Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through Instagram, mesmerized by mouthwatering pictures of perfectly cooked meat? The sight of succulent brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and glistening burnt ends, all bathed in rich, smoky sauces, is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble. These food porn videos, with their dramatic close-ups and lingering shots, often end with a satisfied, bearded man looking directly at the camera, as if to say, “Don’t you wish you were me?” Trust me, I do.
It’s no surprise that my fascination with these online culinary adventures often leads me to real-life restaurants. I’ve become a victim of my own digital hunger, lured by the promise of delicious food captured on social media. And the cycle continues: I take my own pictures, which I post online, hoping to entice others to experience the same culinary delights. It’s a never-ending loop, like the Circle of Life, but with smash burgers, beef links, and hot sauce instead of lions and gazelles.
Burnt Smokehouse: A Halal Barbecue Dream
Recently, I discovered a gem called Burnt Smokehouse, a new halal barbecue restaurant tucked away beneath a railway arch. This passion project, spearheaded by Sufia Khan, a mental health therapist, and her partner Abidur Tarafder, a former National Rail employee, is truly something special. They’ve teamed up with Tiberius Tudor, a Romanian-born American barbecue expert, whose name sounds like a character straight out of a Fast and Furious movie.
Tudor, after spending years perfecting his craft in Texas, recognized the need for a halal barbecue joint in northeast London. The result is a culinary haven with a smoker out back for brisket and lamb shoulders, and a magnificent, live-fire grill that dominates the open kitchen. It’s like something out of Mad Max: Fury Road, belching flames and smoke as it cooks sausages, chickens, and the star of the show – their mouthwatering burgers.
A Burger Worth the Hype
The burgers at Burnt Smokehouse are the real deal. Inspired by a viral Instagram video, I knew I had to try them. The juicy, smashed patties, with their generous amount of fat and a melted layer of American cheese, are encased in a sturdy bun, topped with grilled onions, house sauce, and crunchy homemade dill pickles. It’s a burger lover’s dream.
But Burnt Smokehouse is about so much more than just burgers. Their ribwich, piled high with shredded beef and tangy red cabbage, is a revelation. The tender, crispy lamb is equally delicious, begging to be pulled apart with greasy fingers. And let’s not forget the incredible beef links, which are best enjoyed with a generous dollop of Cholula hot sauce.
Rack City Ribs: A Roving Street Food Sensation
On another social media journey, I stumbled upon Rack City Ribs, a roaming street food vendor currently set up in the Duke’s Head pub in Highgate. The Duke’s Head, billed as London’s first “Country Honky Tonk Bar,” has an authentic American feel, complete with country signage, US beers, and a barmaid sporting a Stetson. It’s a perfect setting for Rack City Ribs, which brings a touch of Caribbean flair to its American-style barbecue.
Keon Cilly, the mastermind behind Rack City Ribs, brings his Jamaican heritage to the table with unique rubs, spices, and chili-infused sauces. His signature dish, the beef short rib, is a sight to behold: a massive piece of meat, slow-cooked, smoked, and drenched in delicious sauce. The pork ribs are equally impressive, boasting the perfect balance of tenderness and bite. And don’t forget the wings, steamed, smoked, battered, and deep-fried for a satisfying crunch.
Rack City Ribs is a testament to the power of social media to connect people with amazing food. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most delicious adventures start with a simple scroll through your Instagram feed.
