Biltong
Air-dried, vinegar-and-coriander cured beef. · South Africa
Air-dried, vinegar-and-coriander cured beef.
About Biltong
Strips of beef or game are cured with vinegar, salt and coriander seed, then air-dried into a tender, savoury snack quite distinct from jerky. South Africans eat it by the bagful at sport matches.
🏛️ History & Culture
Biltong’s origins trace back to the early European settlers in southern Africa, who adapted traditional meat-preservation techniques—using vinegar, salt, and spices—to the region’s climate. Its history is intertwined with the Dutch and indigenous Khoikhoi practices, though the exact timeline is debated; what is certain is that it became a staple for trekboers and later spread across the country.
Regional variations exist, with some preferring beef, while others use game like kudu or springbok, and spice blends range from simple coriander to added pepper or nutmeg. Culturally, biltong is a beloved national snack, enjoyed at sports events, road trips, and social gatherings, symbolizing South African heritage and a rugged, resourceful culinary tradition.
Recipes from travellers
No one has shared their own Biltong recipe yet. Yours would be the first.
Share how you make Biltong
You'll need to be signed in with Google or Facebook so your name can appear on it. Recipes go through an automatic food-safety check before they publish.
Sign in to share your recipe
Biltong — frequently asked questions
What is Biltong?
Strips of beef or game are cured with vinegar, salt and coriander seed, then air-dried into a tender, savoury snack quite distinct from jerky. South Africans eat it by the bagful at sport matches.
What is Biltong made of?
Biltong is made with beef, vinegar, coriander seed, salt and black pepper.
Where does Biltong come from?
Biltong comes from South Africa, and is especially associated with Nationwide. Biltong’s origins trace back to the early European settlers in southern Africa, who adapted traditional meat-preservation techniques—using vinegar, salt, and spices—to the region’s climate.
Where can I eat Biltong?
A South African shop or sports match, sliced and eaten by hand.
Taste Biltong in Cape Town
Independent picks. We earn a small commission if you book through these — at no extra cost to you. How this works.
✅ Before you go to South Africa
Round out your trip — most travellers book these alongside their trip.
More dishes like Biltong
Chakalaka
Spicy tomato and bean relish for the braai table.
Bunny Chow
Hollowed-out loaf filled with spicy curry.
Boeber
Rooted in South Africa, Boeber is a dairy drink enjoyed for generations.
Koeksister
Plaited fried dough drenched in cold sugar syrup.
Vetkoek
Deep-fried dough buns stuffed savoury or sweet.
Malva Pudding
Sticky apricot sponge soaked in hot cream sauce.
Yu Tou Gao
Yu Tou Gao is one of the classic dishes in the snack tradition of China.
Tamales
Steamed corn-dough parcels wrapped in husks, sweet or savoury.
Stecchi
Italian fruit skewers dipped in hot chocolate — strawberries, melon, pineapple, and banana on bamboo sticks, served at Italian festivals and as a quick home dessert.
Fettunta
Fettunta counts among the traditional food of Italy, an appetizer locals hold dear.
Memela
Hailing from Mexico, Memela is a much-loved snack.
Makroud el Louse
Makroud el Louse is one of the classic dishes in the cookie tradition of Algeria.
Feteer Meshaltet
Many-layered flaky pastry, sweet or savoury.
Koshari
Egypt's national street food — a hearty bowl of rice, lentils and pasta under spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions.
Mukimo
Green mash of potato, peas, maize and greens.
Suya
Spicy grilled beef skewers coated in peanut spice.
- 🇿🇦 Chakalaka · South Africa
- 🇿🇦 Bunny Chow · South Africa
- 🇿🇦 Boeber · South Africa
- 🇿🇦 Koeksister · South Africa
- 🇿🇦 Vetkoek · South Africa
- 🇿🇦 Malva Pudding · South Africa
- 🇨🇳 Yu Tou Gao · China
- 🇲🇽 Tamales · Mexico
- 🇮🇹 Stecchi · Italy
- 🇮🇹 Fettunta · Italy
- 🇲🇽 Memela · Mexico
- 🇩🇿 Makroud el Louse · Algeria
- 🇪🇬 Feteer Meshaltet · Egypt
- 🇪🇬 Koshari · Egypt
- 🇰🇪 Mukimo · Kenya
- 🇳🇬 Suya · Nigeria
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience with Biltong.
Write a review
Sign in to verify you're a real person, then share your thoughts on Biltong.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to say something about Biltong.