’s often bland or chalky. But this one? It was creamy, smooth, and bursting with mango flavour. I could’ve easily had a second helping.

Just when we thought we were done, we were given another kulfi—but this time, charcoal-infused. It sounded intriguing, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the result was surprisingly delicious. Still creamy and sweet, but with a subtle twist. Ending the night with these two desserts was a perfect choice.

Final Thoughts…

For a pre-launch evening, everything went down incredibly well. Looking around, it was clear that everyone was having a fantastic time—loving the food, enjoying the drinks, and soaking in the great atmosphere. The DJ was playing, the vibe was buzzing, and the energy in the room was just brilliant.

I honestly can’t wait to go back and try a few full-sized dishes—whether it’s more of the small plates or something from the main dish selection. If this evening’s preview is anything to go by, Grilled by Ajay Kumar is going to be an absolute hit—just like Swadish.

Huge thanks to Ajay and the whole team for the invite—I wish you all the best with this exciting new venture. I’m sure it’s going to be every bit as popular as Swadish, and I look forward to returning soon.

If what you’ve read has tickled your taste buds, go check it out for yourself. Try a few dishes, soak up the atmosphere—and do let me know what you think. I promise you won’t be disappointed. You’re going to love it.

Service / Staff	★★★★★
Ambience	★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING	★★★★★

It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.