Are you looking for authentic South African cousine in Korea? This is the best weekend eat out place for exotic food searcher.Whether you are arriving at Incheon and need professional airport pickup services to get to the Gyeonggi area or you are a local expat, Braai Republic Pyeongtaek is a must-visit.
What is a South African Braai?
‘Braai’ is Afrikaans for BBQ, but it is more than just cooking; it is a deep social tradition. My wife, who is from South Africa, always talks about how much she loves the authentic flavors here. If you are interested in the local culture, you might even find that taking customized Korean lessons helps you navigate these international neighborhoods more confidently.
What are you up to this weekend? The weather got so much better at the end of April. I visited Pyeongtaek Braai Republic last week, where I sometimes visit to drive with my wife. I think there are a total of three places (Itaewon, Hongdae, and Pyeongtaek) in Korea. I went to the Itaewon branch in February. We will start introducing the Braai Republic in front of Humphreys, a U.S. military base, a great place to eat out pleasantly while having an exotic experience near Gyeonggi-do. My wife, who is from South Africa, always talks about how much she loves the authentic South African cuisine available there, especially the traditional dishes that showcase her south african heritage.
After lunch at Braai Republic, we took a short drive to riverside walk at Naeri Culture Park, one of the most peaceful walking areas in Pyeongtaek. If you still have room for dessert, you can check out the nearby Prefer Cafe for mountain views and bakery treats.
My wife is from South Africa. She said it’s delicious. Need more information about the south african dishes served at Braai Republic?
Braai republic(Pyeongtaek)
Location guide:
Address: Braai Republic Pyeongtaek, 2nd Floor, 17-1 Anjeongshopping-ro, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Use your preferred map for directions.
I visited during lunchtime on Saturday and made a reservation over the phone just in case, but when I arrived, the table was half full. There are balcony seats on the second floor and indoor seats, but balconies are more popular on sunny days like these days, right? I usually speak English because my employees are foreigners, but I think they can understand simple Korean. The last time I made a reservation over the phone, I could make a reservation in Korean.
The interior was decorated with stuffed animals from Africa, and there were traditional crafts and patterns, so it felt like I was really at a restaurant in South Africa. There was a bathroom in the left corner of the restaurant, so it wasn’t too difficult to go to the restroom for my pregnant wife.
In Korean restaurants, there is a bell, so if you need something, you often press the bell to call the employee, but in foreign restaurants, I felt that employees visited the table once to ask for their opinions on food or refill drinks, so I could feel a more friendly service.
When I visited my in-laws’ house in South Africa in 2022, I drank a lot of windhoek and castle beer, and it’s so nice to see them again here. There are many cocktails that are hard to find in Korea, so I recommend them to those who want to enjoy a different kinds of alcohol.
I drove so i didn’t drink, but I drank ginger beer instead. It was Bundaberg Gingerbear, which I enjoyed drinking in Australia, but my wife said that it was fake because she only drinks Stoney Gingerbear in South Africa. I really like Bundaberg, too. I tried making ginger beer at home a few times, but it’s hard to taste like this.
When I was in Brisbane, Australia, I met a lot of Koreans who were there on working holiday visas. Many of them were heading out to farms in the area. In Korean, Bundaberg sounded like ‘earning a lot of money,’ so everyone got excited and was eager to go there. On the other hand, another farm called Gatton sounded like ‘throwing up from hard work’ in Korean, so people were pretty reluctant to head there. It was kind of like a dad joke, but honestly, it fit the vibe perfectly!
Our food is here!! Meat platter and chicken half shrimp half menu, which are not shown in the picture, I ordered a total of three menus together: lamb meat pie. One man and two women went, but I left a little because others didn’t eat much. If you think you can eat more than one dish, I recommend you to order extra dish that you and your friends can share.
Signature Dishes: What to Order at Braai Republic
If you are visiting for the first time, the menu might look overwhelming. As someone whose wife is from South Africa, I can tell you exactly what hits the spot. Here are the “Must-Try” items that bring the authentic taste of Cape Town straight to Gyeonggi-do.
1. The Mixed Meat Platter (The Ultimate Feast)
If you want to experience the true spirit of a South African Braai (BBQ), the Mixed Meat Platter is non-negotiable.
- The Lamb Chops: Unlike many places in Korea where lamb can be gamey, the chops here are perfectly trimmed and seasoned. They are grilled over an open flame to get that essential smoky char while staying incredibly juicy inside.
