There was a time when arriving for a braai meant carting in a case of beer and whatever food you had lying around, but we’re adults now and that nonsense just won’t fly.

We’re not saying you can’t bring the beers – don’t be silly – it’s just that a little more is expected when you arrive for a proper braai with the crew.

Nowadays braais are a social occasion, because you know any time you manage to get more than a handful of friends together at the same gathering is cause for celebration.

That’s why you bring some quality meat, and maybe take a few lessons from a Weber Winter Braai recipe (Rib Eye, anyone?) for when it’s time to repay the favour.

Look at you go – well on your way to cracking an invite the next time around.

Over to general braai etiquette then – a few helpful tips, although I’d say some of these are optional.

Braai do’s:

• Do braai on charcoal or wood [DUH]
• Do ask your host what you should bring, and do bring what your host asks you to bring
• Buy good quality meat and enough to share
• Do keep the Braai Master company, and do agree with the Braai Master’s general method of cooking
• Do compliment the Braai Master on the marinade
• Do bring extra drinks – regardless if alcoholic or not
• Do ask the braai master how their drink is doing and replace when needed
• Do offer to help set and clear the table

Braai don’ts (possibly more important that the do’s):

• Don’t use gel or paraffin to light the fire – real braais start with a match and kindling or firelighters
• Don’t give the Braai Master cooking advice of any kind
• Don’t bring your own tongs to a braai
• Don’t ask for the marinade recipe – it’s almost always a secret
• Only eat the salad. Braai Masters take offence to this.
• Don’t be in a rush. A braai is more than just a meal – it’s a social event.
• Don’t complain about the music
• Don’t bring additional people unless cleared by the braai master

These are mostly agreeable, unless you happen to be really tight mates with the braai master. Then I feel it’s kind of your duty to offer a word of advice regarding that awful music they’ve had on repeat since you finished high school, or how boerie should still have a semblance of colour when you yank it off.

Of course braais these days are also the domain of the vegetarian, so any good host should be ready to throw a little something tasty on the side for anyone who isn’t going to be carnivorous.

For a trip down memory lane, because this video is now almost 10 years old, here’s one of the braai videos that started it all. It all starts around a Weber, because if you want to preach you have to use the best:

One more throwback – just because you’re feeling all tingly and nostalgic inside. Remember this one about how much the boys in New York love a lekker braai?

[source:midas]