{"id":108883,"date":"2023-11-17T10:45:53","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T10:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/?p=108883"},"modified":"2023-11-17T11:05:12","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T11:05:12","slug":"what-is-a-braai-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/what-is-a-braai-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Braai? ‘Tjops, Dop & Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hibachi, grigliata, barbacoa \u2013 the ritual of cooking over an open fire is unique across the globe. For South Africans, the same can be said about braai. We explore this local tradition, what ignited it, and why it\u2019s such a big part of our culture.<\/p>\n

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Besides the Bokke, brandy, and biltong, braai is one of the cultural pillars of South Africa. Whether it\u2019s a game day or birthday celebration, weekend jol (party), or simply loadshedding…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is a Braai?<\/h3>\n

First things first, when it comes to the word \u2018braai\u2019, it\u2019s the one word in the South African English dictionary that could have one of four meanings.<\/p>\n

Braai or braaing, is a method of cooking over an open fire using either wood or coals. Braai could also refer to the actual event, a social gathering of friends or family coming together; braai is also used to describe the cooking appliance, one of the most popular brands being Weber. Lastly, and arguably the most important distinction, braai refers to grilled food, typically meat or \u2018shisanyama\u2019.<\/p>\n

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The History of Braai<\/h3>\n

Besides the Bokke, brandy, and biltong, braai is one of the cultural pillars of South Africa. Whether it\u2019s a game day or birthday celebration, weekend jol (party), or simply loadshedding, braaing is a rite of passage that\u2019s as common as it is special.<\/p>\n

The word itself is believed to have originated in the 17th century and stems from the Dutch word \u2018braden\u2019 \u2013 the literal translation is \u2018to roast\u2019, \u2018to be cooked in the oven\u2019 or \u2018cooked over an open fire\u2019. The Afrikaans term for braden<\/i> is \u2018braai\u2019 \u2013 historians aren\u2019t certain of how the word was invented, but the language itself is a Dutch dialect derived from European colonisers almost 300 years ago.<\/p>\n

\"Heritage-Day-South-Africa\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Today, ‘braai\u2019 is one of the most common words used to describe the flame-grilled tradition in South Africa, despite being a melting pot of cultures with 12 official languages spoken across the nation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

On Heritage Day<\/a>, observed annually on 24 September, it\u2019s common practice for locals to host braais. Some even requested the name be changed to \u2018Braai Day\u2019 for this reason. Over the years, the holiday has taken on different names from Shaka Zulu Day<\/i> to Heritage Day<\/i>.<\/p>\n

In 2007, South African food personality, author and entrepreneur, Jan Scannell, better known by his nickname \u2018Jan Braai\u2019, tried to implement the name change to National Braai Day. While some were in favour of the petition, it was mostly met with controversy by locals who considered it an insult to the true meaning of the holiday \u2013\u00a0a day commemorating the diverse cultures and people of the proverbial \u2018rainbow nation\u2019.<\/p>\n

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‘Tjops, Dop & Beyond<\/h3>\n

Needless to say, braaing is so much more than just a bunch of people standing in front of a fire; this flame-grilled culture has evolved throughout the years and has become so ingrained in South African culture.<\/p>\n

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Braais are typically an intimate culinary affair; groups of family and friends host braais in the comfort of their homes. Some venues also have public braai spots<\/a> where people grill food in scenic settings, be it at national parks, beaches, or campsites.<\/p>\n

\u2018Bring and braais\u2019 are also a common phenomenon where everyone present at the gathering contributes meat and booze. Being a nation of meat eaters, guests can expect a literal flame-grilled feast. Everything from steak and chicken to boerewors (beef sausage) and sosaties<\/a> (chicken, lamb or beef kebabs) are up for grabs.<\/p>\n

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Besides the smorgasbord of meats, a braai is not complete without sides and salads<\/a>. The usual suspects include, but are not limited to, potato salad\u00a0\u2013\u00a0often served alongside chakalaka, and perhaps a Greek salad. When it comes to carbs, mielie pap<\/a> (stiff cooked ground maize) is a favourite\u00a0\u2013\u00a0and because we love our mielies, corn on the cob is usually on the menu as well.<\/p>\n

Braaibroodjies<\/a> are another carb staple; these grilled sandwiches are simple but incredibly satisfying. They often feature toppings such as cheese (cheddar\/gouda), seasoned tomato slices, and onion. When grilled, the buttered bread becomes deliciously crispy and slightly charred and the cheese is melted \u2013 basic, but a guilty pleasure nonetheless.<\/p>\n

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With the rise in plant-based eating, more locals have become vegan\/vegetarian; thankfully, meat alternatives are available at grocery stores. Depending on the individual and their preferences, they might request that a separate braai grid be used to cook their food \u2013 the goes for the preparation of halaal meat for friends and family of Islamic faith.<\/p>\n

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What else is on the menu?<\/h3>\n

Fish braais are also very popular in South Africa, where whole fish is grilled \u2013 yellowtail<\/a> and snoek are two of the most common species enjoyed \u2013 this also depends on availability and whether certain species are exempt from the red list<\/a>.\u00a0 Crayfish is another popular seafood braai item; some might prefer to braai it, while others prefer to make it potjie-style.<\/p>\n

Locals are so passionate about this braai ritual that entire cooking competitions are hosted across the nation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you\u2019ve never experienced potjie<\/a>, you\u2019re missing out. The slow-cooked tradition is synonymous with braai culture and is deeply nostalgic for many locals. Potjie is a dish cooked in a three-legged cast iron pot over the coals.<\/p>\n

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Typically, potjie can be likened to stew consisting of meat and veg, steeped in stock or brown onion gravy. That being said, it\u2019s so much more than your average stew. There are tons of variations of potjie,\u00a0from tomato bredie<\/a> to vegetable potjie,\u00a0 beefy beauties and beyond<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While it takes hours to cook, the end result is always worth the wait, especially when it comes to the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. If you wanted to, you could even add dumplings<\/a> (dombolo) and make a meal of it. Locals are so passionate about this braai ritual that entire cooking competitions are hosted across the nation, often during Heritage Month.<\/p>\n

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Come For the Braai, Stay For the Vibes<\/h3>\n

Much like potjies, traditional \u2018tjop and dop<\/i> Braais can be a full-day affair, and being a social event, beer, Brandy & Coke<\/a>, and other boozy concoctions are part of the package deal. Those smart enough will gather by the snacks table \u2013 while they wait for the meat. Cheeseboards and charcuterie are often served, as well as other appetisers<\/a> \u2013\u00a0biltong is non-negotiable, any good host will tell you this.<\/p>\n

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Entertainment is always a gamble; besides mingling and catching up with friends and family, feel-good music and board games like Uno or 30 Seconds keep guests entertained. Whether you\u2019re on salad duty or the designated braai master, everyone plays a part in ensuring the event is enjoyable and stress-free.<\/p>\n

While braais are casual and anything usually goes, there are some dos and don\u2019ts:<\/i><\/p>\n

DON\u2019T\u2026<\/h4>\n