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Gert

Gert is the South African behind braaimate.com. Twenty years in Australia, one well-used backyard braai, and a running list of every swap, shop and workaround that keeps the taste of home alive. He tests every substitute himself, buys what he reviews, and has lost enough biltong to Brisbane humidity to write the guide. Say howzit at howzit@braaimate.com.

South African shops in Sydney and the Central Coast

21 October 2026 by Gert
Shelves in a South African shop Sydney with biltong, rusks and chutney

A South African shop Sydney guide with addresses, phone numbers and hours checked on each shop’s own website, plus Central Coast and Newcastle options, online delivery and the names we are still checking.

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Gas braai vs charcoal in Australia: which one, and when

20 October 2026 by Gert
Gas braai vs charcoal: a gas barbecue and a charcoal kettle side by side in an Australian backyard

Gas braai vs charcoal in Australia: how flavour, speed and total fire ban rules compare, and a simple way to choose the right barbecue for your backyard.

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South African shops in Melbourne: where to buy wors, biltong and Mrs Balls

20 October 2026 by Gert
Counter in a South African shop Melbourne with biltong, rusks and chutney on the shelves

A South African shop Melbourne guide with addresses, phone numbers and hours checked on each shop’s own website, plus fresh boerewors, delivery options and the details we are still checking.

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Where to buy maize meal in Australia, and how to cook pap with it

20 October 2026 by Gert
Bag of white maize meal beside a pot of pap on a kitchen bench, where to buy maize meal Australia

Where to buy maize meal Australia shoppers can rely on: supermarket and South African shop options, which grade makes smooth pap, and a simple water ratio to cook it.

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South African shops in Perth: Cape to Cairo, Mufasa and the rest

18 October 2026 by Gert
Shelves in a South African shop Perth with biltong, rusks and chutney

A South African shop Perth guide with addresses, phone numbers and hours checked on each shop’s own website, plus fresh boerewors pick-up, online delivery and the names we are still checking.

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Biltong spice recipe: the mix, the ratio and the grind

14 October 2026 by Gert
Biltong spice recipe ingredients: toasted coriander seeds, black pepper, coarse salt and brown vinegar beside a strip of raw beef

Our biltong spice recipe, in ratios you can scale to any batch. Why whole coriander beats the jar, how coarse to grind it, and how to tweak the mix to taste.

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South African shops in Brisbane and south-east Queensland

7 October 2026 by Gert
Counter in a South African shop Brisbane with biltong, rusks and chutney on the shelves

A South African shop Brisbane guide with addresses, phone numbers and opening hours checked on each shop’s own website, plus online delivery options and the names we are still checking.

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Aromat substitute Australia: what to use, and where to buy the real thing

5 October 2026 by Gert
aromat substitute australia: a homemade yellow seasoning mix in a small bowl beside a spoon, with golden corn cobs ready for the braai

Aromat is easier to find in Australia than it used to be, but shelves run dry. Here is where to look first, then the swaps and a homemade mix that get you close.

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Biltong box Australia: buy one or build one

23 September 2026 by Gert
Biltong box Australia, a wooden biltong box open on a bench with spiced beef strips hanging inside on steel hooks and a small fan fitted in the side panel

Buy a biltong box this week, or build one from a fan, some mesh and an old cupboard. Both work. This guide covers what a box actually needs, the DIY build, and the parts worth ordering either way.

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How to light a braai fire in Australia, without the firelighter taste

20 September 2026 by Gert
How to light a braai fire in Australia, firelighters catching under hardwood lump charcoal in a kettle braai

Two firelighters, a tight pyramid, every vent open, then patience. Here is how to light a braai fire in Australia, why the chemical taste happens, and how to tell when the coals are actually ready.

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