A lot of good things in life start with the letter B. Bikes, Braais and Beaches are three of our
favourites. But combining a braai with a bike ride? That’s a bit more challenging. Space is limited, and you don’t exactly want to strap a Weber to your panniers. Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way — and we’ve found some simple, road-tested solutions.
Packing Light – The Road Braai Kit
Sure, there are some clever little travel braais out there: compact, foldable, even designed specifically for motorcycles. The problem is, they’re often expensive and, honestly, overkill. You don’t need a fancy setup — just a small grid with a foldable stand. We found one that comes with its own cover and fits neatly into a topbox. Perfect.
To round off the kit, we added:
- A short braai tong.
- Miniature picnic-sized spices and salts.
- A small casserole (optional, but handy).
- Firelighters and matches.
- A grocery bag full of small wood pieces we collected after previous braais — useful for a quick fire, and the bag doubles up as rubbish storage afterwards.
For the meat, a cool bag with ice packs keeps everything fresh until you’re ready to cook. Pack it tight, insulate it well, and you might even have ice left for a drink by the time the fire is ready.
Questions (and Roadside Wisdom)
What if there’s no built braai nearby?
That’s the beauty of the foldable stand – it works anywhere. Just pick a safe, flat spot away from dry grass. A dry riverbed is ideal. And don’t forget: always extinguish your coals properly with water and cover the ash with sand.
What if open fires aren’t allowed?
Enter the legendary “Sakbraai” (Bag Braai). Pack a few handfuls of charcoal or briquettes in a paper grocery bag, with some firelighters mixed in. At your stop, dig a small 30 × 30 cm hole, drop in the bag, and light it. The stand and grid fit neatly over the top, and when you’re done, you simply cover the hole again. No mess, no trace.
What’s best to braai on the road?
Think simple, tasty, and easy to pack:
- Boerewors rolls (or swap the wors for sosaties).
- Steak or chops with braaibroodjies — yes, we even have a topbox-friendly method for the broodjies [link].
- Pre-marinate your meat and vacuum-seal it. That way, no leaks, no fuss, and it’s ready to go straight on the fire.
The Spirit of It All
A roadside braai isn’t about the gear — it’s about the moment. It’s about pulling over somewhere quiet, firing up a grid, and enjoying a proper South African meal under the open sky. Minimalist, practical, and unforgettable.
So next time you pack the bike, leave a little space for the grid and the wors. You never know when the road will hand you the perfect braai spot.
Article: Johann van Tonder