Louise speaks from the braai room…

The other day, my friends and I had an interesting conversation about one of South Africa’s most established traditions; the famous “Bring and Braai”. The conversation revolved around braai etiquette, do’s, and don’ts, bad and good braaiers and wood or charcoal. The conversation was as hot as the coals.

Some of the people felt that although “Bring and Braai” is a so-called tradition in South Africa, it is for them the epitome of bad manners. They feel if you can’t invite someone for a piece of boerewors, a chop, or a chicken leg out of your own pocket, don’t invite them. Glasses were quickly and constantly emptied over this matter, and it was clear that there was no middle ground on this issue.

My argument was that not everyone can afford it, but they want to socialize with their friends, and we should perhaps put more emphasis on building good friendships. It also takes the pressure off you if someone invites you and serves crayfish tail or fillet steak, you don’t have to feel obliged to do the same when you invite them, because it’s not in everyone’s budget. Who braais steak without fat anyway? –  I asked.

When it comes to good manners, a braai is no different for me than when someone would invite me for a regular sit-down meal. All the usual good manners apply, such as don’t pass out on the host’s bed and so on….

The difference is that the chef cooks the food for you while you watch him and think “I wouldn’t have done it that way!”. The guy with his back to you constantly klik-klik the braai tongs to relieve his stress, as he knows you’re looking at him. The arrogant (usually bad) braaier thinks you’re trying to steal his secret techniques with your eyes; the inexperienced braaier calls his wife unnoticed to see if the meat is cooked; and the braggart can’t wait for you to ask him for the marinade recipe so he can say, “Nee sorry Pappie, that’s my secret”. That’s when I feel like saying: “Ag man, any monkey can throw red wine with Jimmy’s Sauce and call it a secret” and roll my eyes.

 Anyway, let’s be nice and show our good manners 😃

Never:

• Complain about the music or push your own CD in.
• Give the braaier advice on how to braai.
• Criticize the braaier ‘s spices, marinade, sauce, or meat cuts.
• When you sit down, tell them you’re a Banter and condemn the braai sandwiches.
• Bring uninvited guests unless the host said it’s ok. Actually, you never ask if you can bring guests when you’re invited.
• Don’t speculate about the braaier’s boerewors, never. Unless you say it’s delicious.
• Never turn another man’s meat, even if he’s stuck in the “kleinhuisie”.

 You must:

• Look well after the braaier’s needs and make sure his glass is full.
• Always laugh loudly and convincingly at the braaier’s jokes.
• Ask if you can help with setting and clearing the table.
• Tell the braaier after the meal that he is a Master Braaier.
• Start calling and counting your kids when the host starts yawning or offering coffee. Unless it’s Irish coffee …. then you can wait for another one before you count kids.

And remember: “We’re going to braai” doesn’t necessarily mean “eat”. It’s a process. It takes time. Time to socialize. Precious time with friends and family. Enjoy every moment.

Okay, that’s my blog on” Bring and Braai”. You are welcome to comment below. Thank you for being part of our “braai” community.

Blog by Louise Groenewald – Group Recipe Expert and Admin at “Braai – Slaai – Potjie – Lawaai” (Facebook).