Kayla and friends loving the Braai

One thing I am definitely going to miss from South Africa is Braai. Braai is a type of food similar to BBQ, but way better in my opinion. It consists of getting some raw meat of choice and grilling it on a charcoal grill in some sort of crate thing. It takes a while for the coal to heat and light up but once it does, the meat can start to cook. The best part of this is the marinade that is put on the meat. It is usually called Braai sauce and is SO GOOD. Each place does it differently and there is really no right way for it to be done.  Another great part about Braais is the actual experience of it. It is commonly an event in which people gather and spend time together. They are meant to be stress free and enjoyable for all. Usually they last a while and include some drinking such as beer and wine. We have had a few Braais at our house and have gone to a few that other people have invited us to. Although they have been different, some things remained the same. There were people there enjoying each other’s company, food and drinks, and a relaxed, stress free atmosphere. I always have such a great time when at a Braai and ALWAYS enjoy the food! It is something I really hope to bring back to the US and enjoy there as well. I am definitely bringing back a big bottle of the Braai Sauce and plan to introduce it with my family and friends.

 Another thing I enjoy about Braai and the meat is how it is eaten. If you go out to a place that serves Braaid meat, people usually eat it with some bread or just by itself. At a popular Braai restaurant called Mzoli’s, they literally just serve meat and you can buy the bread separate before you go. When you get to this place, you go inside and order what meat you want and how much you want. There is so much raw meat it is crazy! But then they weigh it out and put it in a huge bowl and send it back to the grilling area where they Braai it. Their sauce is so good and is definitely the best I have had since being here. Once the meat is done, you bring it to your table and eat it. They do not have plates or napkins or anything else except for that huge bowl of meat. So we usually bring some napkins, a drink, and the bread. Everyone kind of just digs in and eats together. It is different than American culture but it is something we have all grown to love. Braai is very common here and I truly enjoy every time I get to eat Braai’d meet or actually go to a Braai outing. I can’t wait to eat it a few more times before I leave and hopefully bring it back to the US!