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Burnt Ends (Photo by Kishan Patel)

Featured Article

East Meets South at Dhaba BBQ

Smoky meats, spicy sauces, and hoppy brews—Jay Patel’s Dhaba BBQ is serving up more than food; it’s creating flavorful connections one brewery pop-up at a time.

Article by Stacey Scott

Photography by Aaliyah Mann, Kishan Patel, Kathi Roll

Originally published in Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle

Picture this: the bold, smoky aroma of sizzling barbecue wafting through the air, mingling with the crisp, hoppy scent of a freshly poured local brew. That’s not a daydream—it’s exactly the kind of magic happening at Dhaba BBQ, where Jay Patel is serving up an experience that’s as much about community as it is about food.

For Jay, the story of Dhaba BBQ begins with a love for bold flavor and cultural fusion. The word dhaba comes from roadside eateries in India—unpretentious, welcoming spots where friends gather, food is plentiful, and the flavors pack a punch. When Jay brought that tradition here, he added an all-American twist: barbecue that speaks the universal language of fire and smoke.

But Jay wasn’t content with simply setting up shop and serving plates. He wanted Dhaba BBQ to be part of something bigger—a flavorful collaboration that could only happen when cultures, cuisines, and local businesses came together. That’s when the idea of partnering with breweries took root.

“Barbecue has this communal spirit,” Jay explains. “And breweries have that same vibe—people hanging out, enjoying themselves, tasting something unique. It just made sense to bring the two together.”

And bring them together he did. From limited-edition BBQ pop-ups at neighborhood breweries to custom menu pairings that highlight both the food and the beer, Dhaba BBQ has found the sweet spot where spicy rubs, tangy chutneys, and slow-smoked meats meet hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, and rich stouts. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.

One crowd favorite is Jay’s take on smoked Lemon Pepper Masala Wings, marinated in Indian spices and finished over the pit until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Pair them with a crisp pale ale, and the flavors practically dance. Then there are the burnt ends, lacquered with a sticky, spiced glaze that plays perfectly against the deep notes of a robust porter. And don’t get us started on the tikka pulled pork sandwich—yes, pulled pork sandwich—stuffed with masala pulled pork, piled high with a cilantro lime slaw, and slathered in chutney barbecue sauce. It’s the kind of bite that makes you stop mid-sentence and nod in pure appreciation.

Beyond the food and drink, though, there’s something else brewing (pun fully intended). Jay sees Dhaba BBQ’s collaborations as a way to build bridges—between cultures, between local businesses, and between people who might not have met otherwise. “Food has this way of bringing everyone to the table,” he says. “And when you add in a good local beer, you’ve got the start of a great conversation.”

The result? Brewery nights where strangers turn into friends, plates are shared, and the line between Southern comfort and Indian spice blurs deliciously. It’s a vibe, a movement, and a reason to mark your calendar the next time you hear Dhaba BBQ is popping up at a brewery near you.

So, whether you’re a barbecue purist, a craft beer aficionado, or just someone who loves a good time with great food, Dhaba BBQ is your ticket to flavor-packed fun. Come hungry, bring a friend, and raise a glass—the fusion is waiting.

 

Contact:
Dhaba BBQ
Thedhabbabbq@gmail.com
Facebook: Dhaba BBQ
Instagram: @thedhababbq

“Barbecue has this communal spirit. And breweries have that same vibe—people hanging out, enjoying themselves, tasting something unique. It just made sense.”

“The tikka pulled pork sandwich alone proves that the best flavors are born when cultures, cuisines, and creativity come together.”