Tips to cut braai costs as food prices rise
We can't stop the braai, but we can stop the excess costs.
It's August and we're one step closer to that warm South African spring.
For most countries, that's the only time they'll light up the grill.
For us, South Africans, not even the icy weather will stop us from lighting up that braai.
There's no doubt that it also comes with a price, especially in the current economy.
READ: How to get a braai taste without actually braaing
According to recent reporting by BusinessTech, prices on the essentials for a proper braai have spiked yet again - ready to burn through your braai budget.
So, let's take control of the situation and make our cash work for us.
Here are some tips to minimise braai costs amidst increasing food prices:
READ: How to have the ultimate vegetarian braai
If you've been planning a lekker braai soon:
Expect your braai menu to cost noticeably more—especially items like wors, chicken, and charcoal.
Your per-person braai budget needs adjusting, whether it’s for Heritage Day, a family get‑together, or a ChesaNyama catch‑up.
Even if meat or veggie rates ease soon, other items like salads, sauces or coals aren’t budging quickly.
So, we decided to put together a few essential tips to make sure we can keep that fire burning, in spite of what the Braai Index is saying.
DIY Tips to Stretch That R10‑Per‑Person Vibe
Shop around: butchers at local markets still have deals if you do some research
Mix and match cheaper cuts: try sosaties, chicken wings or braaibroodjies with just a sprinkle of wors
Bring your own salads (BYOS): ask friends to contribute potato salad or chakalaka to lighten the host's load
Use gas or wood: charcoal and wood prices are also rising, so use fires sparingly for slow warming rather than full‑on steaks
Keep gatherings smaller: focus on quality rather than crowd size
WATCH: Man reminds us why you shouldn't braai while on the phone
If you need more cost-effective tips for your next braai, check out these amazing hacks by @veronica_be_the1, who has been trending for her incredible videos.
@veronica_be_the1 Let's buy lunch at Shoprite for R30. #lunch #meal #budgetmeal #budgetmeals #chicken #jelly #easter #easteregg #roll #cheese #water #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktokfood #tiktokviral @Olive @Nathan_Reid @Shoprite South Africa @Bayside Mall ♬ Make Some Fun - Denis Pavlov
@veronica_be_the1 R30 ingredients for 2 meals #food #budgetmeal #cheapmeals #cheapfood #dinneronabudget #shoprite #recipe #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktokviral #tiktokfood @Olive @Shoprite South Africa ♬ Motivated Background - Alexander Virko
Also, don't forget about braai etiquette if someone invites you over:
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