Be your own chef at China Town BBQ

When I think back to my most memorable meals, it's the faces and laughter around the table that come before the food. Meals nourish not just the body but also the relationships we share.  At China Town BBQ in Gulshan 2, tucked away on Road 37 at House 35, my family and I felt that same sense of warmth around the tabletop stove.

Each table comes with its own stove and chimney, creating the feeling of dining abroad. While cooking your own food may seem redundant, it becomes a social ritual that makes the experience memorable. Dining is equally rewarding—you build each bite yourself. The restaurant offers condiments like chilli oil, spice seasoning, and soy sauce to customise flavours even further.

We sampled a variety of dishes from the extensive menu, which at first can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the staff was welcoming, guided us through the choices, and even helped grill when needed.

The only drawback is the frequent power outages, as the restaurant lacks a proper backup system—something that can dampen the otherwise unique and enjoyable experience.

Chinese Great Cold Noodles 

From steaming bowls of ramen to fried noodles off the stove, most noodle dishes in Bangladesh are served hot, symbols of warmth and comfort. Cold noodles, however, are the opposite; refreshing, with a slight kick to wake you up.

Famous in China, Taiwan, and the Koreas—each with its own iteration, this dish came with tangy broth, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a heavy sprinkle of sesame seeds. Texture matters as much as taste. The noodles are perfectly chewy, cooked to keep their bounce, while the raw vegetables add variety in each bite.

The broth leans towards vinegar's sourness, designed to refresh you on a hot day. Its zing is especially welcome when the table is filled with meat dishes. But finish fast—you wouldn't want your noodles to get warm.

Price: Tk800

 A19 Signature Secret Recipe Beef

The allure of a "secret recipe" is what first drew me in—what could be the mystery behind the beef's marinade? The staff brings out the raw marinated beef, which is then cooked on the tabletop stove.

It turns out that the key to the mystery was a peppery marinade. However, if you want the meat to be the star of the table, their "secret recipe" might fall flat. However, I quite enjoyed its mild flavours that don't try to fight with the other dishes on the table.

On its own, the beef's flavour is quite simple, making it the perfect foundation to construct your perfect bite. Add a bit of the provided seasonings and pair it with a rice dish, and you will find that the flavours come together seamlessly.

However, the cut is a bit more on the lean side, making for chewier bites. When they are fresh off the grill, they are a bit more forgiving. However, once the meat starts to cool, it does a number on your jaw.

If you want a bit more of a punch, pair it with the spicy seasoning or add bits of grilled garlic, which come with the dish. I paired it with the Chinese Great Cold Noodles—an odd yet delicious pairing. The options are truly endless.

 Price: Tk2,000

A23 Saucy Outside Skirt Beef

Like any normal patron, you probably visited this restaurant for its meat dishes, and you expect them to take the spotlight. In that case, this is probably the perfect option for you. Similar to the Signature Secret Recipe Beef dish, this one is also served raw and is meant to be cooked on the tabletop stove.

The cut of meat is significantly different from the rest, and is even one of their top recommended dishes. The beef is much fattier, meaning each bite will be tender and decadent—perfect for meat lovers.

True to its expectations, this one did not have to lean too much on its marinade; the flavour came from the meat itself. While you can definitely pair it with any carb of your choice, it is equally delicious on its own, which is reflective of the meat's quality.

However, this dish is perhaps the most time-sensitive compared to the rest. If you allow the meat to cool down, its fat will solidify, leading to a less agreeable texture. Have it while its hot, just as it comes off the stove.

Price: Tk1,800

Golden Beef and Egg Fried Rice

This fried rice dish was made to be the companion of their barbecue dishes. On its own, the dish is actually quite bland and undersalted. However, as it is perhaps meant to be paired with grilled meat, it does a great job of maintaining the balance of flavours. On top of that, if you want to customise your bite with salty seasonings or soy sauce, it would add to the salty flavour.

The rice had a pleasant texture, sticky enough to hold together without becoming mushy, and allowing all the vegetables and protein to mix with its flavours. However, the rice dish receives a common complaint about the lack of beef in it itself.

Price: Tk600

Beef and Lamb Skewers

The skewers are served pre-cooked, with pieces of meat and fat alternating on each metal skewer. The flavours from the fat seep into the meat it is sandwiched between as it cooks, adding to the robust, savoury taste. It is like a flavour bomb in each bite.

Though the base of the skewers' flavours is similar to the beef marinades, the skewers carry a much smokier flavour. This is what essentially helps them stand out in a menu full of protein dishes.

However, as the pieces come pre-cooked, you have less control over the doneness of the meat. Both skewers are on the chewier side, even chewier than the signature Secret Recipe beef. Despite its complex flavours, its texture ended up being its biggest weakness.

Price: Tk120 per skewer (for both beef and lamb)