Barbeque – and I'm talking good ol' on-the-grill, Southern American barbecue here – is not exactly the first cuisine you think of when you think of China. But here in Shanghai, we are treated to a whole host of global cuisine options, including this down home favourite. As you probably know, barbeque can come in a variety of styles, from sweet to tangy to downright spicy. Regardless of your preference, there are many decent options right here in the city. And while none on this list quite match what you can find if you travel to the South in the United States, these options will certainly satisfy the craving and act as great introductions to those who may not have sampled everything barbeque has to offer.

Photo: bbq-book.com

1) Bubba's BBQView In Map
Hands down the most authentic in Shanghai, Bubba's BBQ has made a name for itself in all things barbeque. Everything is smoked in-house (just check out the smoker in front of the Hongqiao location if you are in doubt). The pulled pork sandwich is juicy and flavourful, while the beef brisket always remains tender. Their house barbecue sauce is adequately tangy and goes especially well with the ribs. They just opened their third location on the Bund, so you know the fan base has grown far and wide. And if you really love barbecue, check out Bubba's barbecue competition held every spring – it is a great way to sample both home and restaurant-cooked barbecue from some under the radar companies.

Add: 2262 Hongqiao Lu (near Jianhe Lu branch), Shanghai
地址:上海 虹桥路2262号, 近剑河路
Tel: 021 6242 2612
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-00:00 (kitchen closes at 22:00)

2) Boxing Cat BreweryView In Map
The Boxing Cat Brewery has long specialised in doing a variety of foods decently well. And so they succeed with their barbeque pulled pork sandwich, largely due to the in-house made barbecue beer sauce. While the bread leaves something to be desired (as a general rule, barbeque should never be served on “fresh calzone bread”), the meat is what shines here – which is good, because that is really all that matters when talking about barbeque. Another bonus is the portion size, which is certainly generous, and pretty much guarantees that you will never walk away feeling hungry!

Add: 82 Fuxing Xi Lu (near Yongfu Lu), Shanghai
地址: 上海复兴路82号, 近永福路
Tel: 021 6431 2091
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 17:00-2:00; Fri, 15:00-2:00; Sat-Sun, 11:00-2:00

3) The Grumpy PigView In Map
The new kid on the block, The Grumpy Pig has been making waves for its delicious pork-centric menu. While the style of food is mixed (you can find anything from spring rolls to Japanese noodles to Hong Kong-nese pork toast), there is one dish on there that rises to the top of the bunch – the pulled pork sandwich. So tender and perfectly cooked that juice is literally dripping from the sandwich as you take each bite, you will wonder where this sandwich has been all your life. There is no “barbeque sauce” to speak of, which in this case is fine, as it lets the meat speak for itself. There is supposedly some bacon and onion relish smeared on top, but trust me, you won't really notice – or need - it.

Add: 65-4 Maoming Bei Lu (near Yan'an Lu), Shanghai
地址: 上海茂名北路65-4号, 近延安路
Tel: 021 6217 3355
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs, 11:00-22:00; Fri-Sat, 11:00-00:00

4) Southern Belle View In Map
The best part about Southern Belle is their outdoor grill. In the spring and summer, you can lounge out on the patio, order anything off their barbecue menu, and pretty much guarantee a delicious experience. The meat itself (you can choose from a variety of chicken, beef, or pork options) has a great smoky flavour fresh off the grill, but if you want something to spice it up, look no further than their three barbeque sauce options. The Sweet Bourbon is for those who crave the sweet. The All-Rounder is the one that will most likely satisfy everyone in a group by toeing the middle of the line between spicy and sweet. John's Carolina, however, is only for those who like it hot, hot, hot.

Add: 433 Changle Lu (near Xiangyang Lu), Shanghai
地址: 上海长乐路433号, 近襄阳路
Tel: 021 5403 3218
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-2:00

5) Glo LondonView In Map
Glo London is certainly the least authentic Southern American barbecue, but it has a great flavour for what it is. I particularly recommend the half chicken dinner, where a perfectly roasted chicken comes out smothered in a thick, stickily sweet “barbecue” sauce. It is certainly sweeter than any sauce you will find elsewhere on this list, but if you don't go into it expecting tangy, Southern barbeque, you'll find that it is delicious all on its own. It doesn't hurt that the sauce goes great with the accompanying roast potatoes and vegetables, either…

Add: 1 Wulumuqi Lu (near Dongping Lu), Shanghai
地址: 上海乌鲁木齐路1号, 近东平路
Tel: 021 6466 6565
Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 11:00-00:00

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