Planning a BBQ in Abu Dhabi? Choosing the right meat can make the difference between an ordinary BBQ and a meal everyone remembers.

But with so many options—steaks, lamb, chicken, kebabs, kofta and mixed grills—it can be difficult to know what to buy and how much you actually need.

At The Meat Story, we believe choosing BBQ meat should be simple. The right cut depends on how you plan to cook it, how many people you’re serving and the type of BBQ experience you want.

Here is our practical guide to choosing the best meat for your next BBQ.

1. Ribeye Steak – For a Rich, Juicy BBQ

If you want a steak that delivers a rich and satisfying bite, Ribeye is one of the most popular choices.

Ribeye contains natural marbling that helps give the steak its flavour and tenderness when cooked properly over high heat.

Ribeye is ideal for:

• Steak BBQs
• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Guests who enjoy rich, juicy beef

For the best result, keep the seasoning simple and allow the meat to speak for itself.

Looking for Ribeye? Explore our premium Ribeye steaks and choose the quantity that suits your BBQ.

2. Striploin – A Great All-Round Steak

Striploin is another excellent choice for BBQ.

It offers a satisfying beef flavour with a balance of tenderness and texture, making it suitable for people who want a premium steak without choosing the richest cut.

Striploin works particularly well when grilled over high heat and served immediately.

Choose Striploin for:

• Family BBQs
• Steak nights
• Outdoor grilling
• Guests with different preferences

If you’re serving several people, Striploin can also be a practical option for preparing multiple steak portions.

3. Tenderloin – For Maximum Tenderness

Tenderloin is known for its exceptionally tender texture.

Because it is naturally leaner than Ribeye, it is a popular choice for people who prefer a softer, more delicate steak.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Special dinners
• Premium BBQs
• Steak lovers who prefer leaner meat
• Smaller portions

For Tenderloin, avoid overcooking it. A good steak does not need complicated preparation.

4. Lamb – A BBQ Favourite

Lamb is a natural favourite for BBQs across the UAE.

Depending on the dish and cooking method, you can choose from different lamb cuts, including:

• Lamb chops
• Lamb ribs
• Lamb leg
• Lamb cubes
• Lamb back cuts

Lamb chops and ribs are particularly suitable for grilling, while cubes can be used for skewers and other BBQ preparations.

If you’re cooking for a larger gathering, a combination of lamb cuts can give your guests more variety.

5. Beef Kebabs – Easy to Serve, Easy to Share

Beef kebabs are one of the easiest choices for a family or group BBQ.

They are simple to grill, easy to portion and convenient to serve.

They also work well alongside:

• Grilled vegetables
• Bread
• Salads
• Dips
• Rice
• Other grilled meats

For larger gatherings, kebabs can be combined with steaks or chicken to create a more varied BBQ spread.

6. Kofta – A Crowd-Friendly Choice

Kofta is another practical option when you’re feeding a group.

It is easy to grill and works particularly well as part of a mixed BBQ selection.

Kofta can be served with bread, salad, sauces and grilled vegetables, making it a flexible choice for families and gatherings.

7. Chicken – Don’t Forget the White Meat

A good BBQ doesn’t have to be all about beef and lamb.

Chicken is an excellent choice for guests who prefer lighter meat.

Chicken cubes, marinated chicken and other BBQ-ready chicken options can be especially convenient when you’re preparing food for a family gathering.

A combination of chicken, lamb and beef gives your BBQ something for everyone.

How Much Meat Do You Need for a BBQ?

One of the most common questions we hear is:

“How much meat should I order?”

A simple starting point is to consider approximately 250–350g of meat per adult when meat is the main part of the meal.

You may need less if you’re serving plenty of rice, salads, bread and side dishes, and more if your guests are particularly meat-focused.

For children, the quantity will generally be lower.

For a mixed BBQ, instead of buying one large quantity of a single meat, consider dividing your order between beef, lamb and chicken.

For example:

Family BBQ → Steak + Lamb + Chicken

Large gathering → Kebabs + Kofta + Chicken + Steaks

This gives your guests variety without making the BBQ complicated.

What Should You Buy for a Family BBQ?

If you’re planning a family BBQ and don’t want to spend time deciding between dozens of cuts, a simple combination could include:

Premium BBQ

• Ribeye
• Striploin
• Lamb chops
• Chicken

Family Mixed BBQ

• Beef kebabs
• Kofta
• Chicken
• Lamb

Larger Gathering

• Beef kebabs
• Kofta
• Lamb cuts
• Chicken
• Selected premium steaks

The exact quantity should depend on the number of guests and the side dishes you’re serving.

Why Buy Fresh Meat for Your BBQ?

The quality of your raw ingredients has a major influence on the final meal.

When buying meat, look for a butcher or supplier that clearly communicates:

• What type of meat you’re buying
• The cut
• The quantity
• How it is prepared
• How it should be stored
• How it can be cooked

At The Meat Story, our focus is on helping customers choose the right meat for the meal they actually want to prepare.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, weekend BBQ or larger gathering, you can choose from fresh beef, lamb and chicken along with BBQ-friendly products and ready-to-cook options.

Planning a BBQ in Abu Dhabi?

Don’t overcomplicate it.

Tell us how many people you’re feeding, what you’re cooking and your approximate budget—and we can help you choose suitable meat and quantities.

Shop The Meat Story online and order fresh meat for your next BBQ.

The Meat Story — Fresh Meat. Better Choices.