BBQ is an all-time favourite for most meat lovers, as the smoky flavour satiates the palate like nothing else can. It’s a culinary mainstay that has a global fan following. And why not?
It’s the perfect companion to summer evenings with its slow-cooked deliciousness and melt-in-your-mouth richness, sending your taste buds into a gastronomical orbit. In a world of rising fast food giants, gourmet cuisine and food aesthetics, BBQ still reigns supreme.
BBQ has come a long way from its origins in Caribbean cuisine, coined from the Taino word ‘barbacoa’. Adopted by the Spanish and later by Southern America, barbecued meat has adapted to regional flavours and spices, which bring its unique touch.
The slow-cooked, caramelised goodness of tender meat, accompanied by traditional sides like coleslaw, classic potato salad, and chargrilled butter cabbage, makes for a crowd-pleasing meal.
These smoky flavours have found their way to the UK, with many BBQ restaurants in Hoxton and Berwick serving up traditional hickory-smoked BBQs.
Often accompanied by craft beers, fried pickles, and other crowd favourites, these are revving up the London food scene in a big way.
In this article, we explore why BBQ restaurants like Red Dog Saloon are the next hottest trend in dining.
A Sensory Experience
BBQ in its simplest form is meat, fish or veggies, roasted over a grill fired up by hot coals or a wood pellet smoker. These are rubbed generously with a blend of spices and sauces that give it unmatched flavour, juiciness and texture.
Whether it’s barbecued chicken wings or a chuck roast, people of all ages enjoy BBQ for its rich taste and soul-satisfying sensory experience.
BBQ restaurants on the London food scene are curating some of the best BBQ offerings, with something for even the most discerning palates.
Ideal for Social Gatherings or a Night Out
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for the rise in popularity of BBQ restaurants is what they offer through their dining experience.
These restaurants often have open layouts with kitchens and communal spaces closer to the kitchen and the smoker. This makes for a unique culinary experience, where people can watch the process first-hand.
You can sit back and enjoy the aromas of spices and the innate smokiness of the grilled meat, which can prove tantalising for your senses. This is further complemented by an earthy decor, rustic vibes and outdoor seating.
It helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for an evening out or a summer brunch with family and friends.
An Inclusive Culinary Offering
While BBQ has predominantly been associated with grilled meats and fish, who says that’s all that can be barbecued? Today, chefs are experimenting with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options to satisfy the cravings of people with varied food preferences.
From BBQ mushrooms and spicy cauliflower steak to BBQ tofu and vegan sausages, the options are endless.
The best part, they all taste meaty and flavourful and are enhanced by smoke, making for a delightful meat substitute worthy of an indulgence.
Join the Slow Cooking Revolution
Tired of fast food that promises to satisfy your cravings but leaves your taste buds asking for more? BBQ dishes might just be the answer. BBQ restaurants have understood the importance of preserving tradition, culture and community.
They’re trying to infuse joy into meal gatherings, where people can reconnect over delicious, slow-cooked meals that are both tasty and nourishing.
Paired with tasteful beverages like craft beer, summer spritz cocktails or even a sangria, these meal gatherings become celebratory and memorable for all the right gastronomical reasons.
Feast Your Eyes
BBQ dishes are as much of a feast for your senses as they are for your eyes.
As a result, many popular BBQ restaurants have perfected the art of delicious smoky sauces as much as their plating and presentation. Whether these are platters of sizzling brisket with a bed of roast potatoes or juicy BBQ pulled pork, you can have your Instagram fan following drooling.
That’s not all. While the main dishes take away the crown of visual presentation, the sides are an equally delightful visual indulgence.
Together, they make for a mouthwatering combination that’s both Insta-worthy and palate-worthy.
Summing up
BBQ restaurants offer a fun dining experience that’s a blend of great food, memorable gatherings and a lovely way to preserve culture and traditions. While it’s come a long way, today BBQ has adapted to a variety of flavour profiles, making it a flexible yet unique culinary experience.
This includes a variety of ingredients, spices and techniques that are unique to their regions, like Korean-style barbecue, Texas-style barbecue or even the Creole-style barbecue.
British flavours have lent their distinctive influence on BBQ culture and are growing steadily in popularity.
Come summer, it’s time for some barbecue, so what are you waiting for? Head to your local BBQ restaurant today!