Enjoyed in rural areas and cities, and among all cultures, the South African version of the barbecue -- the "braai" -- combines homemade kit and exotic meats.
Braai culture shared across South Africa —
Enjoyed in rural areas and cities, and among all cultures, the South African version of the barbecue -- the "braai" -- combines homemade kit and exotic meats.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
"Fire is a leveler," says TV personality Justin Bonello. "It's not like you can turn it on to 180 C (350 F) and walk away."
Fire starter —
"Fire is a leveler," says TV personality Justin Bonello. "It's not like you can turn it on to 180 C (350 F) and walk away."
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
Contestants from TV show "The Ultimate Braai Master" helped bring the braai into living rooms across the world.
Heat is on —
Contestants from TV show "The Ultimate Braai Master" helped bring the braai into living rooms across the world.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
One challenge on "The Ultimate Braai Master" had contestants cook and serve a meal on a metal shovel.
Special presentation —
One challenge on "The Ultimate Braai Master" had contestants cook and serve a meal on a metal shovel.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
Elaine Ensor-Smith, part of the winning team on the first season of "The Ultimate Braai Master," plates up a dish for the judges.
Braai champ —
Elaine Ensor-Smith, part of the winning team on the first season of "The Ultimate Braai Master," plates up a dish for the judges.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
Braais can feature the usual barbecue staples such as chicken and pork, but some areas in South Africa also cook zebra, warthog and ostrich.
Choose your meat —
Braais can feature the usual barbecue staples such as chicken and pork, but some areas in South Africa also cook zebra, warthog and ostrich.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
"The Ultimate Braai Master" combines a cooking competition with a road trip across South Africa. Season three is slated for September 2014.
Drive braai —
"The Ultimate Braai Master" combines a cooking competition with a road trip across South Africa. Season three is slated for September 2014.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
Most South Africans use wood, rather than gas, to braai.
Barking up the right braai —
Most South Africans use wood, rather than gas, to braai.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
Homemade kits usually comprise a 40-gallon steel oil drum cut in half lengthwise with cross-mesh for a grill.
Done yet? —
Homemade kits usually comprise a 40-gallon steel oil drum cut in half lengthwise with cross-mesh for a grill.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
"Walkie talkies," or chicken feet, are a common braai food.
'Walkie talkies' —
"Walkie talkies," or chicken feet, are a common braai food.
Courtesy Louis Hiemstra
Mzoli's is a wildly popular braai restaurant in Cape Town.
Indoor braai —
Mzoli's is a wildly popular braai restaurant in Cape Town.
Courtesy Stephen Coetzee
Prep work takes time -- braai often feature drinks and snacks for two to three hours before the main dishes are served.
All in the preparation —
Prep work takes time -- braai often feature drinks and snacks for two to three hours before the main dishes are served.
Courtesy Stephen Coetzee
Best thing about braais? Their anytime, anywhere utility. This one's in Gugulethu in Cape Town.
Anytime, anywhere —
Best thing about braais? Their anytime, anywhere utility. This one's in Gugulethu in Cape Town.
Courtesy Stephen Coetzee
Meat on the braai at Mzoli's in Cape Town.
Up in smoke —
Meat on the braai at Mzoli's in Cape Town.
Courtesy Stephen Coetzee
Braais are a communal affair.
Sharing's caring —
Braais are a communal affair.
Courtesy Stephen Coetzee