By Jessica Mathiasz 

For the longest time, to me, BBQ was just marinated, grilled meat with some salad on the side at a cousin's birthday. Don’t get me wrong, those BBQ meals were amazing. But I didn’t know what BBQ was supposed to taste like until I tried real BBQ. Now I judge every BBQ place I try out based on two things: 1) Does it make me involuntarily close my eyes on first bite? 2) Would I order just for myself instead of sharing? The answer is yes and yes for these 5 places. 

BBQ Station 

Just writing about BBQ Station makes me want to make plans to go there again soon. That's how good the food is. I have two dishes that I always order, the mixed meat platter for two and the pork ribs. How do I even explain how good it is? The first time I tried it, I couldn't believe how amazing it was. Especially the pork ribs. The sauce is to die for, the char is perfect, and they're so tender. Their sides are some of the best I've ever had. So if you want proper BBQ without the fuss, this is your spot. Just go hungry, bring a friend, and thank me later.

Meat Us 

Meat US is the real deal. You know that feeling when you walk into a BBQ place and the smell alone makes your stomach growl? That’s what happens here. In my "not a food critic, so don’t quote me" opinion, I think they have some of the best flavours out there, and I think they’re one of the OG BBQ places in Sri Lanka. They’ve mastered the trifecta in BBQ science: the sauce, the heat, and the MEAT.
My favourite dishes from Meat US are, of course, the pork ribs (which are an 11/10, by the way) and the chicken, which has great flavour.

Masma Eat BBQ 

This is my friendly neighbourhood BBQ spot. I’ve got takeout from here multiple times. They never disappoint, and the food is just… chef's kiss. I always get their honey-glazed pork ribs with the special ‘daiya’ sauce, and garlic bread. Now that. Is. A. Meal. I love their food. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. 

Meat Carlos 

I have not tried this BBQ spot yet. But I’ve heard really great things about the cook of the meat, the sauce and the flavours of the BBQ meals at Meat Carlos from multiple friends. It’s definitely on my ‘must-try soon’ list... and it should be on yours too. 

Kang’s BBQ 

Let's take a quick detour from regular BBQ. If you like BBQ, you should try Korean BBQ. It's a whole other experience (and you'll probably love it). Don't worry if you're new to this; the staff here are super helpful. Order the marinated pork and chicken. It comes half-cooked for you to grill right at your table. You get to play chef before eating (fun, right?). Once cooked, wrap the juicy, flavourful meat in lettuce with kimchi and other side dishes, make a little wrap, dunk it in ssamjang (the spicy-sweet sauce), boom, flavour explosion! Plus, free refills on banchan (those tasty side dishes) and salad leaves.