Chennai's love for barbecue restaurants stems from a variety of factors:

• Diverse Flavors: Chennai's food scene is known for embracing a wide array of flavors, and barbecue perfectly fits this preference. Barbecue restaurants often offer a range of marinades and spice blends, catering to different palates.
• Social Dining Experience: Barbecue is often a social affair, making it ideal for gatherings with friends and family. The interactive nature of grilling, where diners can often customize their dishes, adds to the appeal.
• Novelty and Variety: Barbecue restaurants offer a change from traditional South Indian cuisine, which dominates the local food scene. The novelty and variety attract those looking for different dining experiences.
• Increasing Disposable Incomes: With rising incomes, more people can afford to dine out and explore different cuisines, including barbecue.
• Influence of Global Trends: The growing popularity of barbecue worldwide has influenced the food scene in Chennai, with many restaurants adapting and incorporating barbecue into their menus.

In summary, the popularity of barbecue restaurants in Chennai is a result of the city's diverse culinary tastes, the social dining experience that barbecue provides, a desire for novelty, and the influence of global food trends.