The much-anticipated Mzansi Food & Drink Show, scheduled over the long weekend from Saturday, 15 to Monday, 17 June, at the Kyalami International Convention Centre, is set to become the marquee event on Joburg’s social calendar, catering to all ages and tastes.
This three-day extravaganza will amalgamate two previously independent events, the popular Fire & Feast Meat Festival, and the successful Coffee & Chocolate Expo, along with three exciting new additions: the Fine Food & Wine Show, the Bar & Good Spirits Showcase, and the Mzansi Food Market.
Emceeing the competition will be radio personality, TV presenter, and lecturer Rika Niewoudt, known for co-anchoring the popular KykNet show, Toks en Tjops.
A significant highlight of the Mzansi Food & Drink Show will be the array of thrilling competitions designed to test contestants’ prowess in cooking, baking, braaing, mixology, and all things culinary.
Two competitions will focus on a beloved South African pastime: braaing. The first of these, King of the Braai, aims to find South Africa’s premier braaier. Twenty of the country’s finest grillers will vie for supremacy, showcasing their BBQ skills to impress the judges.
“Ultimately, it’s all about the taste, and the braaier with the tastiest food will claim the crown. However, appearance and presentation are also crucial, so the food must look as good as it tastes,” reads a press release from event organisers.
Since the start of May, potential participants have been submitting their entries via the Fire & Feast Meat Festival, flavoured by Six Gun Grill, on social media platforms including Facebook (@fireandfeastmeatfestival), Instagram (@mzansifoodanddrink), and X (@MzansiFoodDrink). Entry submissions required planned menus comprising three courses to be cooked within a two-hour timeframe: a chicken starter, a beef or lamb main, and a braaibroodjie to finish.
Key sponsor Crown National will provide their top-selling seasoning and sauce, Six Gun Grill, while Weber will supply the braai stands and charcoal. Contestants must bring their own ingredients to create their fiery feasts, and they are encouraged to bring decorations to enhance their braai stations.
The second competition, the Fire & Feast Meat Smoke-Off, sees the show’s organisers team up with the renowned BraaiBoy (aka Gareth Daniell), a true maestro of the coals.
“As co-founder and director of the South African Fire, Smoke, and Meat Association (SAFSMA), we’re hosting an American-style BBQ competition,” explains BraaiBoy. “While there are many jokes about BBQ vs. Braai, BBQ refers to a ‘low and slow’ cooking method, using smoke and indirect heat on large cuts of meat. This is the essence of our competition.”
The competition will see six teams contend in four meat categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder, and brisket. Each team receives identical cuts of meat and simple presentation plates, focusing the competition on the quality of the final product. The winning team must prepare four meat dishes per category, with cooking times ranging from 90 minutes to over 12 hours. The challenge is to maintain perfect cooking conditions to avoid drying out the meat or undercooking it.
The public is encouraged to interact with the competitors during their cooking, offering a unique opportunity to gain experience from the experts.
This year, the competition will span two days, with teams preparing and lighting fires on Saturday, 15 June, and cooking overnight without sleep. Judging will commence at 3 p.m., with prize-giving at 5 p.m. on Sunday, 16 June.
“SAFSMA is a member of the World Barbecue Association and affiliated with several international BBQ organisations. For this competition, we’ll follow the KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) judging criteria,” says BraaiBoy. “Scoring is based on appearance, tenderness, and taste, with taste carrying the most weight.”
While the meat cooked during the competition is exclusively for the judges, the public can participate in live demos and tasting sessions on Monday, 17 June. Pitmasters and some competitors will be available for interaction, offering a chance to learn and taste various recipes.
Prizes include R20 000 in cash and product hampers, with winners earning points towards their SAFSMA league standings, which recognise South Africa’s top BBQ smokers annually.
Tickets for the Mzansi Food & Drink Show can be booked via Howler.co.za. For more information on the show, visit the Mzansi Food & Drink Show.
06/06/2024
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