We believe that every fire tells a story—of friends gathered, family laughing, and meat sizzling to perfection under the African sky.

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Where Does the Word “Braai” Come From?

(And why it’s basically the heartbeat of South Africa)

Ah, “braai.”
That one little word that instantly makes every South African hungry, nostalgic, patriotic… and slightly territorial about how to flip a chop properly.

But have you ever stopped mid-chicken-wing and wondered:
Where does the word “braai” actually come from?

Let’s fire things up.

The word “braai” is short for the Dutch word “braaivleis”, which means “grilled meat.”
When the Dutch landed at the Cape back in the 1600s with their wooden shoes and impressive facial hair, they brought with them the idea of cooking over open flames (although let’s be honest, South Africans perfected it).

Over time, “braaivleis” got trimmed down to just “braai” – because let’s face it, nobody has time to say full words when there’s a steak on the grid and a beer in your hand.

In South Africa, “braai” isn’t just cooking. It’s a ritual, a national sport, and arguably a love language.

You don’t have a braai…
You host one. You build one. You talk about it for days afterwards.

In fact, try explaining to a tourist that your weekend plans are just “braai” and watch the confusion set in.
No, we’re not roasting something specific.
We’re braaiing everything. Meat. Toasties. Maybe even marshmallows if the mood hits.

In South Africa, “braai” isn’t just cooking. It’s a ritual, a national sport, and arguably a love language.

You don’t have a braai…
You host one. You build one. You talk about it for days afterwards.

In fact, try explaining to a tourist that your weekend plans are just “braai” and watch the confusion set in.
No, we’re not roasting something specific.
We’re braaiing everything. Meat. Toasties. Maybe even marshmallows if the mood hits.

While the Dutch gave us the word, South Africans gave it personality.
We added:

  • Boerewors that’s longer than a road trip to Durban
  • Lamb chops with a secret spice mix passed down like a family heirloom
  • And of course, Pap & Sheba, because no real braai is complete without it.

At @Braai, we’re proudly local, proudly lekker, and always ready to keep your coals glowing.

Bonus Braai Facts:

  • The word “braai” is used in all 11 official languages in South Africa. That’s right – it unites us better than a World Cup win.
  • National Braai Day is celebrated on September 24th. Coincidence that it falls on Heritage Day? Not at all. It is our heritage.
  • South Africans will braai in thunderstorms, in freezing wind, even during load-shedding (especially then).