This hidden BBQ spot is taking Dubai's culinary scene by storm

Al Quoz Industrial Area 4 is a typical industrial landscape—low-rise warehouses, dusty roads winding through factories and storage units, trucks bustling back and forth. It's far removed from the glamorous side of Dubai, with no towering skyscrapers, pristine beaches, or luxurious resorts in sight.

But nestled amidst the concrete and metal of Al Quoz 4 is a gem that’s rapidly turning this area into a hotspot for food enthusiasts: Big T’s BBQ.

This unassuming Texas-style barbecue joint, named after its owner, founder, and head chef Fadel 'Big Tasty' Faour, operates just three days a week yet has earned a dedicated following of customers willing to wait for over an hour to savor its legendary brisket.

'I'm humbled and proud to receive so much attention from those who love to discover new flavors,' says Palestinian chef Fadel, who grew up in the UAE. He adds that many of his regulars have become close friends over time.

One of the main attractions here is Faour’s massive 1,000-gallon Texan smoker, which he claims is the largest of its kind in the UAE. His aim is to recreate the authentic flavors of Texas, even going as far as importing post-oak wood from Texas for the perfect smoke.

'Oak is what they use in Texas. It’s like the spice of barbecue — each wood gives a different flavor. I aim to keep it as authentic as possible,' says Faour. 'If you’re looking for true Texas barbecue, not just any state’s, but real Texas BBQ, this is it.'

A true taste of Texas

Food has always been a part of Faour’s life. His parents ran a chocolate factory and an import business in Al Quoz Industrial Estate, while he nurtured a deep passion for cooking. In 2016, after years of traveling and volunteering in kitchens, he enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan and gained experience in some of New York’s top kitchens. 'I was always eager to dive into the world of food,' he recalls.

A trip to Texas in 2019 introduced Faour to the world of barbecue. He spent months living with a friend, sampling the best smoked and grilled meats. It was during this time that he purchased his iconic smoker — long before the idea for Big T’s even took shape.

'Good Texas smokers are hard to come by,' he says, explaining that they’re handmade and often come with year-long waiting lists. 'I knew I wanted to open a restaurant, but I wasn’t sure when or where at the time.'

When the pandemic struck in 2020, Faour returned to Dubai. With the family’s chocolate business forced to close due to lockdowns and restrictions, he saw an opportunity to put his culinary skills to work and turn his dream of opening a restaurant into a reality, repurposing the now-vacant warehouse.

In 2022, Faour brought his smoker to Dubai and opened Big T’s BBQ that December. The setup was basic: a hand-painted sign above the door, a handwritten menu taped near the cash register, fluorescent tube lights reflecting off the concrete floor, and mismatched furniture.

But the minimalist, cafeteria-style décor wasn’t what brought people in. They came for the beef. Brisket, short ribs, pastrami, sausages, burgers, and crispy double-fried beef tallow fries, along with a rotating menu of weekly and monthly specials. The brisket, now Big T's signature dish, is smoked for 12 to 16 hours a day.

'We just cook it until it's right. There’s no exact time or temperature — we just check it until it feels done. A lot of it is based on instinct,' says Faour.

When Big T’s BBQ first opened, Faour struggled to meet the overwhelming demand, often selling out by mid-afternoon. As the popularity grew, he invested in not one, but two additional smokers, tripling his capacity to serve more customers.

'Now, we only sell out once every three months,' Faour says. While options might be limited in the final hour before closing, he’s quick to reassure: 'You’ll always find something delicious to enjoy until we shut the doors.'

One in 18,000

Dubai’s culinary scene has gained global recognition, dominating the MENA region's 50 Best Restaurant list and becoming the first city in the region to feature its own Michelin guide. However, its budget-friendly dining spots are still relatively under the radar.

The emirate boasts around 18,000 food outlets, with its culinary landscape mirroring the diversity of the 200 nationalities living in the UAE. 'It’s one of the best cities in the world for a variety of food,' says Alex Augusti, a Dubai-based food vlogger behind Just Food DXB. His videos often spotlight affordable eateries in unexpected places, like Big T’s, which he refers to as his 'go-to' spot for all things meat.

'It’s rustic, rough around the edges, and that’s exactly why I love it,' says Augusti. 'The owner brings years of experience from the US and infuses his food with a real passion and enthusiasm.'

Augusti notes that Faour has 'shaken up the food scene' in Dubai, raising the bar for barbecue in the city, particularly the smoked brisket. 'He’s truly the leader in that area.'

Through his videos and reviews, Augusti aims to encourage visitors to look beyond the city’s shopping malls and luxury resorts. 'The best experiences come when you explore new foods and cultures. Places like Big T’s, tucked away in the middle of nowhere, are perfect examples — you might just find the best food in the city there,' he says.

The attention from adventurous foodies like Augusti has helped elevate Big T’s standing in Dubai’s culinary world, and Faour is now working on his second project, which he’s keeping a secret until its official launch.

'I love barbecue, but as a chef, I want to keep things exciting and continue experimenting with new ideas,' Faour adds.