The South African Braai

The South African braai is a favoured pastime across the entire nation. The closest thing you could compare a braai to is a barbeque. Food is cooked outside, over a flame and coal. The smokey flavour base of the flame grilled meat gives the meat/ braai vleis/ shisanyama a rich taste that is unmistakebly African. This page explores the elements of a braai and why it is a beloved staple in the South African experience.



Braai Vleis

The star of the show is the meat! South Africa has a massive meat eating culture and this is on full display during a braai. While vegetables do make it to the braai stand at most occasions, they are generally an afterthought. The most famous piece of meat on any braai stand is Boerewors (pronounced: Boo-ruh-vors)! By definition, boerewors is sausage...but by the mouth full, you realise it is so much more!

Honorable mentions go to chuck steak, per-peri chicken, pork chops and...just about anything you would like to throw on the braaistand.

Braai Master

Even though this page is dedicated to food, it would be criminal to not mention the 2nd most important element of any braai: The Braai Master. The Braai Master is not just a person who sweats it out at the braai stand to bring you delicious food...this is easily the most important person at your braai. Braai Masters are treated like royalty, barking orders to a team of apprentices and recieving the utmost considerations when it comes to seating, drinks, music, etc.

The Braai Master is a heritage warriorthat keeps this proud South African culture alive!



Side Dishes

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Pap

A maize meal poridge that is thickened to stiffness and searved with stews and braai meat. Oten serving as the startch of the meal as chips (read: fries) are not a common sight on a braai plate. Pap is extremely filling and caution is advised for those new to the braai.

Pap Recipe
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Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a flavourful vegetable relish. It is a staple in South African cuisine popular for its spicy, savory taste. It is made from colorful ingredients like tomato, bell peppers, onion, carrots, and chili. It is also very versatile as it can be served with nearly any meal.

Chakalaka Recipe
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Salads

Veggies may not be the talk of the braai, but salads are a staple at any braai. Spoonful a bit of green salad to ease the guilt of the from the all the meat you are about to annihilate. Potato, bean and brocolli salads are also favourites at a braai.

Salad Recipies
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Morogo

Morogo or moroho, also known as African spinach, refers to a group of at least three different dark green leafy vegetables found throughout Southern Africa . A spicy acompanyment to pap, morogo is a staple favourite

Morogo Recipe



When Do You Braai?