The Hidden South Indian Texas BBQ Joint | Word of Mouth

Tucked away in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood is Southern Junction, the only restaurant combining Texas barbecue with South Indian flavors. Chef-owner Ryan Fernandez moved to Texas from India during his childhood and immediately took refuge in the similarities between Texas BBQ & South Indian street cooking, as both are cooked low and slow over live fire. After moving to Buffalo, quitting his job in the tech industry, and working at several restaurants, Ryan opened up his own restaurant where he serves brisket, sausage, and ribs alongside tikka, curries, cardamom cornbread, serrano mac and cheese, and more.
Subscribe to Munchies here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-MUNCHIES
All Munchies videos release a full week early on our site: video.vice.com/en_us/channel/...
Hungry? Sign up here for the MUNCHIES Recipes newsletter.
www.vice.com/en_us/page/sign-...
Check out munchies.tv for more!
Follow Munchies here:
Facebook: / munchies
Twitter: / munchies
Tumblr: / munchies
Instagram: / munchies
Pinterest: / munchies
Foursquare: foursquare.com/munchies
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo

[@lukeknight2343]

That’s my buddy Ryan he moved to Buffalo and decided he was gonna do whatever it is he wanted to with food. I worked in a kitchen with him for a couple years at a Spanish tapas restaurant. He always said he was gonna open a joint that does BBQ and curry, we laughed because we thought he was just being Ryan fast forward 5-6 years he’s on Vice living his best life congrats man!!!

[@piedrabuena59]

There’s a place in San Antonio that does similar things called “Curry Boys BBQ”

[@adjusted-bunny]

@@kostbel I don't want to sound like an a-hole but it is "achieved".

[@Sharhind79]

You laughed at your buddy?

[@lukeknight2343]

@@Sharhind79 of course you ever work in a kitchen? You get by on talking shit and laughing at one another

[@dv3034]

@@pratyushdoonrocker3046 Totally uncalled for behavior with no context. You are such an ignorant nationalist fuck.

[@cornelioatmeal]

"I grew up eating it, so it's traditional for me" - the most simple way to answer tradition or authenticity skeptics/snobs

[@Dayvit78]

100% agree. Fight the "No True Scotsman" fallacy,

[@tradingbull007]

I'm the 1k like to your comment.

[@babywigeon]

haha right! authenticity doesn't exist

[@10nsolly]

As someone whose from Buffalo it's incredible BBQ for anyone who is wondering.

[@GDUDEify]

Was wondering if I was going to drive from MD, i'll have to make a wings, pizza, and bbq trip later this year

[@calihuntfish7163]

As someone who’s not from buffalo, yes, indeed, I was wondering.

[@c_rob1]

As someone from Texas, I think they need Texan approval lol

[@ivnmatt47]

Glad to see two of my favorite cuisines come together. Born and raised in Kerala, went to school in Dallas, TX and now with living in the NYC area , this is it my next road trip will be to Buffalo, NY

[@AJ-ds9xq]

Road trip sounds fun man.. Do we have any more malayalies here?..lol

[@akhilelias8649]

Hey , I was there in Princeton till July . Now we have moved to Dallas .

[@anugrahnayar3070]

@@akhilelias8649 Is dallas the mallu area in states? Lot of mallus along with dasettan there

[@johnfernandez4774]

Wow, Ryan we are very proud of you, and praying for you . with love John uncle and Alice Aunty🌹

[@jahizenon7449]

Looks like im making the 1hr 17 minute drive to Buffalo this Saturday from Rochester Update The food was delicious the staff was very friendly and accomadating the Kolaches are a must have and the Brisket was my favorite. Definately worth the drive and the wait. Please pre order if you are able to I know alot of customer's got turned away because they sold out

[@singingchef23]

Brings some picahana from McCanns on your way!!

[@ibec69]

Yeah mine would be a 12 hour flight so you're already doing much better than me. Enjoy that gorgeous looking food.

