Sweet Chili Jam

In the heart of Houston, where the scent of oak smoke mingles with the city's diverse culinary tapestry, brothers Don and Theo Nguyen ignited Khói Barbecue in 2017. Born from a desire to honor their Vietnamese heritage while embracing their Texan roots, Khói—meaning "smoke" in Vietnamese—melds the soulful depth of Central Texas barbecue with the aromatic complexity of Vietnamese cuisine. Signature dishes like brisket phở and bò lá lốt sausage exemplify this fusion, capturing the essence of two cultures in every bite. What began as a backyard experiment has since evolved into a celebrated pop-up, with plans underway for a permanent home in Houston's Near Northside, solidifying Khói's place in the ever-evolving narrative of Southern barbecue.