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Read onPublished: 24 Sept 2024
Now you may be wondering, what has Lexsynergy, a domain registrar and brand protection specialist got to do with South Africa and Braais? Well, our founders are South African born, we also have an office in Johannesburg and we are celebrating our culture by posting this on South African National Heritage Day. So enough with that line of questioning, let us get back to the Braai.
What is a Braai?
Oh boy, we sure do feel bad for you. If you have ended up on this page having never sampled the miracle of a home-style Braai, then buckle up, this is the start of your journey to the world’s best kept food secret, the South African Braai.
The practice of cooking over an open flame is popular throughout Africa. The Zulu and Xhosa people have been cooking consistently over fire for centuries. The Dutch settlers that landed in South Africa brought with them their own culture of open fire cooking and the Dutch term ‘Braaivleis’, meaning ‘grilled meat’, was quickly adopted and adapted, forming the Afrikaans word Braai (meaning barbecue) that we all love today.
Key Ingredients to a Braai
To understand what makes a Braai a Braai, we sat down with none other than our South African team to put together the ultimate Braai guide. Have any additions or disagreements? Get in contact to share your opinion or get your suggestion enshrined into the Braai of fame.
Meats & Memories
Meats
Not one for the vegetarians, meat is arguably the centrepiece of any Braai. While a traditional Braai usually includes all kinds of meat, the team has selected Boerewors as the best.
Boerewors is a traditional sausage made from a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with coriander, cloves, nutmeg and paprika. Send us a message next time you visit Johannesburg or our office and we will get one on the Braai for you.
Memories
As summarised best by Amanda of our Brand Protection team, ‘the smell of the Braai cooking over the fire is the telltale sign that it's going down.’ To South Africans, Braai is much more than a way to cook food, it's a celebration of community, culture and togetherness, a true moment to make memories.
Sides & Socialising
Sides
Almost as hotly contested as meats, it certainly does take two to tango at a Braai, with sides considered just as essential as their meaty counterparts. Topping (and often found overflowing) on the table, you will find Chakalaka, a traditional and refreshing spicy tomato bean relish. The perfect accomplice to the meat, Chakalaka is made with onions, green peppers, cabbages, chilies, carrots and baked or boiled beans.
For when the flavour all gets a bit too much, soak it all up with a big portion of Pap. Similar to the ‘gritz’ that graces the barbecues of America’s southern states, Pap is a cool, white, corn-meal porridge that is picked up with the fingers and used as a scoop for other foods.
Socialising
Noni, another member from the Brand Protection team, describes how a Braai brings people together, especially on National Heritage Day: ‘A few years ago, my family and I decided to have a big Braai at our home. We invited friends and neighbours and everyone brought a dish that represented their heritage. The variety of food was incredible, from boerewors and chakalaka to samosas and bobotie. What made it truly special was the sense of togetherness. We shared stories about our backgrounds, danced to traditional music, and even had a small talent show where people showcased their cultural dances and songs.
National Heritage ‘Braai’ Day
Today, September 24th (day of posting), is South Africa’s’ National Heritage Day. Established in 1995 to commemorate the election of Nelson Mandela as president, National Heritage ‘Braai’ Day, is a celebration of South Africa’s multiculturalism. It invites South Africans to embrace their individuality and welcome those from all walks of life to share a traditional day together, centred around the essential Braai. Speaking to our team staff in South Africa, National Heritage Day holds a special significance in their hearts.
“I remember National Heritage Day in Grade 12. I was wearing traditional black and white Xhosa attire, conducting a choir of students. We looked like gods/goddesses and sounded so pleasant to the ear singing our traditional African songs. The experience was breath-taking. We could have gone on and on!”
- Qaqamba | Lexsynergy Support Team
"I am Zulu from KwaZulu-Natal, so we wear a lot of bright coloured beads on our heads, necks, skirts, wrists and ankles. I loved walking from home to the bus stop on Heritage Day because I would see other children also dressed in their traditional wear. Overall, Heritage Day is a colourful and fun day filled with good food and people to share it with.”
- Amanda | Lexsynergy Brand Protection Team
Celebrating our Differences
At Lexsynergy, we champion what makes the world unique. Whether a team member, a culture or a domain, we fight for the rights of others to flex their creativity. If you need assistance in protecting your domains or online enforcement, then get in contact and we can discuss it over a Braai.
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