A Lot of Chinese dining is about sitting around the table with your family and friends and sharing food. Think hotpot and tabletop grills.
Culturally, we Bangladeshis share this communal eating style so it’s a no brainer that Chinese BBQs are now opening in Dhaka.
Ruyi Barbecue provides a live cooking experience where guests can enjoy tabletop barbecue. But that's not all. The restaurant features bold and authentic flavours of Chinese barbecue, steering clear of the fusion twists that have become common in Dhaka over the years.
“Most people in Dhaka seem to believe that Chinese food is bland and lacks flavour because they've only tried fusion variations or local Chinese dishes. I want to show them just how flavorful authentic Chinese barbecue can be,” said founder Anisur Rahman.
Keeping true to that promise, Ruyi, means “authenticity” in Chinese.
Food
We began our meal with an array of scrumptious skewers, each generously marinated with a house-made dry Chinese spice rub. Every skewer was served in sets of three, offering a delightful variety; from the chicken skin, crab sticks, chicken sausages, tender squid, and flavourful grilled chicken wings. Each skewer was a treat and skillfully grilled to attain the irresistible smokey char.
The marinade itself was an exciting blend of savoury with just a slight spicy kick, without overpowering the individual taste of each meat. The balance between the spices and the smokey touch was impeccable, letting every bite shine on its own.
To complement the meat-heavy meal, we were served a refreshing side of cabbage and a crisp cucumber salad. These dishes not only fulfilled our vegetable requirements but also gave us a new appreciation for cabbage as just a side dish. The freshness of the cucumbers provided a cool contrast to the richness of the skewers, creating a well-balanced experience.
We enjoyed an interactive tabletop live cooking experience with Korean beef slices. The slices were cooked to perfection in butter, making them a true highlight.
The succulent dish had a rich, savoury flavour that was truly memorable. It was accompanied by two distinct dips: one was a slightly spicy savoury sauce that packed a punch, while the other was a Chinese spice rub that was predominantly savoury.
The dips complemented the skewers, beef slices, and salad beautifully, enhancing the meal's overall texture.
The beef slices were served with a bowl of savoury Cantonese-style noodles, topped with a perfectly fried egg. The noodles, tossed in hot oil with well-seasoned vegetables, were delightfully al dente.
The addition of eggs on top provided a significant boost of protein. The combination of noodles, vegetables, and eggs created a delicious mix. When paired with a dab of the saucy dip on the side, it formed an explosion of flavours that made every bite irresistible.
To finish off our meal, we enjoyed refreshing glasses of iced black tea and fresh green apple juice. While both beverages were delightful, the iced black tea stood out with its robust flavour. We truly savoured the cold, invigorating taste of the tea.
For dessert, we had fried milk, an interesting sweet treat with a creamy milk filling encased in dough, fried to a golden perfection like a roll, and served with a side of rich, thick milk dip.
The price range of each item at Rui Barbeque is Tk50 to Tk1,800 per piece.
Ambience
Ruyi Barbecue, located at Gulshan, captures the essence of Chinese culture. The space is brightly lit yet maintains a calm and inviting atmosphere, with soft ceiling lights accentuating the off-white seats and wooden tables and ceilings. Pops of red and white decor are scattered throughout, creating a warm and welcoming vibe.
Challenges
Opened in January 2025, Ruyi Barbeque has quickly attracted a niche clientele, although they have not yet focused on marketing and are currently relying heavily on word of mouth.
"We have not invested in marketing so far, but word of mouth has been effective, especially among corporate clients who are more familiar with the flavours of authentic Chinese food," said Anis.
The restaurant’s current niche clientele is partly due to the fact that many people may not fully appreciate authentic Chinese cuisine without proper exposure. This makes it more challenging for the general public to connect with the dishes unless there is increased marketing, said Rahman.
"My menu may confuse those who are not familiar with authentic Chinese barbecue, but I plan to bridge that gap through more targeted marketing," Anis added.
Verdict
All the skewers are must-haves, as well as the Korean beef slices and the noodles. We truly appreciate the richness of flavours in Chinese barbecue dishes, and we’re confident that you will have a similar experience when you visit.
