Biltong, sausage or cured food from South Africa: what it is and how it is eaten

Biltong is a cured, air-dried meat snack that comes from Southern Africa, most often made with beef but sometimes with game meats like ostrich or kudu. The meat is marinated in vinegar and spices such as coriander, salt, and black pepper, then dried in strips. Biltong is usually eaten as a snack but can also be added to other dishes.

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Biltong is air-dried, not heat-dried like jerky.
Coriander, salt, and vinegar are key to its flavor and preservation.
Game meats such as kudu or ostrich are sometimes used.
Biltong is a high-protein snack, often eaten on its own.
It is a staple food in South Africa and among its diaspora.

What is Biltong?

Biltong is a snack made by curing and air-drying strips of meat, most commonly beef, though game meats like ostrich or kudu are also used. The meat is marinated in vinegar and coated with spices such as coriander, black pepper, and salt. The result is a chewy, flavorful strip of meat with a dark, rich color and a savory, slightly tangy taste. Biltong can be found in thick or thin cuts, sometimes with more fat or leaner, depending on preference.

Where does Biltong come from?

Biltong developed in Southern Africa as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration. Early Dutch settlers are said to have introduced spices like pepper and coriander to local preservation methods. While some stories claim meat was dried under horses' saddles, it is more likely that biltong evolved from both indigenous and settler techniques. It became a staple for travelers and soldiers, especially during the Boer War, and remains a source of pride for South Africans worldwide.

How is Biltong made?

To make biltong, meat is cut into strips either along or across the grain. It is marinated in vinegar, then coated with a blend of salt, coriander, and black pepper. The meat is left to cure for several hours or overnight, then hung to air-dry, traditionally during the cold winter months to reduce the risk of spoilage. The drying process can take up to two weeks, resulting in a preserved, ready-to-eat snack.

Biltong Stokkies, Author: Jamsta. Photo: Jamsta at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How and when is Biltong eaten?

Biltong is most often eaten as a snack, either on its own or sliced into thin pieces. It is also added to stews, breads, or even muffins for extra flavor. Some people enjoy it shredded on bread or in sandwiches. Biltong is sold in different textures, from moist to very dry, and in various thicknesses. It is widely available in butcheries and stores across Southern Africa and in South African communities abroad.

Kinds of Biltong

While beef is the most common meat for biltong, versions made with game such as kudu, springbok, or ostrich are also popular. Chicken and fish biltong exist, with fish biltong known as bokkoms. The spice mix can vary, sometimes including chili, nutmeg, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce. Biltong is sold in different forms: thick strips, thin sticks (stokkies), or even finely shredded.

What Biltong means

Biltong is a beloved everyday food in South Africa and is often seen as a symbol of national identity, especially among expatriate communities. It is a common snack at gatherings and sporting events. Biltong's traditional preparation methods and distinctive taste set it apart from similar dried meats like jerky. Its popularity has spread to countries with South African populations, where it is made and enjoyed as a reminder of home.

Questions people ask about Biltong

What is biltong made of?

Biltong is usually made from beef, though game meats like ostrich or kudu are also used. The meat is cured with vinegar, salt, coriander, and black pepper before being air-dried.

Where does biltong come from?

Biltong originated in Southern Africa, where it was developed as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration. It is especially associated with South Africa.

How is biltong different from jerky?

Biltong is air-dried over days and uses vinegar and spices for curing, while jerky is heat-dried and often thinner. Biltong is rarely smoked and usually does not contain sugar or additives.

How is biltong eaten?

Biltong is most often eaten as a snack, either in strips or sliced thin. It can also be added to stews, breads, or sandwiches for extra flavor.

What does biltong taste like?

Biltong has a savory, slightly tangy flavor from the vinegar and spices, with a chewy texture. The taste can vary depending on the cut of meat and spice mix.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Biltong", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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