Winter is here, and you know what that means—rooftop BBQ parties! It's the time when we all romanticise grilling kebabs under the open sky, bundled up in shawls or jackets, and sipping tea. However, throwing a rooftop BBQ party is not all smoky bliss and Instagrammable aesthetics, it's a battlefield where the struggle begins long before you even light the coals.
So, how does one pull off this winter soirée without losing their sanity or accidentally setting the neighbourhood on fire?
Convince your landlord
First things first, if you do not own the roof (and let's face it, most of us do not), you need the landlord's blessing. This conversation often feels like asking for a visa to a neighbouring country. Landlords in Dhaka will worry about the potential of a fire hazard, while in Sylhet, they might remind you how the dew from the Khasi hills could ruin your decorations.
Be prepared with reassurances —
"I'll clean up everything!"
"The fire extinguisher is ready!"
"I'll invite your nephew!"
If all else fails, offer them the first piece of beef kebab. Bribery works wonders!
Assemble your squad
No party is complete without the right mix of guests. Remember, this is Bangladesh—no matter how big the roof, everyone will ask, "Ami ekjon anbo, thik ase?" before bringing their entire building. Make peace with the fact that your "small gathering" will eventually turn into something resembling a wedding holud.
The grill dilemma
Not all rooftops are created equal. Invest in a sturdy, portable BBQ set—or call the neighbourhood uncle who claims to "know a guy".
Check the wind direction. In winter, even the mildest gust can send smoke directly into someone else's bedroom, turning your BBQ into a community complaint session or just borrowing a small table fan.
The menu masterpiece
A proper BBQ menu is the heart and soul of the party. Be mindful of dietary preferences. There's always one person who only eats fish, one who's trying keto, and another who insists on asking, "Mutton ache?"
Lighting and ambience
Fairy lights are the ultimate hack, whether you are in Khulna or Cumilla. They create that magical winter vibe, even if your grill is struggling to stay lit. Maybe add a hand fan to the décor—it doubles as a smoke deflector and a style statement.
But remember, Bangladesh is no stranger to power cuts. Keep a backup generator ready, or risk grilling in the romantic glow of your phone's flash light.
Clean-up operation
The aftermath of a rooftop BBQ party is where the real struggle begins. Leftover coal, greasy plates, and marinated regret litter the scene. On winter night, the dew ensures the grill turns into a rusted relic overnight, while in your building, you will probably hear the landlord's voice echoing, "Bola hoye chilo clean korar jonne!"
Rope in friends who stayed until the end—they owe you that much for the free food.
Throwing a rooftop BBQ party in Bangladesh is not for the veterans but you have to start at one point. Just know this: it's a test of patience, negotiation skills, and your ability to deal with people asking for ketchup at inappropriate times. Despite the hurdles, there's a certain charm to it—the aroma of grilled meat mingling with the winter air, the laughter of your friends, and the pure joy of claiming, "Eta ami korechi."
So, go ahead. Plan your rooftop BBQ. Just don't forget the fire extinguisher—or the landlord's number.
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