Braai vs. BBQ: What’s The Difference (2024)

In the world of outdoor cooking, two terms keep coming up: braai and BBQ. For some, these terms might appear interchangeable, but those serious about their craft know better. Behind each lies a rich cultural heritage, distinct techniques, and a passionate following. In this article, our braai masters delve into the world of braai vs. BBQ and explore the nuances that set them apart.

Braai: AWood Fire Tradition

Definition: to grill or roast food over open coals created by wood.
Pronounced: br-eye (for the English folks wondering)

Braai vs. BBQ: What’s The Difference (1)

In the heart of South Africa, the crackling sound of burning wood means one thing – the braai. More than just a method of cooking, the braai is deeply ingrained in South African culture, serving as a social ritual that brings families and communities together. At its core, the braai embodies simplicity and authenticity, emphasizing the use of open flames and natural wood for that unmistakable smoky flavor. What makes a braai, a braai, is the act of cooking food on a wood fire and coals. Here's a guide on how to make a braai fire.

Tools Used To Braai

Central to braaiing are the braai tongs – sturdy utensils designed to handle the searing heat of the flames while maneuvering cuts of meat. In South Africa, where braaiing is a way of life, the significance of quality braai tongs cannot be overstated. You can learn more about other essential braai equipment here.

BBQ: A Smoky Tradition

Definition: to cook meat by smoking it or by gas fire.
Prenounced: "BAR" + "buh" + "kyou"

Braai vs. BBQ: What’s The Difference (2)

In countries like America, Australia and Canada, BBQ reigns supreme. While the term "barbecue" may conjure images of backyard cookouts and sizzling ribs all over the world, its roots run deep in the culinary traditions of the Southern United States. Characterized by slow cooking over low heat and the liberal use of smoky hardwoods, BBQ is a celebration of flavor and patience. Barbecue is a method ofpreparing meat where you cook low and slow, whilst also using the smoke produced by the barbecue to cook the food.

BBQ Tools: Essential Equipment

Just as braai tongs are indispensable in South Africa, BBQ enthusiasts rely on a different set of tools to master the art of smoking and grilling. From brisket to pulled pork, the BBQ pitmaster's arsenal includes essentials like long-handled spatulas, meat thermometers, and the iconic BBQ smoker.

Braai vs. BBQ: The Main Differences

While both braai and BBQ share a common love for cooking over an open flame, there are subtle differences that set them apart:

  • Fuel Preference: Braai purists swear by using natural wood, believing it imparts a distinct flavor to the meat. Wood is lit, left to burn, and becomes coal, then used to cook food. In contrast, BBQing uses hardwoods like hickory and mesquite, which are smoked in a smoker to generate heat and produce that signature taste.
  • Cooking Techniques: Braaiing typically involves high heat and direct grilling, perfect for searing steaks and chops. A tripod and grid is used to set how close your meat is to the coals. Some are even brave enough to cook their steaks directly on a bed of red hot coals. BBQ, on the other hand, favors low and slow cooking, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth cuts of meat. A smoker is used to cooking meat for many hours.
  • Cultural Significance: While both traditions foster a sense of community and camaraderie, the braai holds a special place in South African culture, symbolizing unity and heritage. BBQ, meanwhile, is deeply rooted in American history, evolving from regional variations to a nationwide phenomenon.

Donkey Long Tong: ElevatingThe Experience

Amidst the debate of braai vs. BBQ, one thing remains constant – the need for quality tools that can withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. Donkey Long Tong's braai tongs, fire blowers, and other master tools are engineered to meet the demands of both braaing and BBQing enthusiasts.

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Expert Craftsmanship: Hand-assembled by seasoned braai masters, Donkey Long Tong's braai tongs are a testament to meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising quality.

Comfort and Safety: Available in 69cm and 80cm options, these tongs are designed to keep your hands comfortable and protected from the searing heat of the flames, ensuring a seamless grilling experience every time.

Perfect Hold: With a precision-engineered grip, Donkey Long Tong's braai tongs offer unparalleled control and maneuverability, allowing you to flip, turn, and serve with confidence.

