In South Africa, there’s no such thing as a “barbecue.” Here, we braai. And on 24 September 2025 - Heritage Day becomes Braai Day, our annual excuse to light the coals, sip something cold and gather around the fire.

This isn’t just about history. It’s about what’s sizzling on the grid, the bykosse that make the meal and the flames that bring us all together.

What’s on the Grid?

The Braai Day menu writes itself:

• Boerewors: smoky, juicy, always first off the coals
• Chops & steak: the showstoppers of every grid
• Chicken spatchcock: marinated overnight for that sticky, charred perfection
• Snoek or yellowtail: coastal classics with apricot jam or garlic butter
• Potjie: slow-cooked to perfection, packed with layers of meat, veggies and flavour - left to simmer while the kuier carries on.

And of course… The legendary braaibroodjie. Layers of tomato, onion and cheese between buttered bread, toasted golden-brown over the coals. A national treasure.

Veggie lovers don’t lose out either: mielies, stuffed mushrooms, braaied halloumi and foil-wrapped butternut keep things colourful and tasty.

Bykosse That Make It Lekker

No braai is complete without:

• Pap, sheba & chakalaka - the holy trinity of sides.
• Potato salad - the dish that disappears first.
• Garlic bread - buttery, smoky, essential.
• Fresh salads or a zingy tomato & onion sambal.

Because bykosse aren’t just extras, they make the meal whole.

The Fire That Fuels It All

The magic of a braai is in the wood:

• Kameeldoring & Rooikrans, long-lasting coals for serious braai masters.
• Sekelbos, adds bold, smoky flavour.
• Bluegum, burns hot and works brilliantly for a big kuier fire.

If you’re making a massive open fire just to kuier around? Rooikrans or bluegum is your best bet - big flames, long chats and perfect kuier vibes.

Did You Know? The Braai Anthem

Yes, South Africa has an official Braai Day anthem. It’s called “Our Heritage”, created by Wouter Kellerman, Louise Carver and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Only in Mzansi could unity, music and braaivleis combine into a national sing-along.

The Man Behind the Movement: Jan Braai

Braai Day wouldn’t exist without Jan Scannell (aka Jan Braai). His mission was simple: make Heritage Day about the braai, because nothing brings South Africans together like a fire. Nearly 20 years later, his dream is our reality — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Braai Day 2025: Time to Light It Up

This year, Braai Day lands on a Wednesday, meaning the middle of the week just got a whole lot tastier. Expect supermarket specials, local events and social media timelines filled with sizzling wors, tjops and yes, braaibroodjies.

Because Braai Day is about more than food, it’s about the smoke, the laughter, the stories and the shared heritage that lives in every flame.

So grab your tongs, light the fire and celebrate the tradition that makes us proudly South African.

What’s your ultimate Braai Day combo? Tjop & dop, snoek & pap or the unbeatable braaibroodjie?