[@jahizenon7449]

@@artiechandia5949 oh my geesh thank you lol i tried to order since yesterday and the website would not let me The very friendly staff just messaged me on facebook asking what I would like to order to see if they can make it happen 😊. If they can not it will be fine I can always try next time

[@jahizenon7449]

@@singingchef23 I did not know that was a butcher shop I thought it was a restaurant 😂

[@jahizenon7449]

@@ibec69 Aww bummer I hope I will get to try it

[@yoitsdan]

Biryani and brisket. Sounds like heaven

[@vivekkv123]

With onion sarlas, i love that 🥰

[@bordaz1]

Outstanding video. I mean, everything looks great - the brisket, biryani, mac, gobi, and ribs look like they should look....but....that chicken tikka....that looks like the thing that's been missing from my life

[@arvindmishra9840]

you guys like gobhi ?

[@bordaz1]

@@arvindmishra9840 one of the best vegetables, and probably the best vegetable to cook bbq-style

[@arvindmishra9840]

@@bordaz1 Gobhi is equivalent of broccoli and I thought americans hate that..

[@latastrophue4761]

@@arvindmishra9840 HAHA

[@articregulus5214]

@@arvindmishra9840 nope gobi is cauliflower buddy

[@BillWibbly]

Unrelated but he has a very pleasant voice

[@ChuckNorris-em1wm]

i think he sounds really smug and annoying tbh

[@idkanymore6634]

@@ChuckNorris-em1wm I bet u do

[@ChuckNorris-em1wm]

@@idkanymore6634 good one

[@AKGeorge2790]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@surajkamath9005]

Indian guy with a sexy voice?! Breaking down stereotypes one at a time for all of us fellow Indians!😂

[@beth9847]

I was born and raised in Buffalo and moved to central Texas when I was 22. I’ve been enjoying Texas bbq for the last 25 years. Visiting Buffalo next week and cannot wait to try this! What a great story. Love the Texish idea, love the authenticity of the smoke, and love my hometown.

[@AdityaWaghmare]

So how was it?

[@LauraSunga]

Need an update

[@architecht_thirteen]

It’s been 10 months, how was it?

[@beth9847]

The follow up: The BBQ was excellent and true to its Texas roots. The Indian and Texas mashup works really well, and the sides were delish, esp the corn bread and mac n cheese. I totally recommend it!

[@apoorvadwivedi3799]

@@beth9847 thanks for coming through with the update!

[@acoustifiedduo8013]

Giant smile here! This is by far the best BBQ we have ever had. It's absolutely delicious as are the rice and beans and chickpeas and chicken. Just fantastic!

[@emdotudot]

I am looking so forward to enjoying this. Thank You for posting.

[@justingoboom]

Best barbecue in Western New York, period! Some of the best I've ever had and I was born in Texas. Ryan is the man.

[@gibygeorge4789]

Proud he is from Kerala, South India. Salute him for introducing fusion flavours. Inspiring me to do something similar here in the UK.

[@facescar2240]

Go for it!

[@satyannair4837]

You weren't listening to him. He doesn't have a high opinion about fusion. Listen to him again. Maybe it will change your perspective. Although his offerings may appear to be a fusion of two cultures, he never mixed the cultures in the same dish. He kept it very traditional and served each culture separately. Offering a traditional Texan barbeque topped with an Indian curry would've been disastrous!!!

[@DemonicEmbrace]

@@satyannair4837 none of the south indian food he uses is traditional. biryani and chicken tikka are north mughali influence

[@shiajinn2509]

@@DemonicEmbrace just like he said, he grew up eating it so it's traditional for him, period.

[@Kathakathan11]

Also, when will Keralites understand that they are not the only state with coast. Saying oh Kerala is different than rest of the India 😂 that way there is no India, as we are different every 100 km

[@vronkadls2187]

I'm a 7 generation Texan of Mexican descent: he's a genius! 2nd to Mexican-TexMex (regional northern Mexican food) the best food is Asian-Indian! Their curries remind me of carne guisada. Please bring this genius to San Antonio - beg! 👌🌞

[@monsanto.official]

hate to have to point it out but are you seeing how the brisket isn’t falling apart? he still has to pull it..but yea, we need northern bbq in Texas. it’ll do great..

[@ibec69]

This man is a genius. It sucks not being able to travel now.

[@BeastFromSpace]

Good to see a Mallu breaking boundaries 🇬🇧✌🏽

[@Dayvit78]

I also knew a Mr. Fernandes from Kerala. I've never been to India, but Kerala is the first place I'll go when I do. Beautiful beaches.

