“We’re a dream team — though the only arguing happens in the kitchen,” says Emil Ahmed, owner of Birmingham’s newest BBQ hotspot, Tea’s Smokehouse.
Though Emil has never been to Texas, his love for barbecue sparked elsewhere and blossomed into this family-run restaurant in Sheldon. It all started during the pandemic with a humble, inexpensive smoker Emil bought just to experiment. That smoker now holds pride of place in the restaurant as a symbol of their journey.
“I got the cheapest smoker I could find to test if I could make good food. Somehow, it worked, and that’s how this all began,” Emil explains.
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His passion for BBQ was kindled while living in Brussels, where he discovered several halal-friendly BBQ spots. Inspired by those flavors, Emil set out to create something authentic and accessible for Birmingham’s diverse community.
Since opening in February, Tea’s Smokehouse has been serving carefully prepared halal-friendly dishes including tender beef brisket and honey-glazed chicken thighs. Each day, the smoker is started at 6am, with oak wood added every 25 minutes to achieve the perfect smoky flavor.
Barbecue is an art that requires patience. It takes a solid 45 minutes just to bring the smoker to temperature. Brisket, a notoriously tough cut, is slow-cooked for hours at a low heat before being rested for a full day to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.
Emil describes it simply: “It’s a labor of love and something you can’t rush.”
The family touches make Tea’s Smokehouse feel like home. Children’s toys line the shelves, and Sabina’s plants brighten the entrance. Emil’s father helped with decorating and painting before they opened, further showcasing how much of a family endeavor this is.
Emil is passionate about what truly sets Tea’s Smokehouse apart. “I’m not doing this for money. I want to bring authentic, traditional American-style BBQ to Birmingham.”
Acknowledging the financial pressures many face, Emil emphasizes their commitment to fair pricing without compromising quality. “We’re family-run and mindful that not everyone has lots to spend. We’ve worked hard to keep prices competitive but thoughtful.”
The star of their menu is the brisket, prepared with simple seasoning to highlight its natural flavors — stripping BBQ down to its bare essentials.
Having grown up in Birmingham’s restaurant scene, thanks to his father’s business, Emil brings years of industry experience. “I started in my dad’s kitchen and have worked in food ever since. Funny enough, I never imagined owning a restaurant, but BBQ became my passion project.”
He also credits his mother’s tough, honest lessons: “She used to say, ‘You haven’t done a hard shift until you’ve peeled onions and cleaned the toilet.’ I’ve done both, so I know what hard work means.”
Tea’s Smokehouse can be found at 2069 Coventry Road, Sheldon, B26 3DY — a family-driven celebration of authentic barbecue and dedication in the heart of Birmingham.