Jan ‘Braai’ Scannel, widely known as Jan Braai, is the founder and force behind National Braai Day, Braai for Heritage day and the recent restoration of the Glory of the Braai.
A braai by the way, for our less discerning folks, is a common term for Southern African open fire cooking. It’s similar but better than ‘the barbecue’, ‘the BBQ’, ‘the Barbie’ and countless other types of (manly, brave, sexy) outdoor cooking. (Check out the inspired braaictionary )
Jan is also the man who broke the Guinness World record for continuous braaiing in 2010. He bravely subjected himself to 28 hours and 30 minutes in front of the coals. Jan said that his victory is not about breaking the record, but is rather “a call to action for all South Africans to celebrate [our] common heritage by having a braai”.
Class, all class – you can see more about Jan and his outstanding quest to get more people basting, turning, burning and enjoying there open fire cooking at www.braai4heritage.co.za, or right here.
South Africans enjoy their cooking (and eating). The Springboks famously enjoy a meal cooked on an open fire when touring foreign countries. It reminds them of the culinary comforts of home. I am sure they will be inspired by Jan and his initiative again in this new year, as they prepare for their momentous rugby journey!
Jan was pictured here at my pub, The Toad in the Village, getting ready to wow us with his cooking prowess, and he really can walk the talk !
Get involved and tell us if you are a braai advocate. What’s your favourite way to get out there and silence those lambs?
Bob
Living in Aus with our fire restrictions makes it hard to have a decent braai. Occasionally we get the ‘potjie’ out though!
Have you seen this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq2SOmwzjUU
Every Saturday evening is braai time in our camp in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia & all the Canadians, Aussies, Poms, Yanks,Saffers & Zimbos always end up arguing about the origins, i dont get involved in the argument as i know it originated in Zim