Is it because we don't have a lot of variety, like going out for Chinese-, Japanese-, Pakistani- or Indian food ... or any other kind of food for that matter? Or are we just lazy and wanna sit around a fire while we get ourselves drunk? Another fun question, guys! I'm looking for some interesting answers.
2007-04-03 03:08:13 · 16 answers · asked by Porgie 7 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
Good question, boet. Here are the 10 reasons:
1. Frying meat on an open fire is a deep-rooted African way of cooking.
2. A lot of the joy is in the fire. Sitting around an acacia-, mopanie- or wingerdstompie-fire outside on a chilly evening is magic. Wood-fires are much better braais than charcoal or (heaven forbid) an elecric/gas 'hotrock'.
3. Not lazy. On the contrary, old chap. Most South Africans rather like to do it themselves than pay someone else (restaurant) to do it.
4. Better value for money (than an Indian or Chinese restaurant).
5. Because you have to wait for the fire to burn to ambers it's a great opportunity to socialise.
6. A proper braai is anything but devoid of variety. Dishes and salads include: boerewors (different varieties), lamb chops, pork chops, beef steak, game steaks, chicken, harders (fish), snoek (fish), crayfish, pofadder (liver and 'netvet' - go to Namaqualand to meet the masters), tomato & onion toasties (braaibrood), krummelpap, stywepap, a variety of pap-smoor (sauce), corn on the cob, potato in foil, onion in foil, leg of lamb in foil, whole chicken in foil, potjiekos (millions of recipes!!!), roosterkoek, potbrood (for those few who have mastered the art), green salad, potato-mayo salad, ceasar salad, carrot&orange salad etc, etc.
7. South Africa has the best BBQ spice in the world.
8. It gives the girls a break (theoretically) and gives the guys a chance to show off their skills. Although, as everybody knows, at a specific braai there's only one "braaimaster" (usually the host).
9. It's a great opportunity for South Africans to practice their renowned hospitality.
10. Ag, its just sommer net lekker!
2007-04-03 06:44:13 · answer #1 · answered by Vango 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It's a social gathering of like minded people who enjoy a good laugh and discuss a variety of topics and it's a good excuse to have a couple of drinks more than usual, lets face it the smell of a wood fire in the crisp evening air and that smell of meat on the braai what could be better.
2007-04-03 21:33:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely not because of a lack of variety! And, no, not to give the woman a break from the kitchen. Still got all the pap, sauce and salads to make. Must be the best way to socialise, the lovely smell all around you, the men trying to show off (and failing a lot of the time :-) ) the atmosphere, chatting about everything under the sun without having to worry about the restaurant bill, and when FINALLY! the food is ready...yummy!
2007-04-03 14:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by sins 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have the whole wrong idea of braai
People braai to get together and have a wonderful time
Yes they can have Chinese food but then they it wont be so relaxed environment it is the same reason why Americans love their BBQ so much
2007-04-04 01:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by SAgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just can´t beat the sight of logs burning at night time while sipping a black label and talking absolute rubbish with some friends.......sighhhh
And hopefully we´re all sober enough to be able cook the food, but usually by that time I´m more interested in my next black label.....he he
Here in the south east of Spain, the Andalusians also braai!!
I couldn´t believe it! What a score!
(Not those half ****.d BBQs that the Australian and New Zealanders do, sies!)
Nope, we do fish braais, paellas (rice, fish, chicken and prawn dish) and meat.
and while we are waiting for the wood to burn and our women to bring our next beer (tongue in cheek, ladies) we also play some drums!
In fact, tomorrow night I shall be doing just that with my crazy Spanish friends.
You are all invited if you can get here by then!
2007-04-03 12:24:29 · answer #5 · answered by turniton5 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Janet is right - the smell of braai is awsome! I alwsy become jealous when my neighbours have a braai. I ensure that I invte friends to have ours within days of theirs - just for revenge. And we spent the braai time making the Van der Merwe jokes!
2007-04-03 11:57:20 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't agree with all of you more. It is just a natural thing for us to do, we were born with it in our blood. Its also a good way to get foreigners to enjoy themselves in South Africa because that's what they're looking for. They're used to all these fancy restaurants so they wanna have a real South African experience. Good job to all the South African answerers!
2007-04-04 13:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by The Dude 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a state electricity provider such as Eskom, we feel it appropriate to practice having no electricity.
That and the fact that it is a great escape from the realities of this harsh land for a few hours.
2007-04-04 05:25:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Hello this is MR Cash
Im surprised that our dictatorship goverment has'nt outlawed braaing yet saying that braaing is for afrikaners and that its apartheid!!
It is really one of the few pleasures that we have in this country
Maybe we can hold a braai, sing de la rey de la rey, get pissed and plot to overthrow the regime?
2007-04-04 04:41:47 · answer #9 · answered by MR Cash 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey Porg, Its been a while since iv been online.... I think its because we lazy, and getting pissed there is nothing better than watching a boerewors and bloubull steak tan on the fire.. mmmm im hungry and thirsty...
cheers boet take it easy,
2007-04-04 04:29:20 · answer #10 · answered by Hector 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