Hon's BBQ, the new permanent site in Hackney Wick, is serving Texan-Chinese barbecue that's winning over diners. The restaurant, which opened in the former Silo space, features a custom 500-gallon smoker and a menu that includes tender ox cheek and smoked duck pancakes. A meal for two costs around £140.
From Poker Table to Pitmaster
Owner Man Hon Luk discovered barbecue at Interstellar BBQ in Austin, Texas, after a tip-off at 3am over a poker table. He trained under pitmaster John Bates in 2022 and brought the technique back to London, infusing it with Chinese flavours. The smoker was sourced from eBay, and Luk crowdfunded £36,000 to secure the site.
The Dining Experience
The room retains its industrial shell from Silo days, with red accents, a projector screen, and decks for occasional music. Unlike typical barbecue joints, dishes arrive on metal plates with cutlery, and the atmosphere is refined rather than rowdy. The menu changes daily, and popular items like Taiwanese pork belly can sell out early.
Standout Dishes
The duck pancakes are a highlight, with brined and smoked bird that's blush-pink and carries a subtle frankfurter note from the smoke. The ox cheek, cooked for eight hours, falls apart easily and is served with pickled onions. Lamb breast is soft and seasoned with Xi'an-style spices, while the beef rib comes with a Sichuan-peppercorn sauce.
Sides like beef-dripping scallion rice and typhoon-shelter green beans provide balance to the rich meats. The green beans, blistered and topped with crispy garlic and chilli, are particularly praised.
A Welcoming Barbecue Spot
Hon's feels more like a restaurant that serves barbecue than a traditional barbecue joint, leaving machismo at the door. It's accessible in both price and atmosphere, making it a welcoming spot for all. Even on a Sunday afternoon, the dining room is full, and walk-ins are turned away.
