Khublai Khan’s is a new Glasgow restaurant which will offer discerning diners the chance to cook for themselves when it opens on June 30th. The Mongolian barbeque restaurant is the second of its kind to hit Scotland. And owners Alasdair McRobbie (37) and his brother Andrew (35) reckon it will change the face of dining forever when it’s launched in the Merchant City’s trendy Candleriggs. Having opened their Leith restaurant with the help of Virgin boss Richard Branson in 1995, the brothers felt it was time to bring the concept to Glasgow. The Mongolian Barbeque found its origins in the 13th century when the warriors of the Great Khans, who ruled Mongolia, were rampaging through Eastern Europe. Using their upturned shields as woks they would prepare their evening meal over the camp fires. They would then add their own herbs, spices, sauces, and aromatic oils which they carried with them, to create a huge stir-fry. Explains Alisdair, a serving Virgin Atlantic airline pilot: “That is basically what we do at Khublai Khan although we’re a bit more civilised about it”. At the restaurant, which has been designed by the design and build team at Project Management Partnership and Dunn’s Interiors, diners will be able to enjoy anything from a light snack to a banquet, and a beer to a Mongolian vodka. And there’s a special three course meal available for under £14 from 6pm. “For that price you can choose a starter from a menu ranging from garlic bread to wild boar, before being given an empty bowl and making your way up to the BBQ area where some 15-16 different types of raw veg, and different meats and seafood are displayed.” says Alisdair. Diners help themselves and add herbs and spices (approx 16) and aromatic oils and sauces (approx 15) to create their own meal. Then they move over to the huge open hotplate where they watch the Grill Chef stir-fry their dish in front of their eyes. There is a large recipe board to help the culinary challenged and diners can return to the BBQ as often as they like. Desserts are served in a similar fashion to the starters (all home made, including the ice-creams and sorbets). Eating at the restaurant is an “experience” which is reflected in the décor. One whole wall is covered by a specially commissioned mural of Mongol warriors at the charge. The Great Wall of China has been recreated (on a smaller scale) and the walls are adorned with fabrics and Mongolian artefacts. Adds Alisdair: “The restaurant is great fun, informal, and relaxed. It is perfect for large groups and parties as it seats 120. Leith has now become THE venue for group nights out in Edinburgh. We hope it will be the same in Glasgow.” Khublai Khan’s will be open from 10am till midnight seven days a week and until July 9th diners will receive free house wine with their meal as well as a voucher for a free meal. And if you something lighter during the day, between 10am and 5pm, the restaurant will operate as a café/bistro offering speciality teas and coffees along with an interesting eclectic menu from noon to 5pm, ranging from salads, sandwiches and pasta to more substantial fare. Look out for a daily happy hour in the large bar 5-9pm when bar snacks will also be served.