Khoi Barbecue

The basics: Vietnamese Thịt Nướng Pulled Pork, lemongrass- and garlic-crusted and smoked in banana leaves. Smoked Beef Rib Panang Curry, hit with local microgreens for good measure. Smoked Yard Bird Rice (Cơm Gà) with yuzukoshō. When brothers Don and Theo Nguyen announce their next Viet-Tex pop-up creation on social media—Khói translates to “smoke” in Vietnamese—Houston food-lovers pay attention. It’s Mutt City barbecue at its finest. Cheer on Don on this season’s “BBQ Brawl,” and visit them at a pop-up to get some damn good Viet-Tex ‘Q.
What the pitmasters say: “These days, there’s no shortage of great BBQ in Houston, but I get most excited about pitmasters putting out creative BBQ at pop-ups around town and Khói BBQ is one of my favorites. They serve some phenomenal Vietnamese-inspired Texas BBQ. The flavors and techniques are always perfectly executed and incredibly inventive.” - Erin Smith, Feges BBQ
How to book: Follow Instagram and Facebook for upcoming pop-ups.

Drawing inspiration from their Vietnamese roots (khói means “smoke” in Vietnamese), brothers Don and Theo Nguyen have gained a dedicated fandom at their young-gun pop-up, even picking a bunch of love from fellow Houston ‘cue comrades. While they use traditional techniques, their smoked goods simply hit different thanks to bold Vietnamese black pepper, unctuous fish sauce-spiked glazes, and creations that merge perfectly rendered beef brisket and ribs with ingredients like bún bò huế and panang curry dip.
How to support: Follow them on Instagram for location updates.