Tag: texas barbecue

After Kafi BBQ got recognized by Eater Magazine as one of the best new restaurants in the country, I knew I had to try it for myself.

Barbecue is a tough game in Texas, let alone Dallas-Fort Worth, so a one-year-old restaurant making its way with guns blazing caught my attention.

Kafi BBQ is a Halal fusion barbecue restaurant that serves wagyu brisket and incorporates Middle Eastern flavors. Pitmaster Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi told the Star-Telegram that the brisket is Texas raised and sourced from Dallas-based Wagyu-X. The menu also has wagyu dino ribs, wagyu back ribs, wagyu burnt ends, wagyu strip steak and lamb spare ribs.

Another restaurant similar to Kafi in the metroplex is Sabar BBQ, who just announced they’re closing. Sabar served Pakistani barbecue like Sichuan lamb ribs and tandoori turkey. They were ranked within the top 50 on the 2025 Texas Monthly Barbecue list.

While Kafi offers a different kind of south Asian flavor, it’s another unique spin on the traditional Texas barbecue restaurant. If you liked Sabar, you’ll probably like Kafi.

What I thought about my $60 meal at Kafi BBQ

Texas Monthly’s Barbecue Editor Daniel Vaughn wrote in his review: “I couldn’t pick up a slice of lean brisket without it falling apart. The fat from those Wagyu briskets melts at a lower temperature, so that might explain the loss of structure.”

However, when I picked up a slice of the brisket, it stayed intact, but it was still able to be broken apart without utensils. Maybe I went on a day when the cut was perfectly cooked, slightly overcooked. My only critique is I wish it had more of a bark.

I am usually always more drawn to sausage than brisket (it may be the Californian in me who thinks tri-tip is superior) but at Kafi— though the Iraqi sausage was unlike anything I’ve had before — I liked the wagyu brisket more.

Abdul-Kafi said the sausage is inspired from his dad’s cooking while he grew up, “It’s made from 100% wagyu brisket trim, and has Iraqi kabob seasoning as well as roasted veggies.”

I tasted notes of cumin in the kabob seasoning the most, which is why the sausage was so unique. While guests shouldn’t skip out on the jalapeno-cheddar, they should absolutely try the Iraqi sausage if deciding between the two.

I also had to try the Texas Twinkie in honor of Keith Lee, who loved the Texas Twinkie from Hutchins BBQ. While you really can’t go wrong with the bacon-jalapeno-cheese and brisket combination, it was nothing out of the ordinary, and this menu item is not what makes Kafi special.

If you go, focus on the sausages, wagyu burnt ends — and don’t skimp from their gouda mac and cheese. And per Vaughn’s review, you must try the beef tallow fries.

Kafi BBQ is located at 8140 N MacArthur Blvd. in Irving. They are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. or until sold out. See their Instagram for daily updates.