Biltong, a traditional South African snack, has gained popularity worldwide for its rich flavour and versatility. For those in Sydney craving authentic South African flavours, there are several top spots to explore. This article delves into the best places to find high-quality biltong in Sydney, highlighting the unique offerings of each location.
What is Biltong?
Biltong is a type of air-dried, cured meat that originated in South Africa. The word “biltong” is derived from the Dutch words “bil” meaning rump or meat, and “tong” meaning strip or tongue. Unlike American jerky, which is often sweeter and drier due to heat drying, biltong offers a richer, more savory flavour and a softer texture thanks to its natural air-drying process.
It is typically made from beef, but other meats like venison, buffalo, ostrich, and even fish are also used. The process involves marinating the meat in a mixture of spices, vinegar, and salt before drying it, which enhances its flavour and shelf life. The result is a highly flavourful dried meat, which is best consumed as a snack.
Top Spots for Biltong in Sydney
1. Stanley Street Butchery
Located in St Ives, Stanley Street Butchery is renowned as Sydney’s oldest and best biltong maker, with a history dating back to 1974. They offer a diverse range of biltong made from premium meats like beef, lamb, and venison. This butchery is not just a place to buy the finest biltong; it’s a cultural hub for expatriates from all over Southern Africa.
They also offer the widest range of South African grocery store products in NSW alongside their premium biltong, snap sticks (stokkies), and drywors (droewors). Their authentic biltong is made from grass-fed Australian beef, ensuring high-quality and rich flavours. They also offer a large selection of South African wines, beers, cider and other South African accessories like potjiekos, pots and braai, all available at both their outlet on Stanley Street and their online store.
- Address: 15 Stanley Street, St Ives NSW 2075
- Phone: 1300 BILTONG
- Email: orders@saproducts.com.au
- Website: www.stanleystreetbutchery.com.au/
2. African Vibe
African Vibe is another popular destination for South African food lovers in Sydney. With locations in both Balgowlah and Rose Bay, African Vibe offers a variety of biltong options, all made with traditional South African recipes and the finest cuts of meat. They pride themselves on using 100% naturally grass-fed black angus wagyu beef from the lush green hills of Victoria for their marbled biltong, which is free from both added antibiotics and hormone growth promotants.
Their commitment to authenticity and quality has earned them a reputation as one of the best makers of authentic biltong in Australia. You can also find drywors, snapsticks, koeksisters, boerewors, rusks, and plenty of other South African food products like sauces, marinades, spreads and canned goods. They also provide a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of South Africa.
- Address:
- Balgowlah: 206 Condamine St, Balgowlah NSW 2093
- Rose Bay: 22 Plumer Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- Phone:
- Balgowlah: 02 9044 1660
- Rose Bay: 02 8201 3330
- Hours:
- Balgowlah: Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Rose Bay: Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
- Website: www.africanvibe.com.au/
3. Springbok Delights
Situated in Lane Cove, Springbok Delights is a go-to spot for South African delicacies. While not as widely known for biltong as some other locations, they offer a comprehensive selection of traditional South African snacks and groceries including biltong and boerewors. Their selection also includes various other South African treats, making it a great place to explore for those interested in trying different flavours from the region.
They are primarily a wholesale distributor and retailer of the largest range of South African groceries and food products in Australia. The store features a state of the art gourmet butchery that includes aged beef, gourmet sausages, biltong and boerewors, a cellar stocked with arguably the largest selection of South African beers, wines and spirits in NSW (if not Australia), and plenty of imported South African groceries and delicacies. Their products are available both in-store and online.
- Address: 656 Mowbray Rd, Lane Cove NSW 2066
- Phone: 02 9427 5168
- Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 1 PM
- Website:
- www.springbokdelights.com.au/
4. Biltong & Boerewors
Located in Rouse Hill, Biltong & Boerewors specializes in traditional South African recipes for biltong and boerewors as well as drywors, beacon sweats, ouma rusks and pronutro. They pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and authentic methods to create the finest biltong that is superior in flavour and texture. The store also offers a wide range of South African products, including non-food items like potjies, braai tongs, braai grids and much more. Their online store also allows customers to purchase products from the comfort of their homes, with delivery available across Australia.
