Hey, food lovers! If you’re in Jackson Heights, Queens, and your nose picks up the smoky smell of something super yummy, you’re probably close to Dera Restaurant. This place is like a treasure chest for anyone who loves grilled food, especially South Asian BBQ. Imagine juicy meat sizzling on a grill, sprinkling with spices that water your mouth. That’s what Dera’s all about! In this blog, we’re making a BBQ bucket list of the must-try grilled dishes at Dera. Whether new to South Asian food or a fan, these dishes will make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into the smoky, spicy world of Dera’s BBQ and find out why it’s a top spot for halal food in Queens, NY!
What Makes Dera’s BBQ So Special?
Dera Restaurant isn’t just any eatery. It’s been around since 1971, serving authentic Pakistani, Indian, Bengali, and Nepali dishes right in the heart of Jackson Heights. The menu is like a big hug from South Asia, with flavors that feel like home for many and a fun adventure for others. When it comes to BBQ, Dera takes it to the next level. Their grilled dishes are cooked with love, using special spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili that give every bite a big, bold taste. Plus, everything is halal so that everyone can enjoy it without worry.
Walking into Dera is like stepping into a cozy family party. The air smells like spices and smoky grills, and the staff are super friendly. It’s the kind of place where you feel welcome, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down with your whole crew. Their BBQ dishes stand out because they mix old-school cooking tricks, like using a tandoor oven, with fresh ingredients. Dera’s your spot if you’re searching for a Jackson Heights restaurant that does BBQ right. Let’s check out the grilled goodies that make this place a must-visit!
Your BBQ Bucket List at Dera
A bucket list is all about the best stuff you gotta try, and Dera’s BBQ menu is packed with winners. From spicy skewers to smoky chicken, here are the top grilled dishes you can’t miss. We’re pulling these straight from Dera’s menu, so you know they’re the real deal. Get ready to add these to your food adventure!
1. Seekh Kebabs: Spicy Sticks of Happiness
First up, Seekh Kebabs. These are like the superstars of Pakistani BBQ. Picture this: ground beef or chicken mixed with spices like cumin and chili, shaped into long sticks, and grilled until they’re juicy and smoky. Biting into a Seekh Kebab at Dera is like a flavor party in your mouth. The outside is a little crispy, and the inside is soft and packed with taste. They come with a side of naan or rice, and you can dip them in cool yogurt sauce to balance the spice.
Why put Seekh Kebabs on your bucket list? They’re a classic Pakistani dish that shows off Dera’s grill skills. The spices make them bold but not too hot, so even if you’re new to South Asian food, you’ll love them. Grab a plate with your friends and share the fun. These kebabs are perfect for anyone who wants to try halal food in Queens, NY, and feel the South Asian vibe.
2. Chicken Tikka: Grilled Chicken That Pops
Next, we’ve got Chicken Tikka, a crowd-pleat with a smoky, tangy flavor. Dera takes boneless chicken pieces, soaks them in a mix of yogurt and spices like turmeric and ginger, and grills them in a tandoor oven. The tandoor is a special clay oven that gets super hot, giving the chicken a charred, smoky taste. The result? Bright orange-red chicken that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Chicken Tikka is a must-try because it’s one of Dera’s tandoori specialties. It’s not too spicy, so it’s great for kids or anyone who wants something mild but still exciting. You can eat it with naan, rice, or even a salad if you’re feeling healthy. If you’re exploring Indian restaurants in Jackson Heights, this dish is a perfect start. It’s like a little trip to India without leaving Queens!
3. Whole Chicken Steam Roast: A Feast for Sharing
If you’re super hungry or eating with a big group, the Whole Chicken Steam Roast is your go-to. This dish is a showstopper. Dera takes a whole chicken, stuffs it with herbs and spices, and steams it until it’s crazy juicy. Then, they finish it on the grill to give it a smoky, golden crust. When it hits your table, it’s like a present you can’t wait to open. The meat falls off the bone, and every bite is flavorful.
This dish makes the bucket list because it’s perfect for sharing with your family or friends. It’s big, bold, and a special occasion, even if you’re eating on a random Tuesday. The mix of steaming and grilling keeps the chicken moist, and the spices make it taste like something you’d find at a South Asian festival. If you’re looking for a Pakistani restaurant in Jackson Heights, this dish will make you return for more.
4. Tandoori Lamb Chops: Fancy and Flavorful
For something a little fancier, try the Tandoori Lamb Chops. These juicy lamb chops are marinated with spices and yogurt and grilled in the tandoor until they’re smoky and tender. The marinade gives them a rich flavor, and the grill adds a perfect char. They’re served hot, so you get that sizzle when they arrive at your table. Pair them with naan or a side of rice, and you’re in for a treat.
Tandoori Lamb Chops are on my bucket list because they’re a bit of a splurge but worth it. They’re great for a date night or when you want to impress someone with your food choices. The smoky tandoor flavor and the tender meat make this a standout dish. If you’re into South Asian cuisine in Queens, these chops are a must.
5. Bihari Kabab: A Hidden Gem
Last but not least, let’s talk about Bihari Kabab. This one’s a bit of a secret weapon on Dera’s menu. It’s thin strips of beef, marinated with a special mix of spices and grilled until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. The name comes from the Bihari region in South Asia, where this style of BBQ is super popular. At Dera, they make it extra special with a smoky, spicy kick.
Bihari Kabab makes the bucket list because it’s not as common as other dishes, so it feels like discovering a hidden treasure. It’s perfect for foodies who want to try something new and brag about it to their friends. The bold spices and smoky grill flavor make it a winner. This dish will blow you away when you are hunting for unique halal restaurants in Queens.