[@mausenpai215]

Absolutely sht hole dont visit, I'm from kerala and there are many good places in India to visit.

[@dmqn3135]

@@mausenpai215 if Kerala is a shithole then there's no good places in India to visit 😂

[@__BD__________8]

@@mausenpai215 u r not from Kerala

[@mausenpai215]

@@__BD__________8 Who want to born in sht hole

[@dimiberba2374]

​@@mausenpai215 best State in india far better than cow shitt northies

[@MayukhNair]

Ryan chetta and Raisa chechi making us homeland Mallus proud! Never thought I'd ever see Texas barbecue meet Malayalee cuisine 😂

[@ak06041]

After hearing his name i thought he was from sri lanka but when he said he was from kerala,i was like what.

[@abin8140]

😘

[@user-qv1wt1zj4n]

Its so good to see him combining our vibrant flavours with BBQ. മലയാളി പെവർ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😂

[@yoginc]

His name sounds East Indian though. From Goa or something

[@theoneandonlyaswin]

@@yoginc Goa is west , south west to be precise

[@doc_inthahouse]

I saw the words South Indian and Texas BBQ together in the title and kinda guessed instantly that, he just had to be from my part of the world. And.. few minutes into the video.. Bam! He says Kerala, the name of my home state. Somehow i think we indians have a way of identifying our people wherever they are 😁 if I ever get the chance to go to New York in my life, I'll be surely hitting this spot and meeting this absolutely cool person✌️

[@br0wniexox]

Fellow Malayalee here and I thought the exact same thing 😂

[@Dayvit78]

Kerala is so beautiful! I hope to be able to go in the future.

[@Dhhu333]

@@Dayvit78 why not go NOW 😂, they have a great healthcare, right??

[@qtsixiz3006]

Glad I’m from Kerala I can recognise us Malayalis from anywhere

[@michaelc8192]

Shoutout buffalo, underrated city. great people and food. Much love from Toronto

[@andrewgalarneau5237]

Much love back! Come and eat when you can.

[@herbez28]

Seriously good food and pretty fun sports place.

[@usnasi4439]

From the title itself I knew it is a mallu guy. "The part of India I am from is a little different from rest of India", that's my place. Proud to be a malayali and Ryan, I will make a 6 hour trip to eat your food this fall.

[@shaunsolomon6627]

Aurora stole the show in the last few mins! Absolutely adorable!

[@glynthomas4120]

All hail Kerala.😍😎 Glad to see someone from my place fuse Keralite flavors with Texan BBQ. Pwoli machane🕺😎

[@singhivan]

Hi, Indian from South Africa. I must say that the food looks absolutely delicious in every way. Very unique combination of authentic Texas cooking style combined with a Indian twist. You are blessed to have a family support like that, thanks to your Grandma and Mom. Good on you man. All the best in your venture. I hope to visit one day to try out this delicious food. Cheers

[@krishnanatreya6659]

I am being a proud indian, and to tell something to Ryan. I myself being a tamilian, I have grown up with friends who were malayalees and since due to my fair skin a lot of people thought i was from kerala but i am not. I love kerala, has the best chicken, best beef and fish. Fish is the best. I like how your restaurant has combined flavours of south indian flavours. All the best for your future ryan bro. Love from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

[@robertnewell4054]

“Barbecue may not be the Road to World Peace, but it’s a start” Anthony Bourdain

[@bmjv77]

Some might call this Indian/Texas fusion. But since the USA is a melting pot of many great cultures, I call this American food.

[@TheDukewilson]

Such a cool, yet similar, cooking style! Love the different cultures and inspirations this series brings.

[@everything90s67]

Props to you brother! Keep grinding and staying true to who you are.

[@GabeSegura94]

Well if he ever wants to work in engineering again, they’er all wearing jeans now lol

[@kedah2398]

Never wore slacks a day in my engineering career jeans, tennis shoes, crap I don't even own a tie or know how to tie one lol. Heck my coworker comes into the office in shorts, I'm not that wreckless!! :)

[@rocky6162]

studied ME and working in tech, sometimes I wear no shirt on zoom calls lmao just gotta make sure your webcam's framed right

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

They're. T H E Y ' R E.

