The SAFFA BRAAI

It's not a BBQ!!

If there is one thing a South African got right it would be how to Braai. Since a very young age, well actually since birth us Saffa's are surrounded by the festivities happening around a fire. It must have something to do with our heritage since we really know how to make a nice steak on a open fire.

It's not a BBQ. It's not the same at all. Braai not a translation of BBQ. It's unique in every form. Firstly you braai with wood or charcoal or a combination of the two and not with gas. Secondly it's always festive with people coming over to have a nice braai. It's not merely just a way to get you meat grilled. Thirdly, you have to smell like smoke afterwards and atleast have some black stripe on you somewhere. Fourthly, you leave the fire and the braaing to the braai master and you don't dare to interrupt their rhythm. 

You prepare you meat before you put it on the fire with Robertson Braai Spice. There's really a reason why it's always sold out or why they constantly re-stack the shelfs. You could marinate it as well but to get the most flavour in the meat you will have to leave it for a few hours to soak. And if you really want to do something real nice you make a braai pie. 

I am no braai master but even I can braai you a tjoppie wat skrik vir niks. It's really in the blood of the SAFFA's. 

In Korea we also get BBQ (Bulgogi) but they took things to another level! You sit at a table with a special grill bucket or whatever you call the thing in the middle of the table. Then they bring you your coals, already hot,  and all you need to do is throw the meat on the grill. This is not braai, there is so many aspects missing such as Braai spice or any spice for that matter. And you have no tongs to mess your charcoal around either... I mean what's the fun in that? It tastes alright but it makes me really miss my Braai's especially with a nice cold beer or glass of red wine and a Bulshoek Sunset. 

I miss my little Heaven on earth. 

I'm quite excited to see what the SAFFA braai would look like this weekend in Korea.