Why BBQ at Dera Is a Big Deal
Okay, why is Dera’s BBQ worth putting on your bucket list? It’s not just about the food (though it is awesome). It’s about the whole experience. Dera’s been a part of Jackson Heights forever, and it’s like a second home for many people. The restaurant started as Shaheen in 1971 and became Dera in 2004 when the new owner, Muhammad Saif Ullah Nagra, took over. He wanted to make a place where everyone could feel welcome and eat food that tasted like it was from South Asia.
The BBQ dishes are special because they use old-school cooking methods. The tandoor oven is a big part of that. It’s super hot and gives the meat that smoky, charred taste you can’t get from a regular grill. Plus, Dera’s chefs are like spice wizards. They mix cumin, coriander, and chili to make every dish pop. The meat is always halal, so it’s prepared with care, and the ingredients are fresh, which makes everything taste amazing.
Another cool thing? Dera’s in Jackson Heights, a neighborhood that is like a food party. People from all over the world live here, and the streets are full of shops and restaurants selling Indian, Pakistani, and Bengali stuff. When you eat at Dera, you’re not just eating but joining a big, happy community. It’s where you might see families laughing, friends sharing plates, or even strangers chatting about cricket on the TV. That vibe makes every BBQ dish taste even better.
Tips for Enjoying Dera’s BBQ
Ready to try these bucket-list dishes? Here are some tips to make your visit to Dera super fun:
- Come Hungry: The portions, especially the Whole Chicken Steam Roast, are big. Bring your stretchy pants!
- Try a Mix: Order a few dishes to share, like Seekh Kebabs and Chicken Tikka, so that you can taste many flavors.
- Add Sides: Naan, rice, or a yogurt sauce like raita, which goes great with BBQ. They cool down the spice and make every bite perfect.
- Go Late: Dera’s is open until midnight every day and even later (1 AM) on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s awesome for a late-night BBQ craving.
- Bring Friends: BBQ is more fun with a group. Share the dishes and make it a party!
- Ask the Staff: If you’re unsure what to order, the staff are super nice and can suggest the best BBQ dishes.
If you can’t make it to the restaurant, don’t worry! Dera delivers through apps like Uber Eats so that you can get these smoky treats to your door. You can also order takeout by calling 718-898-DERA. Whether you’re eating in or chilling at home, Dera’s BBQ is always a win.
A Little About Jackson Heights
Jackson Heights is like the coolest food neighborhood in Queens. It’s full of people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, so the food here is the real deal. Walking around, you smell spices and see colorful shops selling everything from saris to sweets. Dera fits right in because it’s all about bringing those South Asian flavors to life. Eating their BBQ is like taking a trip worldwide without leaving New York.
The neighborhood is also super lively. You might see food carts, street vendors, or people hanging out at Diversity Plaza—Dera’s at 7209 Broadway, right in the middle of all this action. After you eat, you can stroll around and check out the shops or grab a mango lassi from a nearby spot. It’s the perfect way to make a day of your BBQ adventure.
Why These Dishes Are Bucket-List Worthy
Discuss why these BBQ dishes deserve a spot on your bucket list. First, they’re packed with flavor. The spices, the smoke, the juicy meat—it’s like a fireworks show for your taste buds. Second, they’re authentic. Dera’s chefs know how to make these dishes the way they’re made in Pakistan, India, and beyond. You’re not getting some watered-down version; you’re getting the real thing.
Third, these dishes tell a story. Seekh Kebabs and Bihari Kabab come from street vendors and family feasts in South Asia. Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Lamb Chops are tied to the tandoor tradition, which goes back hundreds of years. The Whole Chicken Steam Roast feels like a celebration, like something you’d eat at a big South Asian wedding. When you try these dishes, you’re not just eating but connecting to a whole culture.
Finally, Dera’s BBQ is for everyone. Whether you’re a kid who loves chicken, a grown-up who wants something fancy like lamb chops, or someone who’s never tried South Asian food before, there’s something on this bucket list for you. It’s halal, so it’s perfect for people who follow those rules, but it’s also just plain delicious so that anyone can dig in.
Pairing Your BBQ with Dera’s Goodies
To make your BBQ experience even better, pair your grilled dishes with other stuff from Dera’s menu. Here are some ideas:
- Naan: This soft, fluffy bread is baked fresh in the tandoor. It’s perfect for scooping up kebabs or soaking up the juices from Chicken Tikka.
- Biryani: If you want rice, Dera’s biryani is fragrant and goes great with smoky BBQ.
- Jalebi: End your meal with this sweet, crispy dessert. It’s like a sugary hug after all that spice.
- Lassi: This yogurt drink is cool and creamy, perfect for calming down any heat from the BBQ.
- Samosas: Start with these crispy snacks for a fun appetizer before your grilled main course.
These extras make your meal feel like a full-on South Asian feast. You can mix and match to create your perfect BBQ plate.
A Final Word on Dera’s BBQ
Dera Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a spot where food brings people together. Their BBQ dishes, like Seekh Kebabs, Chicken Tikka, Whole Chicken steamed roast, Tandoori Lamb Chops, and Bihari Kabab, are the food you’ll remember forever. Each is perfectly grilled, packed with spices, and served with a big smile. Whether you’re a local in Jackson Heights or just visiting Queens, these dishes belong on your BBQ bucket list.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to Dera at 7209 Broadway and start checking off this list. Bring your friends, try a little of everything, and enjoy the smoky, spicy goodness. Dera’s BBQ isn’t just food—it’s an adventure, a party, and a taste of South Asia all in one. Once you take that first bite, you’ll see why Dera is the heart of the Jackson Heights food scene. What’s your favorite BBQ dish gonna be? Go find out!