[@SA-5247]

I was going to say ha all the 60's grads have left the building.

[@SA-5247]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 Let Gabby live a little, mom. None of us payed attinchin in engish class.. only Math.

[@rahul.srinivas]

It's funny how the comments section is either Americans (irrespective of the ethnicity) who are appreciative and planning hour long road trips to taste it, or Indians who are fighting about... if you know, you know. Anyhoo, loving the hustle Ryan. Hope I can quit my job one day and get to give it all for something I'm passionate about.

[@intotheoverlap]

Just went there this past Sunday. Great food and Ryan couldn't have been any cooler. Excited to see how his business grows.

[@erikavila5490]

WHOA! I'm from TEXAS and LOVE BBQ, this place is now on my list of bbq joints to visit, keep it up the awesome work!

[@blip_qild]

is it just me? the voice of the owner is so calming

[@csblack72780]

Man, I'd love to get up there and try that food. Sounds amazing! Wish you all the best.

[@LindsayDaly]

This series!! Fascinating stories every time, despite it all being BBQ.

[@jhaze03]

I'm Soo excited!!!! I'm sitting in buffalo...I found my weekend food!! See you later Southern junction.

[@singingchef23]

Grab beer from Froth on your way to get the food and thank me later

[@teenieplates]

That’s a sensational combo of flavours! Looks incredibly delicious 😍

[@vrana37]

I wish Ryan nothing but success. For all the hard work he put in and sacrifices. This is a true warrior.

[@gregbowen617]

Wow, this is what real food is all about! You sir are a great man and terrific person who encompasses his heritage… all kudos to you, every success that may come your way.

[@lethalninja619]

That's a very unique combination Texas Barbecue and Southern Indian.

[@tiacho2893]

When BBQ folk talk about spice rubs, how many of those spices come from India or that area? It make a lot of sense.

[@harish7148]

@@tiacho2893 everything I guess

[@viktorcheng2061]

What’s surprising is must Indians are vegetarians, this dude is a meat lover.

[@lethalninja619]

@@viktorcheng2061 There are some places in India where people do eat beef and meat .. But majority of them are vegetarian..

[@laxmanprasadk8874]

@@lethalninja619 Yeah man, towards the south of India, we eat a lot of meat.

[@abhilashjoy]

Being a Malaylee who came to the states when I was 17, I feel you man.

[@maullika]

Congratulations 🎉 everything looks amazing!! Love Auroras laugh at the end😍

[@johnfernandez4774]

wow 👏 we are very proud of you Ryan . Praying for you. with love John uncle and Alice Aunty🌹

[@JessicaRuiz323]

BRUH, I'm without a doubt gonna plan a trip just to try that glorious food.

[@authoranulal]

Being someone from Kerala, I am loving all the comments. Also, I wish someday, I could try his food. Love!

[@cassidyschilling7554]

I can't believe I haven't heard of this place! Can't wait to try, looks phenomenal!

[@debrafry1510]

Sounds amazing. Respect from Texas

[@emdotudot]

I live in Buffalo. Yay !!!! Go us !!!

[@wilmaadkins6163]

I live in Potter NY guess I’ll head up to see my son and try some bbq

[@peterpynadathgeorge]

This is amazing… I will literally go to America for this!!!!

[@historygal7]

Oh my gosh!! Being from South Texas and BBQ country....my mouth is watering!! I need this!

[@1bojanbojan]

Amazing. Thank you for the video!

[@mathewfrancis7794]

A mallu in the house 🙌🏼 Ivan thakarkum

[@vishnuchandran6866]

കുട്ടി മാമ❤

[@YT-pm2sc]

Christian too ...YAY RICE

[@qtsixiz3006]

@@YT-pm2sc Ur Dalit hindu

[@Anonymous-lu7xr]

@Y T Living in a country which largely recognizes Christianity too. So your point ?

[@johnninan9954]

@Riju Krishnan angane paranju kodukku.. kore apricot vanangal irangikolum matham paranju.

[@zlatan4467]

His voice isn't from his throat but from the barbie.

[@arvindmishra9840]

what's barbie ?

