The Meat Mafia Podcast Kareem El-Ghayesh: From 9-5 Job In Egypt To Texas BBQ Pitmaster | MMP #278
In this episode, Kareem El-Ghayesh, the founder and pitmaster at KG BBQ in Austin, Texas, joins us today. His path from the banking sector in Egypt to the heart of Texas barbecue is incredible. Kareem has revolutionized the barbecue scene, fusing the unique blend of spices and techniques from Middle Eastern cuisine, with traditional Texas BBQ. Learn the tools and invaluable lessons that allowed Kareem to turn his life around, leave his country, pursue his passion and ultimately create his life's work.
Kareem was born and raised in Egypt. After tasting Texas-style brisket for the first time over a decade ago, Kareem became enamored and left his job in Egypt to live in Austin and pursue his passion to master barbeque. Kareem trained under legendary Austin pitmasters for years, allowing him to hone his culinary craft and eventually combine his Egyptian upbringing with Texas barbecue to launch KG BBQ. His passion project quickly became one of the hottest spots in town. Kareem is known to bring a fierce creativity, care, and passion to his art, which you can distinctively taste in his food.
Other topics include the art and science behind top barbecue, favorite cuts of meat and barbecue tricks, the intricacies of blending cultural cuisines, what it's like working as a BBQ pitmaster, pursuing your passion, intrinsic motivation, food bringing people together, the differences in BBQ between Texas and Egypt, knowing when to quit your job, the power of believing in yourself, and many other topics.
(00:00) - Kareem's Transition to KG Barbecue
(10:12) - Transformation Through Texas Barbecue
(18:21) - Barbecue Techniques and Experiences
(30:21) - Barbecue Job Hunt in Austin
(37:22) - Dreams and Evolution in Austin
(41:27) - Transitioning Careers in Culinary Industry
(48:39) - Glimpse Into Culinary Job Experiences
(54:48) - Success in Food Truck Business
(01:16:29) - From Supper Club to Food Truck
(01:26:19) - Becoming the Hottest BBQ in ATX
(01:40:09) - Overcoming Challenges for Success
(01:48:44) - Pursuing Dreams and Following Passion
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