- The Boerewors (Sausage): This was the highlight of our meal. Boerewors isn’t just a regular sausage; it’s a coarse-ground beef sausage spiced with coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. It has a unique spiral shape and a “snap” when you bite into it that you simply cannot find elsewhere in Korea.
2. Traditional Homemade Meat Pies
We also ordered the Lamb Meat Pie, and it was a comforting masterpiece.
- The Texture: The pastry is buttery and flaky, exactly how a homemade pie should be.
- The Filling: Inside, the meat is slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy until it falls apart. It’s a heavy, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
3. Surf & Turf: Prawns and Chicken
We shared the “Half Chicken, Half Prawns” platter. The prawns were large and grilled to perfection, offering a lighter balance to the heavy red meat. It’s a great option if you are dining in a group and want to share a variety of textures.
Pro Tip: The portions are generous! A platter is easily enough for two people, but if you are hungry, add a side of their “Creamed Spinach” or “Savory Rice” to complete the meal.
There were also lots of U.S. soldiers and their families around. One plate of food looked like just a light snack for them! Lamb isn’t a common meat in Korea, but I think any Korean would love it because the lamb there was perfectly seasoned with just a bit of spice, salt, and herbs. And especially the sausage — it was amazing. You can’t find that kind of flavor anywhere else in Korea. I really hope you get a chance to try it.
Atmosphere: A Slice of South Africa in Pyeongtaek
Walking into Braai Republic feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping through a portal straight to Cape Town.
- The Safari Vibe: The interior is tastefully decorated with traditional African crafts and wildlife taxidermy, creating an authentic, exotic atmosphere that you rarely find in Gyeonggi-do. It’s an instant conversation starter!
- The Balcony: We visited on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the balcony seats were in high demand. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend grabbing a table outside to enjoy the breeze and the lively street view of Anjeong-ri.
- Comfort: The restaurant is spacious with comfortable seating. My wife was pregnant during our visit, and we found the space (and the easily accessible restroom) to be very accommodating.
Location & English-Friendly Service
Located right near the Camp Humphreys Walking Gate, the restaurant naturally caters to an international crowd.
- No Language Barrier: For expats or tourists worried about ordering in Korean, you can relax. The staff are fluent in English (and Korean), making communication seamless.
- Service Style: Unlike typical Korean restaurants where you press a “Call Bell” (딩동), the service here follows the Western style. Servers frequently check in on your table to ask if the food is okay or if you need drink refills. It feels warm, attentive, and very welcoming.
⚠️ Important Tip: Parking Guide
If you are driving here like I did, please note that Braai Republic does not have a dedicated parking lot.
- The Challenge: The restaurant is located in a narrow alleyway (Rodeo Street) that can be crowded with pedestrians. Driving directly to the front door is difficult.
- Where to Park: I recommend parking on the wider main roads near the base entrance or searching for a nearby public parking lot (
gong-young jucha-jang) before entering the alley. A short 3-minute walk is much less stressful than navigating the narrow streets!
Final Verdict: Is Braai Republic Worth the Visit?
Absolutely. Whether you are an expat missing the taste of home or a Korean foodie looking for a truly exotic experience, Braai Republic Pyeongtaek delivers. It is rare to find a place that captures both the flavor and the “soul” of a culture so perfectly.
My wife gave it her official “South African Stamp of Approval,” especially for the Boerewors and the nostalgic atmosphere. We are already planning our next trip—perhaps to compare it with the Hongdae branch next time!
Tell me in the comments: Have you ever tried African cuisine before? Are you more of a “Lamb Chop Lover” or a “Sausage Fan”? Let me know your favorite menu item!
I think I was always satisfied after eating food in Braai republic. If you want to try new food or have friends or family from Africa like me, I recommend you to come!! I haven’t been to Hongdae branch yet, but I really want to go there if I have a chance! See you next time~
Experiencing the warmth, loud laughter, and joyous atmosphere of a South African family gathering around a braai often makes me incredibly nostalgic for my own childhood. Sharing so much food and love reminds me of the massive, bustling family reunions we used to have during Korean holidays before everything became modernized. If you are curious about what that era felt like for local Koreans, take a look at my nostalgic memories of [Korean Lunar New Year traditions in the 1990s], a time filled with freezing ancestral rites, public bathhouses, and deep family connections.
Check out thier official[Braai republic official Instagram Page] for the latest updates.