[@journeywiththerocks]

Awesome video. Prayers of much success for you brother

[@arlenewilliams7683]

I would love to try this. I may have to drive to Texas. I love your approach to food 🥘 and traditions. Keep doing you, man. Congrats 🎊!

[@gauthamsuresh4316]

Proud to see a guy from KERALA , being famous like this 😍😍😍.....I'm also from Kerala too ;)

[@jonyboy5513]

Even a beggar appearing in KZbin becomes famous , its just about a group of self boasting bugs 🐛creeping everywhere , nothing special in this show , biriyani, chicken tikka is northie, beef brisket is America, where is south Indian touch here ?

[@dimiberba2374]

​@@jonyboy5513 biriyani is not northi lol

[@rym7174]

bbq with an indian influence im all in

[@asksnq_q2314]

Malayali*

[@brucedmello7670]

Looks amazing. Keeping it real ..kudos

[@krunkasaurus05]

Making us Texas boys proud!

[@christofferkoch8691]

Wow so impressed! Seems like friendly guy that cooks great tasty food! Would love to try it. Best regards from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@mishal5220]

The way mallus hypes up other mallus 😂😂♥️

[@narutofanz85]

This is just awesome to see. Congratulations brother, keep it going.

[@jollyjohn2751]

Hey, love to see that fusion! from another Keralite!

[@3666atv]

Kerala X Texas Bbq, this idea sound so yummy .ahhh so jealous

[@EternityRecordsUSA]

This food looks incredible. Nice guy as well.

[@markmcginn8012]

Great story. Thanks for sharing this.

[@supaTronic]

I bet these flavors... the smoke to the indian sauces meld so well together. Wish I lived closer to find out..

[@ThatGuy-wz3or]

They do because Indian food was originally cooked over wood fires.

[@i.philip3022]

love to see a guy from Kerala do so well. Kerala food is unmatched

[@reillykelly5528]

I hear they’re doing walk up orders this Saturday 2-7pm at 27 Chandler St. Buffalo, NY 14207 👀 (ps don’t forget to add on a kolache)

[@edusszfx]

Sounds amazing! Wish I could try that!

[@marilynkistan6036]

Amazing... keep it up! Break the down those barriers!

[@UncleBillsKitchen]

Yummy! Now that looks delicious. Especially the smoked chicken Tikka Masala! Wow.

[@Allinonetvz]

As a south indian living in india. I envy american cuisine, often times america is the joke of authentic cuisine but recipes like these make american food stand out. Never had a brisket in my life, we only have buffalo wild wings here and our options are limited.

[@ashwinvasan375]

You don’t know what you’re talking about buddy. The food in the US is second to none outside of any country’s own authentic cuisine within its own borders.

[@ashwinvasan375]

Outside of maybe a few fanatics making French/Italian other foreign cuisines in Japan

[@Allinonetvz]

@@ashwinvasan375 well thats not usually the argument about authentic food. American food is fusion food and that to me is authentic by its self.

[@ashwinvasan375]

@@Allinonetvz ha…man I’m sorry. In my haste I misread what you were initially saying. I agree with you but I’d only add that you can get very authentic cuisine from all over the world here in the US. Just about every country/subregion/niche is represented, and quite celebrated.

[@bordaz1]

Do you follow Mrinal’s blog on KZbin? As an American in America I don’t speak Malayalam, but he travels Kerala and the food always looks good!

[@davidryans2232]

This looks amazing - will have to stop by the next time I'm in Buffalo!

[@BBQausBaden]

Super made looks really delicious 👍👍

[@OnlineBikes]

"My customers see the grind... they see my heart on a plate" Looks delicious and I'm coming soon!

[@downrigger8897]

From beef fry with Kappa to Texas BBQ. Kerala represent!

[@turdferguson5847]

Kappa with Kottayam style meen curry - that is what I miss the most about Kerala. That and the rain.

[@chandraprakashsingh951]

Grind is needed man 🔥🔥

[@ryanmelvey8764]

food looks bombbb. i respect his hustle too

[@bigmontesplace]

My God. I love Texas BBQ and Indian, and from the 716... why have I never heard of this?!?!?!

