South Africans love a good braai as it’s not just about the fantastic food, but usually a chance to chat about the epic game that was just on, and an excuse to socialise with friends. Preferred choices of meat are steak, lamb, boerewors sausage, fish, and chicken.  They take great pride in the fact our South African men (and women!) can hold their own in this department, but let’s not leave out the Australia Barbie.

The Australian term for braai is barbie, short for barbecue. The Australian government is supportive of this fantastic pastime and have installed free public access barbies (some coin-operated ones as well) at most beaches, camping sites, and parks around the country. The free public barbies tend to be either a hot-plate/grill combination, or only a hotplate – they are electric and turn off after 15 minutes so keep a close eye on your meats. Preferred choices for meats to throw on the Barbie include kangaroo, shrimp, emu, and steak.

I suppose the main difference is the fire. The South African braai needs a wood burning fire done the old fashioned way. There is a special mood that is set when the logs crackle and the meat spits and the sun sets. You don’t get that from a gas grill. Gas barbeques are not braaing. Grilling maybe, but not braaing.

Gas may be faster, cleaner and better for the environment, but cannot compare to the flavour of the meat you get from wood.

And hey, let's be honest, who wants to stand around a gas barbie and have a chat? It’s just not right.