Braais, Boerewors and Backyard Vibes: A Beginner’s Guide to Braai Culture in Joburg

If there’s one thing that brings Joburgers together – across suburbs, languages and even the fiercest rugby rivalries – it’s the unmistakable smell of meat on the grill and the warm crackle of an open flame. In Johannesburg, a braai isn’t just a meal. It’s a ritual, a social glue, and a proudly South African celebration of life.

Whether you’re a born-and-bred local or just finding your feet in Jozi, understanding braai culture is your entry ticket into backyards, birthday parties and even business deals. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Exactly is a Braai?

A braai is South Africa’s version of a barbecue – but don’t make the mistake of calling it that. It’s more than grilled meat. A braai is a fire-led gathering, typically held outdoors, where people connect over smoky boerewors (a spicy, coiled sausage), lamb chops, chicken wings, and the occasional vegetarian skewer.

The word “braai” comes from the Afrikaans word braaivleis, meaning “grilled meat”, and the practice is shared across all racial and cultural groups in South Africa. In Joburg, braais happen everywhere – in lush suburban gardens, at public parks like Zoo Lake or Delta Park, on rooftop terraces in the CBD, and even in township streets where a quick shisanyama (a grill stand selling meat) turns into a block party.

A Little History Behind the Flames

Braais trace back centuries, rooted in indigenous fire-cooking methods long before colonial influence. Over time, the Afrikaner farming community (Boere) made open-fire cooking a weekend staple, especially on farms and during long road trips.

Post-apartheid, the braai became one of South Africa’s most unifying traditions – a shared experience that spans race, religion, and income levels. Even Nelson Mandela was known to enjoy a braai now and then.

In 2005, “National Braai Day” was declared and later rebranded as Braai Day, falling on 24 September (Heritage Day) each year. It’s a public holiday when millions of South Africans light up their fires in honour of the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

The Joburg Twist: Concrete Jungle, Smoky Skies

While Cape Town has its beaches and Durban its braai-on-the-veranda vibes, Joburg has the urban braai. In the city of gold, you’ll find braais in every shape and size — from stylish Weber grills in Sandton homes to open fires in Soweto backyards, or fold-up braais at Mzansi’s favourite picnic spot, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.

Joburgers are also known for hosting braais after work on a Friday, during soccer or rugby match days, or simply to mark the end of a long month. And the city’s diversity means your braai plate might include chakalaka, pap, garlic bread, halloumi skewers, or sosaties alongside the meat.

Beginner Tips: How to Braai Like a Joburger

So you’ve been invited to a braai (or you’re brave enough to host one)? Here are a few starter tips to help you fit right in:

1. Fire first, food later.
You don’t braai with gas in Joburg. Real Joburgers use wood or charcoal. Light the fire early – it takes at least 45 minutes to get the perfect hot coals.

2. The meat is the main event.
Stock up on boerewors, marinated chicken wings, and lamb chops. You can get good-quality braai packs from places like Woolies, Checkers or local butcheries in suburbs like Melville or Orange Grove.

3. Don’t mess with the braai master.
Only one person controls the tongs. Offer drinks, chat, but do not interfere with the person in charge of the grill unless you’re invited to.

4. Bring & share.
It’s normal in Joburg to bring your own meat, drinks or even a salad. But always share what you bring – it’s part of the braai spirit.

5. Add local flavour.
Pap and chakalaka are must-haves. So is a cooler box filled with beers, ciders or cooldrinks. And don’t forget the braai bread – slices of garlic bread wrapped in foil and placed on the edge of the fire.

What Joburgers Are Saying

On social media, #JoburgBraai and #HeritageDayBraaiDay trend every year, with locals showing off grill hacks, family recipes and their best braai setups.

One local tweeted: “If you haven’t argued about how to make the perfect pap at a Joburg braai, are you even South African?”

Another Instagram post showed a braai held on a rooftop in Maboneng, captioned: “Sundowners, beats and boerie. This is how we do it in Jozi.”

Smoke, Stories and South African Pride

The beauty of a Joburg braai isn’t in the food alone – it’s in the conversations, the laughter, and the unspoken rule that no one leaves hungry. It’s where business suits and overalls meet, where Joburg’s cultural kaleidoscope simmers over open flames.

So whether you’re a Joburger by birth or by choice, embrace the fire. Just don’t ever call it a barbecue.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com