African Food and Art

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Learn Southern Africa Braai Vocabulary

Braai Dictionary

The word braai is a South African Afrikaans language word pronounced BRY rhyming with why.

Braai is popular in Southern Africa especially with people who live in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. 

Braai may have originated with the South African Afrikaner people, but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds. 

An important distinction between a braai and a barbecue is that it’s fairly uncommon for a braai to use gas rather than an open flame.

Women rarely braai at a social gathering, as this is normally the braai realm of men.
 
Braai is popular in Southern Africa

Learn Southern Africa Braai Vocabulary

Braaivleis is the roasted meat.
 
Braai is barbecue or roast.
 
Vleis is the raw meat used to cook.
 
Braaier or Baas is the chef and the boss, person in charge.
 
Braaistand is the fire or grill.
 
Varkstert is a tool for turning meat.
 
Braai hi jacker is someone you don’t really want to invite but, you have too.
 
Braaimaster is the master of the grill.
 
Doek Sag is very tender meat.
 
Flou kole is tired at the end of a long braai and drinking.
 
Jislaaik is what you say when the braaier managed to turn a very big steak without trouble.
 
Halaal Braai is a braai where all meat used is Halaal meat from animals that have been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law.
 
O gatta! is an exclamation when you burnt the meat or the police are coming.
 
FlattyBraaied chicken is chicken cut open and spread flat open on braai grill.
 
Breakfast braai is early morning braai, taking place before noon.
 
Krismisbraai is the braai that many Southern Africans have on the Christmas Day December 25.
 
Braai has been around for centuries and has truly stood the test of time. One simple spice recipe is a basic beef rub of garlic, coriander, allspice and many other fragrant ingredients, enjoy this recipe next time you grill meat on an open fire.

Picking peppers in South Africa

South African Simple Braai Spice Recipe

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice

Spice Recipe


Read more facts and food recipes about Africa

African people are praised for good eats, proverbs, history, and traditions. Learn more about Africa from the articles below.

West African Ginger Beer Recipe

Sierra Leone Fish Soup Recipe

African Countries and Capitals That Begin with M Word Search

Quick and Easy Bitter Leaf Stew Recipe

All 54 African countries have national anthems.


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Ethiopian Midwest American Hotdish

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Neck elongation rings how to put on and take off

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