The World's Best BBQ

Who can resist the allure of smoky, charred meat fresh off the grill? Barbecue is more than just food; it’s a global phenomenon that brings people together. From the tangy barbecue of South America to the spicy, marinated meats of Asia, barbecue is a delicious way to experience a country’s unique culture and culinary traditions. Dive into our list of the top 10 countries (not including the United States) where barbecue is not just a meal, but a way of life.

1. South Korea: Gogigui

Korean BBQ, or gogigui, is a flavorful experience that you can’t miss. The grilling of marinated meats like bulgogi (beef) and samgyeopsal (pork belly) right at the table is a communal dining experience. The tangy, spicy, and sometimes sweet marinades, combined with an array of side dishes known as banchan, create a symphony of flavors.

2. Argentina: Asado

Argentina’s barbecue, known as asado, is a national tradition. Argentine barbecue focuses on high-quality beef, often cooked on a parrilla (grill) or open fire. The meat is seasoned with little more than salt and served with a delicious tangy chimichurri sauce, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine.

3. Brazil: Churrasco

Brazilian barbecue, or churrasco, is another South American delight. Featuring a variety of meats cooked on large skewers over an open flame, Brazilian barbecue is all about the experience. Most restaurants serve barbecue in an all-you-can-eat style, with servers carving the meat directly onto your plate, ensuring you won’t leave hungry.

4. Japan: Yakitori

Japanese barbecue, or yakitori, offers a refined take on grilling. Bite-sized pieces of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood are skewered and grilled over a small charcoal grill, then dipped in savory sauces. The focus on quality ingredients and meticulous preparation makes Japanese barbecue a must-try.

5. South Africa: Braai

Loud music plays and hungry bystanders dance around the braai, or “grill” in Afrikaans. This informal barbecue gathering, called shisa nyama (Zulu for “hot meat”), is a staple in South African culture. This beloved tradition brings together people from all walks of life, often held near butcher shops where you can purchase and grill meat on the spot.

6. Jamaica: Jerk BBQ

Jamaican jerk barbecue is famous for its spicy, flavorful marinated meats. Typically, chicken or pork is marinated in a mixture of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices, then slow-cooked over pimento wood. The result is a smoky, spicy, and aromatic delight.

7. Fiji: Lovo

In Fiji, the traditional method of cooking barbecue is known as lovo. This involves creating an underground oven where meats, fish, and vegetables are wrapped in banana or coconut leaves and placed on hot stones. The food is then covered with more leaves and earth, allowing it to cook slowly over several hours. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor and tender texture to the food, making lovo a central feature of Fijian feasts and celebrations.

8. Mexico: Barbacoa

Mexican BBQ, or barbacoa, involves slow-cooking meat, traditionally lamb, in a pit covered with maguey leaves. The slow-cooking method infuses the meat with a rich, smoky flavor. Barbacoa is typically served with fresh tortillas, lime, and salsa. This ancient technique dates back to the indigenous Taíno people, who cooked meat over a wooden platform above an open fire.

9. Philippines: Inihaw

Filipino barbecue, known as inihaw, often includes lechon (a suckling pig) roasted over an open fire for special occasions, as well as skewered meats marinated in a sweet, sticky sauce, grilled on street corners everywhere. The result is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Inihaw is often enjoyed during family gatherings and fiestas, reflecting the importance of communal dining in Filipino culture.

10. India: Tandoori

Tandoori, a highlight of Indian cuisine, involves marinating meats in yogurt and spices before cooking them in a tandoor, a clay oven. This technique gives the food a unique smoky flavor and tender texture, making dishes like tandoori chicken and paneer immensely popular. The vibrant red color from spices like turmeric and paprika, combined with aromatic seasonings, creates a delicious and visually stunning dining experience.

Barbecue is a universal language of flavor that offers a taste of a country’s culture and tradition. Each of these countries provides a unique and unforgettable barbecue experience that is well worth exploring.

References: The best barbecue from around the world | A Guide to BBQ Around the World – In all its Tangy, Spicy, and Charred Glory