Texas barbecue is one of the most sacred and prized components of the Lone Star State’s culture. Many Texans can remember their first bite of smoked brisket in barbecue sauce — a classic flavor palette crafted over a long lineage of pit masters kept many yearning for more. Luckily for Austinites, KG BBQ offers an Egyptian flavor and personality that adds to the appeal of traditional Texas barbecue
Awe-struck by his first plate of Austin barbecue, Cairo-native Kareem El-Ghayesh began to dedicate his life to the art of smoking meat in 2012. Upon his return to Egypt, El-Gayesh began his journey with a Weber grill and YouTube videos. Following his passion, El-Gayesh left his corporate finance job and came to Texas. Working hard in various spots around Austin over the years, like Kerlin BBQ and Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, the aspiring restaurant owner gained the confidence to open his own food truck, making barbecue infused with the heart and soul of his home country.
KG’s represents their masterful blend of cultures in their unique meat options like pomegranate & za’atar glazed pork ribs, sumac and cinnamon rubbed lamb shoulder, smoked kofta and more. The pork ribs, soft to the bite, rip right off the bone and a pomegranate glaze and za’atar dry rub combine to create a complex flavor. The use of pomegranate in a variety of dishes surprises the traditional Texas barbecue pallet, yet acts as a stimulating addition to the savory meats. KG’s oak wood-smoked brisket, a more classic central-Texas barbecue style, melts in the mouth with rich oak flavor and juice.
Honoring the Egyptian origins of the restaurant, KG’s rice bowls serve as the stars of the menu. Packed with a colorful array of Mediterranean ingredients like creamy tahini, crunchy candied nuts and ripe pomegranate seeds, the rice bowls provide a multifaceted flavor experience that compliments their meats. Add a little bit of their signature pomegranate barbecue to elevate the dish with another layer of tangy sweetness.
Although the restaurant’s strength shines through its meats, don’t discount the sides and refreshments. The mint hibiscus tea packs a flavorful punch with a refreshingly fruity taste and deep maroon hue. The cardamom pistachio rice pudding sells out quickly because of its rich consistency and powerful nut flavor.
Sitting at the corner of Manor Road and Airport Boulevard, just 10 minutes away from campus, KG BBQ serves colorful flavorful dishes out of a food truck and smokes its meats in another truck across the parking lot. Situated next to a beautiful wood deck with open seating and a TV, the ambiance of the establishment provides a classy food truck experience.
Those looking for a one-of-a-kind food experience that takes them across the globe while highlighting the familiarity of the Lone Star State can find it at KG BBQ. Although their dishes fall on the pricier side, the nuanced flavors and reinvention of Texas barbecue make it well worth the cost.
