Memphis barbecue gets a twist at new restaurant from Bala's Bistro owners: What to expect

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read

Memphis barbecue is about to get a new twist.

Bala’s Bistro owners Bala Tounkara and Mady Magassa have designed a new barbecue restaurant that brings together the cuisine of their homeland in West Africa with that of their adopted home of Memphis.

Mande Dibi West African BBQ-Grill will open in mid to late March at 6825 Winchester Road.

The name was inspired by the concept. “Mande is the name of the West African empire and dibi means barbecue or grill," Tounkara said. “We can show our love for Memphis, with West African influences."

Bala’s Bistro owners Bala Tounkara and Mady Magassa. The Memphis restaurant in Whitehaven is known for its authentic West African offerings.
Bala’s Bistro owners Bala Tounkara and Mady Magassa. The Memphis restaurant in Whitehaven is known for its authentic West African offerings.

The menu will feature barbecue dishes like rotisserie grilled chickens and smoked beef brisket. While the cooking techniques will be similar to Memphis-style barbecue, the seasonings and sauces will have their roots in West African cuisine. Dishes like Jerk Chicken and signature burgers will also be offered, as will some of the more popular items from Bala's Bistro.

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Tounkara said they plan to season the chickens with house-made rubs made with fresh herbs and West African spices. Barbecue sauce will also be made in-house. “It will have a little bit of heat. Think medium-heat,” he said.

Even side dishes will be a fusion between the two cuisines. Southern sides will include Mac-n-Cheese, Collard Greens and Candied Yams. West African comfort food sides like okra soup and jollof rice will also be served.

But there will be no coleslaw. “It’s a personal thing," Tounkara said. "I am not a fan."

Mande Dibi West African BBQ-Grill is a new restaurant from Bala's Bistro owners Bala Tounkara and Mady Magassa.
Mande Dibi West African BBQ-Grill is a new restaurant from Bala's Bistro owners Bala Tounkara and Mady Magassa.

Also, don’t expect to find pulled pork or pork ribs. “We are Muslim, so we don’t eat pork,” Tounkara said. “Think a little healthier version of barbecue.”

Family meal packages feeding four to six will also be offered.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer. 

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Bala's Bistro owners opening Memphis BBQ restaurant: What to expect