At iBeef, we believe that a South African braai isn’t just about the steak on the fire. It’s about the snacks that get the party started.

Before a South African braai, snacking is almost a ritual of its own, setting the tone for the relaxed, social atmosphere to come. Friends and family gather around with an assortment of familiar favourites – crisps in classic flavours, biltong and droëwors for that unmistakably local touch, and often a cheese-and-cracker board or a quick homemade dip with fresh veggies. These pre-braai snacks aren’t just about keeping hunger at bay; they’re part of the experience, giving everyone something to nibble on while the fire settles and the conversation starts flowing. For many, that first bite of biltong or handful of chips is the unofficial kickoff to a great braai.

From biltong and droëwors to mouthwatering braaibroodjies, the right snacks turn any braai into a full-on flavour experience. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a lazy weekend braai, or just craving a protein-packed bite, we’ve got the ideas to make your snack game legendary.

Best Snacks to Serve Before a Braai

At iBeef, we’re big fans of both biltong and droëwors, and we believe each has a unique and essential role on your braai table. While both are South African favourites, they bring different textures, flavours, and experiences to your snack spread.

Biltong is thinly sliced, air-dried meat that’s perfect for nibbling or adding to platters. Its rich, savoury flavour and tender bite make it ideal as a pre-braai snack or for pairing with cheese, nuts, and chutneys.

Droëwors, on the other hand, is a dried sausage that’s chewy, flavorful, and fun to share. It’s a social snack that’s perfect for grazing, and its distinctive spices and textures make it a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.

We love to serve both together because they complement each other perfectly – biltong offers quick, protein-packed bites, while droëwors encourages slow, social snacking. Together, they make any South African braai spread complete.

Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a full-blown braai feast, having both biltong and droëwors ensures your table is diverse, delicious, and authentically South African.

What Makes Biltong the Ultimate Braai Snack?

Our favourite dried meat snack! Rich, chewy, and full of flavour, biltong is perfect for grazing before the main braai. From traditional beef biltong to game meat biltong, there’s a flavour for everyone. We’re always experimenting with the best biltong flavours – think peri-peri, garlic, or sweet chilli. And don’t forget, biltong pairs surprisingly well with several styles of wine, especially those that complement its savoury, salty, and sometimes spicy flavours. Some of the best matches include:

• Pinotage – A classic South African pairing. Its bold fruit, light smokiness, and earthy notes balance beautifully with the rich, meaty character of biltong.
• Shiraz/Syrah – The peppery, full-bodied nature of Shiraz stands up well to spiced biltong, especially chilli varieties.
• Cabernet Sauvignon – Its tannins and dark-fruit depth complement the cured meat’s intensity, making it a great match for traditional beef biltong.
• Merlot – Smooth and fruit-forward, Merlot works nicely when you want a softer, easy-drinking option without overpowering the biltong.
• Dry Rosé – For lighter, air-dried biltong, a crisp dry rosé offers a refreshing contrast and cleanses the palate between bites.

Overall, wines with good structure, moderate tannins, and bold flavour tend to shine alongside biltong. At iBeef, we love recommending a crisp, dry Rosé or a smooth, full-bodied Shiraz as the perfect wine companions for our biltong.

How to Serve Droëwors at a Braai

Nothing says South African like a stick of droëwors. Made with quality beef or game, coriander, and pepper, droëwors is our go-to for a pre-braai snack or casual nibble. Curious about how to make droëwors? We recommend using top-quality meat and following trusted recipes. We also love sharing tips for homemade droëwors and creative droëwors variations.

Droëwors pairs brilliantly with beers that complement its savoury, coriander-rich flavour and slightly fatty texture. Some of the best beer styles to enjoy with droëwors include:

• Lager (especially South African lagers) – Clean, crisp, and refreshing, lagers cut through the richness of droëwors without overpowering it.
• Pale Ale – The balanced bitterness and light citrus or floral notes pair well with the spice profile, especially the coriander.
• Amber Ale – Slightly sweeter malt notes help highlight the meat’s savoury depth and bring out its natural fattiness.
• Weissbier/Wheat Beer – The smooth, slightly fruity character of wheat beers matches nicely with droëwors’ spices and keeps the palate refreshed.
• Pilsner – Bright, hoppy, and dry, a Pilsner offers a perfect contrast, lifting the flavours of the meat and cleansing the palate.

Overall, beers with crisp finishes or moderate malt sweetness tend to balance droëwors best. At iBeef, we recommend going with a crisp South African lager, or if you prefer something craftier, a light, citrusy Pale Ale is another excellent choice.

