This week, South Africans across the country will be firing up the grills to celebrate National Heritage Day on the 24th of September. National Heritage Day is a public holiday dedicated to honoring the country’s rich cultural traditions, diverse communities, and shared history. It’s a day that encourages South Africans of all backgrounds to come together in unity, celebrating what makes the nation unique.
Because of the community wide celebrations, over the years, Heritage Day has also earned another name: National Braai Day. Few things embody South African culture more than a braai. For those unfamiliar, a braai is kind of like the American barbecue. Although you enjoy some delicious food at the end of it, the whole event is less about the food and more about the experience. Any cultural or personal event calls for a braai in South Africa. A birthday? Braai. A family reunion? Braai. A Saturday afternoon with nothing planned? Braai. It’s the default way South Africans mark moments both big and small.
There’s just something special about standing around an open fire while meat slowly cooks over hot coals. The smell of sizzling boerewors, the sound of laughter, the clinking of glasses — it all creates an atmosphere of togetherness that feels quintessentially South African.
The beauty of Braai Day is that it’s universal. You don’t have to be South African to embrace the tradition. If you love grilling outdoors, spending quality time in good company, and honoring cultural connection through food, you can celebrate right where you are. Think of it as a way to experience a piece of South African heritage, no matter where in the world you live.
The Key Ingredients of a Great Braai
Every South African knows a proper braai is about more than just cooking meat, it’s a whole experience. It’s the fire, the flavors, the drinks in hand, and most importantly, the people gathered around. If you want to capture the spirit of National Braai Day, here are the essentials:
1. The Fire
The fire is where it all begins. Unlike many American barbecues that rely on gas grills, a true braai uses wood or charcoal. Starting the fire is part of the ritual: the crackling wood, the smoky aroma, and the slow wait for glowing coals set the stage for the entire evening. Starting the fire early makes room for the socializing to start long before the food is ready.
2. The Meat
Ask any South African and they’ll tell you, the meat is the star of the show! From boerewors to steaks, chicken wings, lamb chops, and even sosaties, the choice of meat reflects the diversity of South African tastes. I think most people would be happy with just grilling and eating the meat, but definitely throw in a few sides to make everyone happy.
3. The Beer (or Beverage of Choice)
Of course, no braai is complete without something refreshing in hand. Cold beer is the classic choice, but the spirit of Braai Day is inclusive. A glass of South African wine, a craft soda, or even a homemade iced tea can work just as well. It’s less about what’s in the glass, and more about the ritual of sharing a drink with friends.
4. The Company
At its heart, the braai is about connection. It’s where stories are shared, laughter fills the air, and people come together. Whether you’re with family, friends, or neighbors, the company is what turns a simple meal into a celebration.
At the end of the day, National Braai Day is about more than food. It’s about celebrating South Africa’s heritage, the traditions that unite people, and the joy of coming together around a fire. Whether you’re in Cape Town, North Carolina, or anywhere else in the world, lighting up the grill this week is a way to honor that spirit.
Happy Heritage Day (and of course, Happy Braai Day)! 🇿🇦
And if you’d like to bring a taste of South Africa into your own backyard, here’s a recipe you can try at home that combines two iconic flavors: bobotie and boerewors.
Bobotie Boerewors Recipe
One of the best ways to honor Braai Day is to try your hand at a traditional South African dish. This recipe combines two classics: bobotie, a fragrant, spiced dish with Cape Malay roots, and boerewors, the famous South African sausage that’s a must-have at any braai. The result? A sausage that’s sweet, savory, and bursting with flavor — perfect for grilling.
Thank you to grillmaster Mark Salle for sharing this recipe!
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb for richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup crushed sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup apricot jam/preserve
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (bottled works fine)
- Sausage casings (natural hog casings preferred)
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with all the spices, almonds, raisins, apricot jam, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour to let the flavors blend and firm up (this also prevents too much liquid loss when stuffing).
- Prepare the sausage casings: rinse them in cold water to remove excess salt, then soak in warm water for 5–10 minutes until pliable.
- Using a sausage stuffer (or your stand mixer with a sausage attachment), carefully stuff the meat mixture into the casings. Be careful not to overfill; leave some give so the sausages don’t burst while cooking.
- Twist into desired sausage lengths and refrigerate until ready to grill.
- Cook the sausages slowly over medium coals, not direct flames. This ensures the boerewors stays juicy inside while developing a smoky, charred flavor outside.
