If you’ve ever been to a proper South African braai, you’ll know it’s not just a meal, it’s an event. Smoky, social, loud, and unapologetically meat-heavy, the braai is South Africa’s answer to the barbecue, but with its own unmistakable flavour. Plus, if you're living in the UK and missing that unmistakable fire-cooked goodness, you can still bring the experience home. All you need is the right mix of meat, snacks, sauces, and of course, some solid braai accessories.
Here’s how to build the ultimate South African braai box, one that tastes like home and feeds the soul.
The heart of every braai box is the meat. Boerewors is essential, that thick, coiled beef sausage seasoned with coriander, cloves, and black pepper. It’s juicy, filling, and perfect for grilling over open flames. You’ll want to go for proper South African-style beef boerewors, not supermarket alternatives that lack the right fat ratio or spice depth.
While you’re tending to the fire, there’s no better snack than Droëwors. This dried version of boerewors is chewy, savoury, and spiced just enough to keep you reaching back for more. Add a few strips of beef biltong, and you’ve got a winning pre-braai platter. If you’re unsure where to start, Susmans best beef biltong is a safe bet; it’s one of the most loved options in the UK and hits that sweet spot of texture, seasoning, and quality meat.
Want to compare with what’s out there? You’ll notice the difference between proper biltong and something like American beef jerky, biltong is thicker, air-dried, and often less sweet. It’s a purist’s choice.
What makes or breaks your braai? Flavour. And nothing delivers that better than Six Gun Spice. It’s practically a rite of passage: a blend of smoky paprika, garlic, pepper, and more, perfect for rubbing into meat before it hits the grill.
Then there’s sauce. Every braai master has their secret weapon, but let’s be honest, a good chutney works on everything. Whether you’re glazing pork ribs or serving grilled chicken, Mrs Ball’s chutney or a punchy chilli jam adds that tangy sweetness that balances out the char.
If you’re planning to throw a potjie pot on the fire, for a slow-cooked stew or even a simple side dish like spicy chakalaka, now’s the time to bring in bolder flavours. With a decent potjie, you can cook while your main grill does its thing. It’s also a great way to offer a vegetarian option without compromising on taste.
A braai isn’t just about meat, it’s an all-day thing. You’ll want snacks to tide people over, and dessert (or something close) to finish things off. Fill your box with nostalgic South African treats that pair well with a beer or a cold cream soda. Think Beacon Fizzers, South African nougat, and South African biscuits, the kinds of things you grew up eating but rarely find outside a specialist shop. If you’re catering for a crowd, South African crisps like tomato sauce-flavoured Simba are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
Need drinks to match? A few bottles of South African beer or even South African cream soda (the luminous green one, you know the one) round things off perfectly.
Don’t forget something lighter for the end of the evening, a bag of South African dried fruit does the trick after a meat-heavy meal.
There’s no reason your braai box has to stop at meat and snacks. If you’re building a gift or hosting an event, turn it into a full South African food hamper. Include everything from spices and sauces to drinks and desserts. You could even add a gift voucher so they can buy biltong online when the stash runs low.
Whether you’re putting this together for yourself or for someone else, this box is about more than food. It’s about gathering, storytelling, and a sense of home, even if you're thousands of miles away. From game biltong to the best beef jerky options around, Susmans Biltong offers everything you need to build a braai box that brings South Africa to your doorstep.
If you're craving that first bite of grilled boerewors, the crackle of the fire, and the unmistakable taste of South African biltong in the UK, it's time to create your own ultimate braai box. Stock up, fire up the grill, and invite your friends, this is how it’s done.
Browse our full range of South African chips, sweets, dried fruit, and snacks. Whether you're topping up on your favourites or trying something new, we've got everything in stock and ready to send.