Okay, so it’s official. Barbecue parties are not nearly as lavish as the ones normally seen on television. Nevertheless, in their own way, barbeque nights are fast becoming popular in the city. From the rudimentary surround-the-charcoals-with-red-bricks-and-place-skewers-over to the mini round grills-on-wheels to a fancy barbecue pit, the barbecue gear encompasses them all.

What you need:

• Grills on wheels
• Skewers
• Good quality charcoal
• Meat and veggies
• Barbecue sauce

For grills and skewers:

• Scout out your local markets like Russell Market, Johnson Market or City Market, and surrounding areas, “gullies” in local-speak.
• Or else, you can check out stores such as Metro, Family Mart and Big Bazaar.

For charcoals:

• Check out for a local coal store near your area.
• Otherwise, you have your friendly neighbourhood presswallah to the rescue.

BBQ sauces:

Barbecue sauces are readily available in most supermarkets like Food World, Spencers, Monday to Sunday, All Saints, and Fatima’s to name a few. Don’t be surprised if you happen to get one at your local grocery store, occasionally housing a few branded items as well.

Cooking tips with charcoal:

• Place the charcoals in a pyramid shape at the centre of the grill.
• Use old newspapers, to get the fire started on the onset.
• Smoky and not flaming charcoal is what you should be looking at.
• Spread the coals evenly over the bottom of the barbecue.
• Turn them periodically using long tongs while cooking.

Post BBQ party: Maintaining the grill

• To keep your grill from getting crusty, spray it with non-stick cooking spray (like Pril/Lizol). Alternatively, brush it with vegetable oil before use.
• Try lining the cooking grates with heavy-duty aluminium foil for easier clean-ups and longevity.
• Be sure to change your charcoal and make sure the grill doesn't get wet.

Soak the cooking grates in warm, soapy water after use. Stubborn food particles can be cleaned with a wire grill brush or a steel wool pad (like Scotchbrite). However, don't overdo it, as grill surfaces can be sensitive.