A Fusion between Indian Cuisine and Texas BBQ is Changing the Game in Buffalo
The ‘Texas Trinity’ barbecue platter from Southern Junction in Buffalo, New York, with Chammandhi Slaw, Cowboy Mac, Cardamom Cornbread, Creekstone Brisket,a Spicy Italian sausage, Pork Ribs, a Texas Twinkie, and a slice of the house milk bread
About five years ago, I made the bold choice to move from sunny Southern California to New York. I came to New York with only a guitar, a carry-on bag, and a dream. I was determined and occupied with the vision of starting a new life. Meaning that at the time, I hadn't fully considered what a move from coast to coast would be like. Besides the nuances of the weather and East Coast culture, I knew that Mexican food in the Northeast would not compare to the ubiquitous taquerias, taco trucks, or late-night taco stands found in the Pacific Southwest. It was an aspect of life I was willing to compromise on. I was eager to explore new cultures and cuisines of the region.
Living in Southern California and being a fanatic of road tripping also gave me access to some amazing barbecue joints whenever I found myself traveling through the deep parts of Texas. Good southern barbecue was another style of cuisine I was missing. While I was able to find some high-quality barbecue joints in New York, there was always just a little something missing for me. I am a fan of a well-crusted yet smoky and tender cut of brisket. Even greater if it’s plated with some fixin’s and paired with a rich, moist, and buttery slice of cornbread. For years, I figured I’d have to make the most of a good barbecue joint if I was visiting a southern state, that was, until I had the pleasure of stopping by Southern Junction, a Texas-style Smokehouse infused with Indian flavor that is gaining recognition in Buffalo, New York’s Lower West Side.
Southern Junction Restaurant & Bar sign facing Connecticut St. in Buffalo, New York’s Lower West Side
Southern Junction, on Connecticut Street in Buffalo, New York, combines the flavors and spices of Kerala, a state on India’s Malabar Coast, with the smokehouse flavors of a Texas barbecue joint. This amalgam of flavors produces some of the best barbecue this side of the Mississippi, and that is no joke!
For instance, the Chammandhi Slaw, made from cabbage, a carrot mix, coconut ginger dressing, and topped with spiced peanuts, had a perfectly crisp and creamy texture. The Cardamom Cornbread was savory, buttery, and helped to cut through some of the spices in the right way. The Creekstone Brisket was crusted on the edges, with tender and juicy meat, and just the right amount of fat. The spicy Italian sausage had amazing flavor, but the external casing in some instances was a bit tougher to chew. Overall, the quality of every individual dish on the platter was in a league of its own.
A set of steer horns hangs above the cocktail bar at Southern Junction
While the barbecue was the main event at Southern Junction, the bar had a nice, casual vibe. There were some sports on, but the televisions were quiet. The house cocktails were unique, and of the two cocktails I was able to taste, I found myself enjoying the “Hootin’ N Hollern,” which featured Tequila, Mezcal, Carrot, and Habanero.
The ‘Hootin’ N’ Hollern’ and the ‘All Cattle No Hat’ cocktails sit side-by-side atop the bar at Southern Junction
For those who know good barbecue, especially Texas-style, there will likely be a wait. On this venture, it took roughly an hour and twenty minutes to place my order, but it was a wait that I would gladly do again and again. Yes, it’s that good! Southern Junction is elevating the dining experience in Buffalo, New York. If you’re in the area and have some free time, be sure to check them out!