Kent Black x KHOI: Bold BBQ Fusion in Texas

At the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival, Kent Black ran into some delightfully unexpected BBQ: brisket pho, whole hog with garlic rice, and a bold, beautiful blend of Vietnamese tradition and Texas barbecue. It came from Don Nguyen and his brother Theo, the founders of KHOI Barbecue out of Houston — and Kent knew right away he had to learn more.

KHOI (which means “smoke” in Vietnamese) has been turning heads with its unique take on Central Texas BBQ, layered with deep Vietnamese flavor. Born in Vietnam and raised in Texas since he was five, Don's journey — like his food — is a fusion of heritage and place.

 

Blending Cultures Over Fire

Don explained how KHOI marries low-and-slow brisket with Vietnamese classics. Think:

• Brisket pho
   
• Beef ribs with curry and rice
   
• Ribs glazed in fish sauce
   
• And their show-stopper: whole hog Carolina-style, paired with garlic rice and a house-made chili jam
   

“We're immigrants here, and we're trying to tell our story through food,” Don tells Kent.

That story? It's one of honoring Vietnamese flavors while embracing the smoke and fire of Texas barbecue. And judging by Kent’s reaction to his first bite, it's a story that's hitting all the right notes.

 

“Hold Me Up, Don!”

Kent tried KHOI's signature dish: whole hog served over garlic rice with crispy skin, a fish sauce glaze, and a spicy-sweet chili jam.

“Oh my god, Don. Hold me up. Woo! Y'all got to try this.”

It's the kind of bite that catches you off guard in the best way — salty, sweet, crunchy, and full of flavor. For Kent, it was a reminder of what barbecue can be when cultures come together: something new, something grounded, and something worth sharing.

“It's beautiful what cultures bring to Texas barbecue and make their own.”

 

BBQ as Common Ground

The conversation between Kent and Don wasn't just about the food. It was about roots, family, identity, and the pride that comes with feeding people something meaningful. From Ken’s family roots in Germany to Don’s family roots in Vietnam, barbecue in Texas is shaped by the people who make it their own.

“Whatever you're doing, keep doing it. I can tell y'all are going to be very successful.”

 

Visit KHOI Barbecue

If you're in Houston, stop in and see what KHOI is all about. Located just two miles north of where the Astros play, you’ll get the warmth of a neighborhood spot with the boldness of a pit that knows where it comes from.

 

Watch the Full Interview

Catch Kent's full conversation with Don from the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest on YouTube:
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