Braai Day
Meat Replacements to Try on Braai Day
Image Source: Leozette Roode
Heritage Day, 24 September, is often celebrated around a braai with family and friends – so much so that it is now branded as Braai Day. For many South Africans who are reducing their meat consumption to improve their health, reduce their environmental footprint, or for ethical reasons, Braai Day might seem like a challenge. The reality is that there are so many amazing plant-based options to try, and today we’ll share some of our favourite options for those who are still looking for the taste and texture of meat.
Beef-Style Burger
The Beyond Meat Burger
The taste, texture and smell of the Beyond Burger is virtually indifferentiable from beef – around the world in blind taste tests even the best burger connoisseurs are raving about this burger. If you are looking for a plant-based option to replace a traditional beef burger – especailly if you might be offering it to a die-hard meat-eater, then this is the one you want to go with. They also have a great sausage and mince product available in SA. Their proteins are derived from a variety of pea proteins that deliver greater or equal levels of protein than their animal-based counterparts. Have a look here to find out more.
Plant-Based Chicken Style Burger
Fry’s Family Food Co.
Chicken Style Burger
Fry’s began in a home kitchen back in 1991 when Wally Fry decided to ditch meat. Their homemade plant-based alternatives were intended to serve their growing family, and have since evolved into the well known national brand, Fry Family Food Co. With so much experience it’s not surprising that they make some of the world’s best plant-based meat alternatives. Their wide variety of products are the most widely available and affordable meat alternatives in South Africa, but we want to highlight their Chicken-Style Burger; if you like crumbed burgers, this one is for you! Like all of Fry’s products it’s super easy to cook, and does a great job of mimicking the tastes and texture of meat. They use a variety of plant-based proteins, including non-GMO soybeans, wheat, rice, quinoa and chia seeds. Read more about their ingredients here. Their holistic ethos aims to treasure the health of the animals, our planet and their customers.
Plant-Based BBQ Ribs
Urban Vegan
BBQ Vegan Spare Ribs
Urban vegan proudly produces artisanal vegan food, that is loved locally and internationally. This promising South African start up was born in the kitchen of a surgeon who realised that a plant-based diet, free of refined foods & animal products, could not only prevent but even reverse the course of illness. Their BBQ spare ribs include wheat protein and are drenched in unique Korean style barbeque sauce. If you’re looking for sweet and sticky ribs for Braai Day, this where you should be looking! Follow this link to find a stockist near you.
Plant-Based Kebabs
Romeo & Vero Vegan Butcherie
Chicken-Style Kebabs
These are the most authentic chicken-style products you can find in South Africa at the moment, and they look great on the Braai! Husband and wife team Romeo and Vero Mujinga, have been creating meat alternatives for the last couple years, and opened up a shop in Woodstock in August. Their vegan meat is made of 65% exotic secret mushroom. The taste and texture is incredibly similar to chicken, and can be enjoyed by meat eaters as an option without cholesterol or cruelty. Visit their website here. or order online at Vegan.Africa
Other Special Mentions
We’ve only highlighted a few of our favourite options – there are a lot more great options out there; all of the brands above have other products in their ranges – Fry’s for example has over 30 meat-free product, including a new burger, new boerewors and new chipolata sausages (that might compete with their Chicken-Style Nuggets as the best braai snack option!). And there are other brands, like Herbivore and Denny who have great plant-based ranges that do amazingly on the braai!
This Braai Day maybe just give one of these options a try!
