Sosatie, main dish from South Africa: what it is and how it is eaten

Sosatie is a South African dish where pieces of meat, usually lamb, are marinated, threaded onto skewers, and grilled. The marinade often includes spices and aromatics, and the skewers may also hold onions, peppers, or dried fruit. Sosaties are a main course, commonly served hot at gatherings and barbecues.

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Sosatie is a traditional South African skewer dish
The meat is marinated before grilling
Dried apricots or prunes are sometimes added
It is often cooked over a braai, the South African barbecue

What is Sosatie?

Sosatie is a dish from South Africa made by marinating cubes of meat—most often lamb, though beef or chicken can also be used. The meat is then placed on skewers, sometimes alternating with pieces of onion, bell pepper, or dried fruit like apricots or prunes. The marinade brings together spices, garlic, and tamarind, giving the meat a tangy and aromatic taste. Once assembled, the skewers are grilled or pan-fried, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites with a mix of savory and sweet notes.

Where does Sosatie come from?

The dish has roots in Cape Malay cooking, a tradition shaped by the descendants of Southeast Asian slaves and settlers in South Africa. Its name blends words from Afrikaans and Malay, reflecting both the method (skewered meat) and the use of a spiced sauce. Over time, sosatie became popular throughout South Africa, especially as part of the braai, the local barbecue tradition. The dish’s preparation and ingredients have evolved, but its connection to Cape Malay heritage remains strong.

How is Sosatie made?

To make sosatie, meat is first cut into cubes and left to soak in a marinade that typically includes spices, garlic, and tamarind. After marinating, the meat is threaded onto skewers, often with pieces of onion, pepper, or dried fruit between the chunks. The assembled skewers are then cooked over an open flame or on a grill, though pan-frying is also possible. The grilling process gives the meat a smoky flavor and caramelizes the marinade.

How and when is Sosatie eaten?

Sosaties are usually enjoyed as a main dish at lunch or dinner, especially during social gatherings around a braai, the South African barbecue. They are served hot, straight from the grill, and may be accompanied by salads, breads, or other side dishes. The combination of meat and fruit on the skewer offers a balance of savory and sweet flavors. Sosatie is a familiar dish at family meals and festive occasions alike.

Kinds of Sosatie

While lamb is the traditional choice, beef and chicken are also used in many households. Some versions add dried apricots or prunes for a touch of sweetness, while others use different vegetables between the meat pieces. The marinade ingredients can vary, but always aim to create a rich, tangy, and aromatic flavor. Regional and personal preferences shape the exact mix of spices and additions.

What Sosatie means

Sosatie is closely tied to South Africa’s braai culture, where grilling outdoors is a cherished social activity. Its Cape Malay origins give it a special place in the country’s culinary history, representing a blend of influences. The dish is widely recognized and enjoyed across South Africa, often seen at gatherings, celebrations, and family meals. Its name and preparation reflect the country’s diverse heritage.

Questions people ask about Sosatie

What is sosatie made of?

Sosatie is made from cubes of meat, usually lamb, that are marinated with spices, garlic, and tamarind. The meat is then skewered, often with onions, peppers, or dried fruit, and grilled.

Where does sosatie come from?

Sosatie comes from South Africa and has roots in Cape Malay cooking, reflecting a blend of local and Southeast Asian influences.

How is sosatie cooked?

After marinating, the meat is threaded onto skewers and cooked over a grill or open flame, often as part of a braai, which is the South African style of barbecue.

What does sosatie taste like?

Sosatie has a tangy and aromatic flavor from its marinade, with sweet notes if dried fruit is included, and a smoky taste from grilling.

Is sosatie always made with lamb?

While lamb is traditional, beef and chicken are also commonly used in sosatie recipes.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Sosatie", 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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