City Gooi that braai, SA...

FESTIVAL: SOUTH AFRICANS KNOW FOOD IS BETTER COOKED OVER COALS

- Thami Kwazi

There is nothing quite as proudly South African as a braai.

The smoke curling into the sky, the smell of meat sizzling over the flames, the laughter of friends and family gathered around the fire. It is a ritual as much as it is a meal. And net month, Joburgers are getting ready for the biggest braai celebration of them all.

The Ultimate Braai Festival 2025 will take place on 4 and 5 October at the Fire and Wine Venue in Pretoria, promising two days of food, flames and fun. Think of it as a mashup of a food market, music festival and comedy show, with the smoky heartbeat of the braai tying it all together.

So what can festivalgoers expect? For one, an entire expo dedicated to the art of fire cooking. From professional braai demonstrations to DIY stations where you can flip your own chops, the festival is for anyone who believes a meal tastes better when cooked over hot coals.