[@nandwani88]

@@jacksonmacnevin6155 That’s not true. Hindus don’t eat beef. But many Indians do. There are over 200 million muslims and over 30 million christians living there

[@darshaksanyal4755]

@@nandwani88 Correction. A lot of Hindus eat beef...especially in Kerala, where the chef in the video is from.

[@nandwani88]

@@darshaksanyal4755 Oh cool. Didn’t know that. Thanks! Pretty interesting stuff

[@bipinkumark]

​@@jacksonmacnevin6155 i guess you haven't heard of Kerala then

[@samphilip1651]

@Manav Odedara bro, almost all my Hindu friends from Kerala absolutely love beef. Don't classify them as atheists for their food preference. Let people eat what they want. Life is short. Live and let live! ✌

[@crabmansteve6844]

This dude has a crazy ability to perfect an American accent, he was 16yrs old when he moved here? That's a late stage to pick up a new accent. My grandma came from Germany and lived here for 68 years until she passed and her accent was still so strong you would misunderstand her.

[@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh123]

Yes I assumed he was born in US or came when he was like 2 or 3 not 16

[@crabmansteve6844]

@@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh123 Same here! It's wild.

[@kayflip2233]

It's easier coming from India though because English is an official language. Hey may also have went to an international school with Americans in India. I've met Indians born and raised in India but went to a private international school and sounded 100% British.

[@adith9327]

Keralites don't speak English at all everything is taught in the English language but nobody communicates in English also if they did the accent is very different

[@Ryan-kj9zo]

Awesome stuff appreciate you keeping the food traditional to Texas no crazy other spices just salt and pepper

[@edgomes7930]

South Indian fusion! Love it! Keep at it! Food brings us together!!

[@spiderspencer7334]

Lovely people making lovely food, cheers.

[@KRayxKodessA]

This man's business is about to blow up...may need to drive to Buffalo for this.

[@emdotudot]

Agreed ! This weekend even. It just dropped this morning and I saw it on my KZbin Recommended. I am having it Saturday. I told my 4 co workers. I want to tell more !

[@beth9847]

Definitely. Which is a good thing. But for selfish reasons, hoping I can get some and not wait in line for 8 hours like Franklin BBQ. Heading up from Austin to Buffalo next week. Can’t wait to try it.

[@emdotudot]

@@beth9847 Let me know Beth. I will meet you there !

[@carlosorozco3779]

Great great pice Vice! I could almost taste the food.

[@ameshtambe]

I always wanted to see this happen!!

[@rakcarz140]

Proud to see malayali bros rocking it out in US and making great food.

[@Tashi_SwissEFC]

biryani with brisket what a combo...brilliant idea man

[@jaisekharnair6040]

Absolutely loved this video

[@Nick-sd7um]

Salivating all the way from Australia

[@vinith3546]

Looks awesome.. 👍 Finally some recognition to Indian cuisines other than butter chicken/naan bread , vegan food. I would also recommend Hyderabadi Biryani.

[@debbiemarquis3231]

Where i am from roti is the biggest thing..we don't get to experience any other indian foods

[@SevenHunnid]

I smoked weed inside my local Walmart in my recent KZbin video 💀

[@ecliqsly6585]

@Seven Hunnid what the hell

[@maryamalhammadi588]

Hyderabadi baryani is very very famous in my country (UAE) can recommend another dish ?

[@vinith3546]

@@maryamalhammadi588 Hyderabadi Haleem developed from the original Harees during Nizam era. Qubani ka meetha is a desert native to Hyderabad.

[@BG-ic4tt]

Yeah I’m betting this food is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. I gotta get there one day soon to experience it.

[@sushantsuryavanshi3]

All the best Man keep grinding❤️👍

[@threengcircus]

Bringing that bali-tex action. Food looks great. Way to go!

[@mrbeebop304]

Well this was a pleasant surprise. I know what I’m eating this weekend

[@samyud1819]

I’m working in a restaurant right now. But I wanna open my own place down the line as well! But the problem is that I need to make a good enough living but I also want the kitchen experience. But after hearing about this dudes grind, it makes me feel like this is possible.

[@stephenhoffman6455]

Will be driving from the Rochester area to try within the next couple weeks!!!!! Looks amazing man, inspiring stuff.

[@IvanSanchez2813308004]

Fire man, keep up the great work