When we were at our first Braai a few weeks ago biltong was mentioned but we’d yet to try it. Similar to beef jerky, but made of just about anything, our CS hosts ensured we went to Mozambique with a good supply of the stuff. When we ran out, some other South Africans staying at the same place as us, ensured we’d continue to have enough.
On our way into Kruger National Park we read in our guidebook that the park actually began as a refuge for the animals from biltong poachers. Ironic then that the first gift shop we walked into had entire wall of biltong from a host of different animals ranging from the traditional beef and not so hard to find ostrich to all manner of game including kudu, impala, springbok and the list goes on.
Later that evening, while sharing a Braai with some friendly people in the campsite, I asked some questions and was told that kudu is probably one of the better game meats to try because it is a browser (eats bushes) rather than a grazer (eats grass) and that usually means the meat is of a better quality. We opted to try some Kudu and taste it alongside the beef and….could not tell the difference for the life of us.
Biltong is one of those foods I remember eating when I went to visit my grandmother in South Africa. So there are lots of good memories associated with it.
I’ve never tried potjiekos, though. It sounds pretty amazing.
@ Leigh- We’ve made it our mission to try every kind of “game” biltong we can…. they all taste exactly the same! Apparently there is a store in NYC that sells south african foods- maybe next time we’re all in NYC we can have a tasting! Hope you guys are doing well. Say hi to Noah and Lila for us!