Have you ever dreamt of a global gathering where everyone bonds over sizzling meats and smoky flavours? Well, turns out that dream is a reality – just with a variety of delicious names depending on where the fire is lit. While South Africans might call it a "braai," this social celebration of grilling transcends borders and cultures, taking on unique flavours and traditions across the globe.
So, grab a metaphorical fork and dig in as we embark on a sizzling tour of what a braai is called around the world!
The US of A: All About BBQ
In the United States, a braai would be a barbecue. The word "barbecue" (often shortened to BBQ) is a national obsession, but with regional variations that would make your taste buds do a happy dance. Fire up the imagination and picture this – a slow-cooked brisket dripping with juices in Texas, or smoky pulled pork bursting with flavour in the Carolinas.
From the tangy tomato-based sauces of the Carolinas to the dry rubs and oak-smoked goodness of Texas, American BBQ is a love song to low and slow cooking that celebrates regional specialties.
Land of the Union Jack: Britain's Barbecue Delights
Across the pond here in the UK, we also consider a braai, a barbecue. Brits are certainly embracing the backyard barbecue scene. While the weather might not always cooperate, when the sun does peek out, umbrellas pop up in gardens across the nation, and the sizzle of sausages, burgers, and veggies fills the air.
Down Under: Calling it a Barbie in Australia
Throw another shrimp on the barbie! That iconic line from a tourism campaign perfectly captures the laid-back Aussie attitude towards grilling. Down under, it's similar to a braai whereby the social aspect is almost as important as the food itself. Gather your mates, fire up the barbie on a sunny day, and throw on some snags (sausages) – the quintessential Aussie barbie staple.
Beyond the West: Grilling Around the Globe
Our grilling adventure doesn't stop there!
In Korea, gather around a table-top grill for a sizzling feast of Gogi-gui (literally meaning "meat cooking") where you cook various marinated meats yourself.
Head down to Argentina and experience the grand social gathering of an Asado. Picture this – a large open fire with an abundance of meats like chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and juicy steaks, all cooked to perfection.
These are just a taste of the vibrant grilling cultures around the world (pun intended!).
Fun Fact: Did you know that in some parts of South Africa, townships have a unique take on the braai called Shisa Nyama, where friends and families gather around an open fire to grill marinated meats bought from nearby butcheries?
The Final Sizzle
So next time you fire up the grill, remember that you're part of a global tradition that stretches across continents and cultures. From the smoky depths of American BBQ to the sizzling delights of a Korean Gogi-gui, the world is united by its love for grilled goodness.
Now that your taste buds are tingling, why not try a new grilling style from around the world? Or, share your own grilling traditions in the comments below – let's keep the global braai spirit alive! And if you're curious to delve deeper into the world of South African braais vs barbecues check out our blog. Stay tuned for a future blog post on all things braai, from mouth-watering recipes to fascinating cultural traditions!