Braai

What it is

A proper braai burns wood, or at least charcoal. Gas is looked down on. The meat goes on only when the flames have died to coals. Common items are a coiled spiced beef sausage called boerewors, lamb chops, steak, chicken, skewers of marinated meat and, on the coast, whole fish or crayfish. Sides include stiff maize porridge with a tomato and onion relish, a spicy vegetable relish called chakalaka, toasted sandwiches cooked on the grid, and potato salad.

A shared custom

The braai has roots in the cooking of the Khoikhoi and other African peoples and in the open-fire cooking of Dutch settlers and trekkers, and every community has added to it. In townships the form is shisa nyama, burn the meat in Zulu: you choose raw meat at a butchery and it is grilled for you on the spot, with music playing. Heritage Day, on 24 September, is widely celebrated as Braai Day, with people across the country lighting fires.

How it works

One person, the braaier or braai master, is in charge of the fire, and others leave the tongs alone. Guests stand round the fire with a drink while it burns down. In a bring and braai, each guest brings their own meat and drinks and the host provides the fire and the sides. In a chop and dop, the host provides everything but the drink. Food is eaten outdoors, off plates on laps, when each batch is done.

How to do it

1. Ask whether it is a bring and braai, and bring your own meat if so.
2. Hand your meat to the braai master. Do not put it on yourself.
3. Stand by the fire and talk while the wood burns down.
4. Try the sausage in a roll first, then the chops.
5. Help carry sides out and plates in.

Good manners

• Never take over another person's fire or tongs.
• Do not expect to eat at the time you were invited for.
• Bring enough drink to share.

What is eaten

BoereworsSouthern African sausage made from coarsely ground meat and spicesSosatieSouth African skewers of marinated meat, often cooked over a fireUgaliA dense maize porridge served as a staple across much of AfricaChakalakaSpicy South African vegetable relish often served with bread or papBraaibroodjieA toasted sandwich with cheese, tomato and onion, cooked at a South African braaiPotjiekosSouth African outdoor stew slow-cooked in a cast iron potBiltongAir-dried, spiced meat snack from Southern Africa

Sources and further reading

• Regional variations of barbecue on Wikipedia
• South African Tourism: The South African braai