Oh, find yourself thirsty during the intense labor of perfecting your meat? Good thing we thought of everything - crack a cold one with the integrated stainless steel bottle opener on the end of your tong.

Happy Cooking!


In the eternal debate of braai vs. BBQ, one thing is certain – the passion for outdoor cooking knows no bounds. Whether you're firing up the grill in the heart of South Africa or tending to a smoker in the American South, the joy of sharing a meal transcends borders and cultures. At the end of the day, we all smell like smoke… So just enjoy!

Braai vs. BBQ: What’s The Difference (2024)

FAQs

Braai vs. BBQ: What’s The Difference? ›

A key difference between a braai and BBQ is the wood or charcoal used to cook the meat. In South Africa, if you're using gas grills, it's simply not a braai.

Is a braai the same as a barbecue? ›

The main difference between a braai and a BBQ has to be the fire. A braai just isn't considered a braai if cooked on a gas grill. People will gather around the fire after eating and spend the rest of the day or evening there. We never braai alone.

What do Americans call a braai? ›

In countries like America, Australia and Canada, BBQ reigns supreme. While the term "barbecue" may conjure images of backyard cookouts and sizzling ribs all over the world, its roots run deep in the culinary traditions of the Southern United States.

Why is it called a braai? ›

The word "braai" is derived from the Afrikaans language, where it simply means "barbecue" or "grill." However, the practice of cooking meat over an open flame has ancient roots in South Africa. Indigenous peoples like the Khoikhoi and San communities have been using open fires for centuries to cook their food.

What do you call a barbecue in South Africa? ›

The origins of Braai

The "braaievleis", the South African version of the barbecue, comes from the combination of the Afrikaans words "braai" meaning "to grill" and "vleis" meaning "meat". Braaievleis, therefore, means "grilled meat". The word was gradually shortened to give only "braai" today.

Why do South Africans love to braai? ›

The braai is an essential part of South African culture, and brings family and friends together in celebration for everything from birthdays to graduations to engagements and national holidays. It's a moment to come together to share good food and feel the love around the fire.

What are the 3 types of BBQ? ›

In the American tradition, there are four prominent BBQ regions: Kansas City, Carolina, Memphis, and Texas. These four barbeque styles represent the most recognized regional renditions of smoked meat.

What is the American word for braai? ›

The most known food from this region is braai (“bry”), the South African match to American barbeque. A key difference between a braai and BBQ is the wood or charcoal used to cook the meat.

What do the Brits call a braai? ›

A barbecue (or BBQ) is what the Brits call it, and a braai is what it's called in Africa (or at least Southern Africa).

What do Australians call a braai? ›

In Australia, barbecuing is a popular summer pastime, often referred to as a "barbie". Traditional meats cooked are lamb chops, beef steak, and sausages (colloquially known as "snags").

What do British call BBQ? ›

In British usage, barbequeing refers to a fast cooking process done directly over high heat, while grilling refers to cooking under a source of direct, moderate-to-high heat—known in the United States as broiling. Its South American versions are the southern Brazilian churrasco and the Uruguayan/Argentine asado.

What do Australians call a BBQ? ›

Barbie” is a short form of barbeque. In Australian English, “-ie” is also added to lots of abbreviated words. The word “selfie” is a good example of this; it was coined by an Australian man in 2002! How to use it: We're having a barbie tomorrow – do you want to come?

What is a BBQ called in the UK? ›

The coals are dispersed to the sides OR at a significant distance from the grate. In the UK barbecuing refers to a fast cooking process directly over high heat while grilling refers to cooking under a source of direct, moderate-to-high heat—known in the United States as broiling.

How do you pronounce braai in South Africa? ›

Braai, pronounced “bry” like dry with a b, stems from the Afrikaans word "braaivleis," meaning "grilled meat."

What is cooked at a braai? ›

Anything is possible on the braai – soups, stews, curries, pizzas, homemade flatbreads and so much more, as well as the more traditional barbecue/braai foods. On a braai you can grill, slow roast (on the higher shelf), or even stew in a pot (known as a 'potjie').

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