Long story short in native Texan terms, if you don't try this place, "Bless your heart." We visited after falling in love with Kareem on Netflix, but stardom aside, this dude knows what GREAT FOOD is! I grew up in Texas and love the normal Texas staples (Post oak smoked brisket, pork ribs, peppered turkey breast, and sausage). All of that truly brings joy to my heart. All that said, I love bringing something new to the table that carries on tradition, while twisting things up a bit. Kareem has nailed it. In no particular order I've been to Franklin, Goldee's, Hurtado, Pinkerton's, Leroy and Lewis, Zavala's, Pecan Lodge and many more. Out of all of those, I have never tasted something that is so genuinely Texas, but also so genuinely not. What you do is honestly like it's own BBQ category. Food brings joy and what you bring is truly a euphoric feeling. For the run down, here is what we ordered: Pomegranate Glazed Pork Ribs - Gentle sweetness and cooked with the perfect bite Smoked Lamb Chops - Understand I grew up on a beef cattle farm and never had lamb until I was almost 40. These were so good that I want to quit my job and learn how to cook like this. Grilled Chicken Kebab - Again I'd almost kill to learn how to do this. Have Googled recipes and I am trying to replicate, but I know I will never be able to Baladi Salad - Cucumber and tomato salad on steroids. This will become a weekly family staple Mediterranean Rice - a perfect side that I would never expect with BBQ Egyptian Mac and Cheese - just to keep the review honest. Not a fan. Very soupy and dare I say "chunky". But hey, some may like it. Cardamom & Pistachio Rice Pudding - This one made my head spin. Listen I would honestly kill for some banana pudding and peach cobbler at any BBQ joint, but this...this should be on every menu in Texas. What was odd about this place, is that I ate to my heart's content, along with a great flight of beers from Oddwood on a near 100 degree day and I didn't feel like I needed a nap afterwards. Texas Monthly, it may not be "traditional", but if this place isn't on the Top 50 (really Top 10) within the next few years, I will no longer follow your list. Kareem, if you ever just fell like opening up an Egyptian BBQ class, sign me up. Otherwise if you are ever looking to hire an insurance guy to ditch his career and come work for you, let me know. Brother you know what you are doing and you are opening up flavors that have never been tried before. Well done friend!!!
Excellent spin on Texas BBQ! We ordered the lamb chops, potato salad and brisket bowl/lamb bowl. Everything was flavorful, meat tender, and the flavor and texture combinations in the brisket bowl and lamb bowl were well thought out and worked perfectly together! The servers at the food truck were friendly and there was plenty of misty fans in the seating area which was super helpful on a hot summer day. The food didn't leave us feeling sluggish, which is typical of bbq and we were served less than 15 minutes after ordering on a Saturday afternoon. The only reason I can't give this 5 stars is the cost- definitely not on the cheap side so can't visit too often but it's worth a visit at least once!
So the rumors are true... KG is the OG of BBQ! A mashup of flavors makes this original and not another BBQ trying to compete for basic BBQ. You'll drop some money but it's worth it to try everything. I must say the Mac and Cheese was a surprise! Even after stuffing your face you'll feel good because everything just tastes so darn healthy!
All. The. Lamb! Trust me, they're the "lamb ambassadors of Texas", and that's not an exaggeration. The lamb chops are amazing, cooked to perfect medium rare perfection, and the chimichurri that comes on the side enhances all the right flavors. The lamb bowl with lamb shoulders was also very good - meat was tender and flavorful. Next, we had the ribs - the flavors are great, but overall we didn't like it as much as the lamb chops. Doesn't mean that they're not good on their own, just that they can't compete with the lamb chops. Brisket was okay. For sides, potato salad was good, and so was the salad - very refreshing and a good way to break up all the rich BBQ meats. Dessert wise, the rice pudding was the best. Though the bread pudding wasn't too bad, just wasn't as good and light as the rice pudding. Overall, we'd come back to get our favorite things - lamb! Then a side or two and definitely end the meal with the rice pudding. You can order and claim a table at the brewery, go grab a cold beer while you wait and enjoy everything altogether. We went in the summer and it wasn't too bad outside with all the shades and fan.
What a yummy unique take on bbq! My partner saw something on YouTube about the owner who moved all the way from Cairo to Austin, changing professions to get this business started. I'm a fan, but it was slightly too salty for my taste. Still, we'll probably be back next time we're in Austin.
KG BBQ in Austin, TX, is a culinary revelation! This Egyptian BBQ fusion joint delivers an extraordinary dining experience. I indulged in the lamb shoulder, pomegranate glazed ribs, brisket, and all the Mediterranean sides, and let me tell you, they were all bomb! The lamb shoulder was tender and flavorful, melting in my mouth with every bite. The pomegranate glazed ribs were a perfect balance of sweet and savory, leaving me craving more. The brisket was expertly smoked, juicy, and absolutely delicious. The Mediterranean sides added an extra layer of delight to the meal, complementing the rich flavors of the BBQ with fresh, vibrant tastes. KG BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore a unique and sensational fusion of Egyptian and BBQ cuisine.
This place is located in the Mueler area of Austin and was walkable from my AirBnB. I remembered seeing this place featured on a BBQ show and thought it was such a unique take it. Food - The meal was a fusion of Arabic food (nut, pomegranate, cucumber, etc) and BBQ. Everything was so tasty! Meats were tender and flavorful. The rice was one of the best I've had. It is on the sweeter side but I enjoyed it. Service - Quick! I sat down inside Oddwell Brewing and a few minutes later, the buzzard thing went off. Ambiance - I ordered from a food truck outside so this is as expected. It was hot. Thank goodness it's okay to eat everything inside Oddwell, especially with a newborn with me. Overall great. Would order from here again if I'm back in the area.
An interesting take on Texas barbecue - there are Middle Eastern spices and condiments to go with your food, plus very good naan-style bread that you can eat the brisket with. The wait here is a bit shorter than at some of the flagship barbecue spots in Austin, so you won't be hungry for long. Try this if you're looking for a fusion that actually works!
We attended a wedding in Austin a few weeks ago that was catered by KG BBQ. On hand to serve his delightful dishes was the owner, CHEF KARGEM EL-GHAYESH. He gave up a banking career in Egypt after visiting Austin and then worked for several years at different BBQ and Butcher shops to perfect his recipes and smoking style. We had beef brisket, smoked chicken and fish. All were tasty and plentiful. The side salads a perfect compliment. I wish I had brought to-go containers with me. I would have filled them up.
What a beautiful fusion. We had the brisket bowl and lamb bowl. These were incredible and so big I could only eat half! I loved all the flavors! The rice, the meat, the cucumber and tomatoes and the cashews and raisins made it really special. These are the same price as bowls and salads at most places I. Austin but with giant servings and quality bbq meat! We also tried the Zatarr ribs. Very good, so moist. The mac and cheese to me was more like a cheesy pasta but it was good. We had the pistachio rice pudding for dessert and it was perfect. So pistachioy and not too sweet. The outdoor seating was shaded, but it was hot so be aware of that. I think you could go inside the brewery but it was early and we weren't sure. This is my fav bbq I have tried in Austin. It was so unique and fresh feeling. I usually feel full and gross and bbq but this left me feeling great and ready to return soon.