Good Food: Xin Kee BBQ

Every few Sundays my husband and I like to get up early and go to our favorite Waffle House. Could I tell you exactly why the one on Milgen Road is our favorite? Probably not. It just has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about it. That and it’s across the street from Asian Supermarket which is one of my favorite grocery stores in town. So every few Sundays I get an All Star Special, he gets an Omelet and then we do some grocery shopping. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend going for a perusal as they have great prices on everything from fresh produce to high quality meat and seafood. Inflation who?

Asian Supermarket’s first location is in Opelika and has a full restaurant inside. This new location plans to have more of a food hall setup with multiple vendors. The first restaurant to open was Xin Kee BBQ, a cantonese style bbq and dim sum restaurant that has been tempting me for an entire year with the misfortune of being at the back of my mind until I’m already perilously full from that last bite of pecan waffle. Recently I decided to be proactive about my desire for dumplings and put it on my calendar for lunch with my friend and editor in chief of The Columbusite, Carrie Beth Wallace.

Xin Kee BBQ is a true hidden gem. It's a little restaurant that packs a big punch. When you round the corner of the grocery store and get a look at their booth the first thing you’ll notice is the spectacularly crispy roast duck hanging in the window. The restaurant specializes in Cantonese-style roasted meats, which are prepared with time-honored techniques that capture the rich, savory flavors that define the cuisine. I’ve personally had dimsum on my Columbus wishlist forever and am happy to report that my wish has successfully been fulfilled! They have a great selection of dumplings, steamed buns and other small bites to choose from. These dishes are not so commonly found in our area, at least not outside of the Atlanta area, making Xin Kee BBQ a unique destination for diners in Columbus and beyond.

We each ordered an entree and several items off the dim sum section of the menu so we had a comical amount of food to try and plenty of leftovers to take home as the entree portion sizes are very generous. I ordered the crispy pork, which is particularly popular based on reviews, and delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a caramelized crust that melts in your mouth. Carrie Beth ordered the Beef with Broccoli which was classic and delicious. I couldn’t tell you exactly who ordered what in regards to the dim sum because we were both trying some of everything but I can tell you that all of it was exactly what I’d been hoping for but the steamed mini pork buns were our favorite with the pan fried dumplings coming in close second for me.

Xin Kee BBQ’s ambiance is laid-back and comfortable with friendly and efficient service, making it a perfect spot for both a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with family and friends. While the grocery store meets food hall setting is casual, the food is anything but ordinary. For those who appreciate bold flavors and well-executed dishes, this restaurant offers a unique taste of China right here in Columbus. Whether you're a fan of traditional Chinese barbecue or someone seeking to try it for the first time, it is a must-visit spot. Xin Kee BBQ is not just a place to grab a meal—it’s an experience.