The word "braai" is derived from the Afrikaans language, where it simply means "barbecue" or "grill." However, the practice of cooking meat over an open flame has ancient roots in South Africa. Indigenous peoples like the Khoikhoi and San communities have been using open fires for centuries to cook their food. As South Africa's diverse population grew over the centuries, so did the braai's cultural significance. The practice became a way for people from various backgrounds to come together, share stories, and celebrate their shared love for good food. In the 19th century, the British influence added new elements to the South African braai, introducing sausages, marinades, and sides like chutney and potato salad. During apartheid, the braai became a symbol of unity and resistance. Non-white communities were often denied access to public parks and beaches, leading them to create their own gathering spots for braais in their backyards and townships. The braai became a source of comfort, cultural preservation, and community building during this challenging period. In 1994, South Africa underwent a historic transformation when Nelson Mandela was elected as the country's first black president. To commemorate this event and celebrate the nation's diverse cultural heritage, National Heritage Day was established. It was on this day that the 24th of September officially became known as "National Braai Day." Today, National Braai Day is a celebration of South Africa's multiculturalism, bringing people from all walks of life together to share a meal cooked over an open flame. It has also spread beyond South Africa's borders, with people around the world joining in the festivities.
The main difference between a braai and a BBQ has to be the fire. A braai just isn't considered a braai if cooked on a gas grill. People will gather around the fire after eating and spend the rest of the day or evening there. We never braai alone.
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The best day to braai on is the 24th of September - This is called Heritage Day - and we all Braai to celebrate what makes us truely South African.
The best sport to watch while braai-ing is Rugby - South Africa is the current world champions in rugby!
What makes a braai truly South African are the traditions that have become common practise in a vast majority of households in this beautiful country. It is so much more than just the cooking of food but also the gathering of friends and loved ones. The atmosphere and VIBE of the braai is what makes it such a special event for all South Africans. A braai has no specific time or place but rather it exists everywhere and has the potential to happen at any given moment. Whether a small quick breakfast, lunch or dinner to a massive gathering of individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life everyone knows is proud of BRAAI.
A braai can happen any where and anytime but it is usually at someones house who hosts a group of friends The host is responsible for letting the invitees know what to bring like snacks, sides, meat, salads or alcohol Men & woman gather around the “braai” for the entire process, from fire starting to post-cooking Men & woman spend most of the time in kitchen socialising and preparing the sides, salads, pap, deserts and all those things that go along with the braai MEAT is ESSENTIAL, without meat – it’s not a braai. Unless you’re a vegan/ vegetarian The combination of the men and women’s hard work is enjoyed around the fire during conversation and story-telling The host is usually in charge of all activities in and around the braai such as attending to the fire, cooking the meat and holding great conversation Everything braai related usually happens on African time; it’s about the experience and the fire is usually only lit once everyone has arrived.It’s all part of the experience Snacks are essential and especially biltong Lastly you can crack open a beer, pour that glass of wine, grab a handful of biltong and let the braai experience begin
Coded by Ché Marneweck