- Address:
- The Terrace, 5/40 Panmure St, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
- 458 The High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
- Phone:
- Rouse Hill: (02) 9836 0690
- Penrith: (02) 4722 8725
- Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3 PM
- Website: biltongandboerewors.com.au/
5. Biltong.com.au
For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, Biltong.com.au is an excellent option. This online store specialises in biltong and other South African snacks like dry wors, jerky and snapsticks (stokkies), offering a variety of flavours and textures. This includes both wet biltong (biltong that is dried for less time) as well as the more traditional drier biltong. Their biltong is made fresh twice a week, and they use their own proprietary spice-mix without adding any preservatives. They cater to customers across Australia, ensuring that everyone can enjoy authentic South African biltong, biltong spices, biltong equipment, and imported South African products without leaving their homes.
- Address:
- Online Store
- 10 / 107 Old Pittwater Rd Brookvale NSW, 2100 Australia (Factory Shop)
- Phone: 1800 BILTONG (1800 245 866)
- Factory Shop Trading Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Website: biltong.com.au/
How to Choose the Best Biltong
For those seeking the best biltong in Sydney, these are the top spots to explore. By now you’re probably wondering, “so what makes the best biltong? how do I decide?” When it comes to choosing the best biltong, several factors come into play:
- Meat Quality: The finest biltong is made from high-quality meats, often grass-fed beef, which provides a richer flavour and better texture.
- Texture: Biltong should be tender but not too dry or too wet.
- Authenticity: Opt for authentic biltong made with traditional recipes and methods.
- Spices and Marinades: Traditional South African spices and marinades are essential for authentic flavour. A good blend of spices can elevate the taste of biltong significantly.
- Drying Process: The air-drying process is crucial for maintaining the soft texture and rich flavour of biltong. Unlike jerky, which is often heat-dried, biltong’s natural drying method preserves its unique characteristics.
Is Biltong Healthier Than Jerky?
Biltong and jerky both have their health benefits and drawbacks. Biltong tends to be higher in moisture, which can make it slightly more palatable and less chewy than jerky. However, both snacks are high in protein and low in fat, making them popular choices for health-conscious consumers.
What’s the Difference Between Biltong and Jerky?
- Texture: Biltong is generally softer and more tender than jerky due to its thicker cuts and higher moisture content.
- Flavour: Biltong often has a more complex flavour profile thanks to its vinegar-based marinade and traditional spices.
- Production: Biltong is typically air-dried, while jerky may be dried using various methods, including smoking or dehydrators.
Popular Biltong Flavours in Sydney
In Sydney, the most popular biltong flavours tend to be traditional and spicy variations. Here are some of the most sought-after flavours:
- Traditional Biltong: This is the most classic and widely enjoyed flavour. It typically involves a blend of spices like coriander, salt, and sometimes worcestershire sauce, which provides a rich, savory taste without being too sweet or spicy.
- Chilli Biltong: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chilli biltong is a popular choice. It adds a spicy kick to the traditional recipe, making it appealing to those who like a little spice in their snacks.
- Fatty Biltong: This version keeps the fat on the meat, making it moist and buttery. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy a softer, more indulgent texture.
- Garlic Biltong: Garlic lovers appreciate this flavour, which adds a warm, savory taste to the traditional biltong recipe without overpowering it.
- Smokey Biltong: This flavour adds a smoky depth to the traditional recipe, providing a more earthy snacking experience.
- Sweet BBQ Biltong: For those who prefer a sweeter snack, sweet BBQ biltong offers a unique twist on traditional biltong by incorporating brown sugar into the spice mix.
South African Food Culture in Sydney
Sydney’s diverse culinary scene is enriched by the presence of South African food stores. These establishments not only provide a taste of home for expats but also serve as cultural ambassadors, introducing locals to the vibrant flavours and traditions of South Africa. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavours, Sydney’s South African community has much to offer.
Exploring South African Grocery Stores in Sydney
Sydney, known for its vibrant cultural diversity, offers a rich culinary experience that includes authentic South African flavours, particularly when it comes to biltong. Beyond biltong, Sydney’s South African grocery stores also offer a wide range of products that cater to both expats and locals interested in exploring new flavours. These South African shops often carry traditional South African snacks like koeksisters, rusks, and boerewors, as well as beverages and spices. For a comprehensive list of African food stores, check out our ultimate guide to African food stores in Sydney.
Conclusion
For those in Sydney seeking authentic South African flavours, there are several excellent spots to explore. From Stanley Street Butchery’s rich history to African Vibe’s commitment to quality, each location offers a unique experience for biltong enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering the world of biltong, these top spots are sure to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the rich culinary heritage of South Africa.