**TL;DR – While barbecuing is considered an American tradition, braaing is considered a South African tradition. Yet, despite this, braaing and barbecuing are often still mistaken for the same thing. I can assure you that while the two might seem similar, they are definitely not the same. Especially, since braaing is not only a South African tradition but it's a part of the culture as well.** According to the website customfirepits.co.za the word *braai* – an abbreviation from the word *braavleis*, comes from the Dutch word “Braden” which means to grill, or more specifically to roast over open coals. While the word *barbecue* comes from the Caribbean word “barbacoa.” Initially, a barbacoa wasn’t a way of cooking food. It was in fact the name of a wooden structure used by Taino Indians to smoke their food. Interestingly, the fact that braaing is also known as shishanyama further proves that it is part of the South African culture – since it is a Zulu word, literally meaning “burn meat”, referring to the way the meat is cooked over hot coals. Another major difference that sets a braai apart from a barbecue, is that it’s traditionally made with wood fire or charcoal (no gas). Any South African worth his/her salt knows this is the *only* way to (do a) braai properly. This means it takes much longer to get a fire going and cook the food, but that’s the point. A braai revolves around the fire, the people (socializing), and the food and drink. It’s all about the *whole* experience. The atmosphere. Typical foods that are served at a braai are: boerewors – a spicy sausage full of a beef and pork mix, lamb, spiced with cloves, coriander seed, pepper, nutmeg and allspice. Also served can be any combination of steaks, rack of lamb, chicken, pork rashers, sosaties (kebabs), seafood, fish, vegetables, etc. Also, some side dishes include green salad, garlic bread, roosterkoek (braai rolls), braaibroodjies, potato salad or potato bake, and even the more traditional pap. As for desserts, you can find cheesecake, and traditional South African desserts like milk tart, malva pudding, koeksisters, peppermint crisp, and even fruit! And of course, a braai wouldn’t be a braai without the alcohol. The website exploresideways.com confirms this when it provide us with the following list: white wine and rose, red wine, beer and cider. Alternatively, non-alcoholic drinks (such as soft drinks and juice) are also served at braais. A particularly unique South African reason that braaing is considered different to barbecuing is that South Africans can literally *braai anything in any weather.* Proof of this can be seen on The Ultimate Braai Master, a popular South African television programme on *all things braai.* And finally, the last unique reason that braaing is considered different to barbecuing is the fact that it is celebrated on Heritage Day – now also known as National Braai Day, on the 24th September every year. So as you can see, a braai is not only something that South Africans both savor and take seriously, it is also something of a national obsession. Sources: 1) The Ultimate South African Braai Guide - Explore Sideways https://exploresideways.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-a-south-african-braai/ [accessed February 21, 2021]. 2) Braai VS Barbeque | The Fire Pit Company https://customfirepits.co.za/2019/08/12/the-braai-versus-the-barbeque/ [accessed February 21, 2021].