Lekker braai!

Get ready for the great South African culinary tradition with these handy accessories.

By Gus Silber

Short of the four-time Rugby World Cup champions — “Bokke! Bokke! Bokke!” — is there anything that brings South Africans together better (and stronger) than a braai?

Of course not.

Sure, we may argue about the firewood, and the marinade, and the number of seconds you can hold your hand over the flames before the braai is ready to braai, but at the end of the day — or the start of the braai, whichever comes sooner — summer just wouldn’t be summer without this quintessential South African culinary tradition.

The basic recipe may not have changed for thousands of years, but in a country where braaiing is as much a science as an art, there’s no holding back the advance of braai-tech.

With that in mind, here are some braaied ideas to make your next braai even better. Enjoy!

Tonglite LED BBQ Tong

Everyone knows that the click-click of the tongs is an age-old signal that the heat is on and the serious business of braaiing is about to begin.

But you'll click even more with this handy tool, which has a built-in, battery-operated LED light to let you see what's cooking.

All the more so when loadshedding is the reason you’re braaiing in the first place.

ECO BBQ Fan

Bright sparks — and there are always plenty around a braai — will tell you that it’s never a good idea to blow on a low-lit fire.

Smoke gets in your eyes, as the old song warns, which is why it’s wiser to make a plan with a fan.

This simple device, safe and easy to use, will allow you to get those flames roaring again with a quick wave or two of your hand.

Braai Koning All-in-One Braai Tool

The Swiss may be fonder of fondues than they are of braais, but their mastery of multitasking is the inspiration behind this five-in-one tool.

It opens up to reveal, in hardy stainless steel, a spatula, a braai fork, and a blade.

But wait, there’s more: a bottle opener and a corkscrew too, in true Swiss Knife style.

Lifespace Black Leather Braai Gloves

One of the great joys of braaiing is that it’s a hands-on affair, but that doesn’t mean you should risk getting your fingers burned.

Resist the temptation to shift a hot coal, raise the grid, or pick up the foil-clad garlic bread, at least until you’re safely gloved in comfort-lined leather.

Lekker braai!

Get ready for the great South African culinary tradition with these handy accessories.

Get ready for the great South African culinary tradition with these handy accessories.

Tonglite LED BBQ Tong

Everyone knows that the click-click of the tongs is an age-old signal that the heat is on and the serious business of braaiing is about to begin.

But you'll click even more with this handy tool, which has a built-in, battery-operated LED light to let you see what's cooking.

All the more so when loadshedding is the reason you’re braaiing in the first place.

ECO BBQ Fan

Bright sparks — and there are always plenty around a braai — will tell you that it’s never a good idea to blow on a low-lit fire.

Smoke gets in your eyes, as the old song warns, which is why it’s wiser to make a plan with a fan.

This simple device, safe and easy to use, will allow you to get those flames roaring again with a quick wave or two of your hand.

Braai Koning All-in-One Braai Tool

The Swiss may be fonder of fondues than they are of braais, but their mastery of multitasking is the inspiration behind this five-in-one tool.

It opens up to reveal, in hardy stainless steel, a spatula, a braai fork, and a blade.

But wait, there’s more: a bottle opener and a corkscrew too, in true Swiss Knife style.

Lifespace Black Leather Braai Gloves

One of the great joys of braaiing is that it’s a hands-on affair, but that doesn’t mean you should risk getting your fingers burned.

Resist the temptation to shift a hot coal, raise the grid, or pick up the foil-clad garlic bread, at least until you’re safely gloved in comfort-lined leather.

These gloves will add a noble element of knightly ritual to your craft, but just remember to slip them off before tucking in.

Cheers, and lekker braai!

All items are available on Takealot, www.takealot.com. Items are subject to availability.