Both biltong and droëwors are more than just tasty snacks. They are the number one snack required at any South African gathering. Packed with protein, easy to serve, and naturally satisfying, they are a staple at braais, family gatherings, and parties.

Whether served as a pre-braai nibble or featured on a platter, these snacks embody South African flavour and hospitality.

Creative Braaibroodjie Ideas for Your Next Braai

At iBeef, we reckon braaibroodjies are more than just a snack. They’re a true art form at the braai. While the classic combo of tomato, onion, and cheese is always a winner, there’s plenty of room to get creative with your braai sandwich recipes. Whether you’re hosting mates or enjoying a quiet weekend braai, experimenting with different fillings can take your South African braaibroodjies to the next level.

Cheese Braaibroodjie:

Take the traditional cheese braaibroodjie up a notch with gooey cheddar or mozzarella, a hint of mustard, and a layer of crispy bacon. This creates the ultimate melty and flavour-packed braai sandwich, perfect for anyone who loves cheese with a bit of bite.

Beverage pairing:

A light, crisp lager or an easy-drinking Chenin Blanc cuts beautifully through the richness and enhances the melty cheese flavours.

Chutney Braaibroodjie:

Sweet meets savoury in the chutney braaibroodjie. Start by spreading a generous layer of fruity chutney over your bread, then top with cheese or leftover braai meat. The result is a deliciously unique braai sandwich that perfectly complements smoky braai flavours. Feeling adventurous? Add a drizzle of basil pesto for an extra layer of flavour that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Beverage pairing:

A dry Rosé is your best friend here – the fruity notes echo the chutney’s sweetness while still staying refreshing.

Braai Meat Braaibroodjies:

Don’t let leftover meat go to waste! Transform your leftover braai meats into hearty braai meat braaibroodjies. Layer slices of your favourite braai meats with gooey cheese between fresh bread, and spread on a touch of mayonnaise and a drizzle of basil pesto for extra flair. The result? A flavour-packed, melty snack that’s perfect anytime – whether it’s for a lazy weekend braai or a midweek treat.

Beverage pairing:

A smooth Shiraz or a full-flavoured amber ale stands up beautifully to the smoky, savoury meat and melty cheese.

Tips for Perfectly Toasted Braaibroodjies

For a perfectly golden, melty braaibroodjie, keep your sandwich over moderate heat. If you want an even toast, wrap your braaibroodjie in foil before placing it on the braai. These simple tips make sure every bite is crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside.

At iBeef, we’re all about celebrating South African braai culture and helping you create delicious, creative braaibroodjies. Whether you stick to the classics or try our inventive twists, your next braai sandwich is bound to impress.

Gear Up for the Ultimate Braai with iBeef

From essential braai tools to premium cooking accessories, iBeef has everything you need to make your next South African braai unforgettable. Browse our handpicked range of braai fans, grid brushes, tongs, knives, sauces, and more – all designed to elevate your braaing game. Whether you’re a seasoned braaier or hosting your first gathering, our quality merchandise and cooking essentials make prepping, cooking, and serving easier, more fun, and authentically South African.

iBeef’s Top Snack & Sip Ideas

Looking to elevate your braai experience with flavour-packed snacks and easy entertaining ideas? At iBeef, we specialise in creating authentic South African braai snacks that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a weekend braai or planning a full spread for friends and family, these biltong, droëwors and braaibroodjie ideas will help you build the ultimate pre-braai snack platter.

1. Pre-Braai Grazing (A Must for Any Braai)

Kick off your gathering with a pre-braai grazing platter featuring biltong, droëwors, cheese bites, crackers, nuts, and fresh veggies. This style of snacking keeps guests satisfied while the fire heats up and encourages relaxed socialising before the main meal.

2. Interactive Braaibroodjie Station (Crowd Favourite)

Turn a classic braai staple into a fun, interactive experience by setting up a DIY braaibroodjie station. Offer a selection of cheeses, chutneys, mustards, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs so guests can build their own custom sandwiches before braaing.

3. Biltong Snack Platter (Perfect for Sharing)

Create a visually stunning biltong snack platter as the hero of your braai table. Mix biltong, droëwors, nuts, dried fruit, cheese cubes, olives, and chutneys for a flavour-rich spread that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.

4. Game Meat Biltong Tasting (For Something Different)

For a unique twist, host a game meat biltong tasting featuring kudu, springbok, or ostrich biltong. Offer different spice levels or cuts, and encourage guests to sample and compare flavours – an easy way to add excitement and authenticity to your braai.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)