Braai Republic hits spot

Chops and sausages with potato and spinach at Braai Republic.

When one thinks of South Africa, images of jungles swarming with lions, elephants and giraffes spring to mind. Also, one of the most iconic moments in that country’s history would have to be that of Nelson Mandela giving a speech on the steps of Cape Town City Hall after being released from Roben Island prison after serving 27 years on charges of sabotage in 1990.

What’s not so well known is the culture of outdoor living in a country that has a temperate climate due in part to being surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides.

South Africans of all cultures love a good cook out, known as a braaivleis (often shortened to ‘braai’), a local version of a barbecue, a term which literally means grilled meat. An important distinction between a braai and a barbecue used to be that it was fairly uncommon for a braai to use gas rather than an open flame.

When Chris Truter decided to bring this culinary style to Korea he was not sure how the public would react. One year on Braai Republic is going strong with a steady flow of people of all nationalities sampling everything from biltong (sun dried meat, similar to jerky) to boerevors (spicy South African style sausages) and grilled lamb cutlets.

“When we first opened, a lot of the clientele were South Africans, wanting to get a taste of back home, It happens in lots of places. Now it’s a completely mixed crowd from all over the world,” said Truter.

“I like it that way. Our food speaks for itself,” he continued.

The menu at Braai Republic comprises of lamb chops served with sweet potato and creamy spinach at 17,000 won, lamb chops with garlic potato and slaw for 16,000 won, bangers with garlic potato and creamy spinach at 14,000 won to meat pie of the day for 8,000 won with choices including mixed meat, lamb, chicken and spinach and potato. Other choices include South African style bean soup with bread for 7,000 won.

Drinks include a selection of local and imported beers, apple cider, wines, spirits and soft drinks,

What really sets Braai Republic off is the staff. The service is excellent and there is also a delivery service.

Braai Republic is open from 5 p.m. till late Tuesday through Sunday.

To get there walk down the lane across from the Korea Exchange Bank in Itaewon. Braai Republic is halfway down the hill on the left. <The Korea Times/John Redmond>

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