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Finding South African Food in the UK: Your Complete Biltong & Grocery Guide
Your complete guide to finding South African food in the UK — biltong, boerewors, droëwors, SA groceries, and the best online shops and butchers delivering nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Biltong is widely available in the UK — from SA butchers, online shops, and even major supermarkets
- ✓ Boerewors can be found at SA butchers in London and ordered online for nationwide delivery
- ✓ Online SA food shops like Biltong UK and Saffa Shop deliver everywhere in the UK
- ✓ UK supermarkets stock more SA products than you'd expect — check the world food aisle
- ✓ South African wines are excellent value and widely available in UK supermarkets
Craving biltong, boerewors, or a packet of Nik Naks? You're not alone. Finding South African food in the UK is easier than ever, and this guide shows you exactly where to look.
Where to Buy Biltong in the UK
BILTONG IS THE ULTIMATE SA COMFORT FOOD
Finding good biltong in the UK used to be hard. Now, thanks to a growing number of South African shops and online retailers, you can get proper biltong, droëwors, and boerewors almost anywhere in the country.
- London: Springbok Foods (Wimbledon), The SA Butcher (Ealing), and Biltong Brothers (various markets)
- Online: Biltong UK, The Biltong Man, and Saffa Shop deliver nationwide
- Supermarkets: Some Tesco, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's stores stock biltong in SA-heavy areas
- Markets: Many SA food stalls at Borough Market, Maltby Street, and weekend food markets
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN GOOD BILTONG
Real South African biltong is air-dried, not oven-dried. It should be tender, not rock-hard, and made with proper spices — coriander, black pepper, and salt. Avoid 'beef jerky' which is a different product entirely. The best biltong in the UK comes from SA-owned butchers who dry it the traditional way.
Boerewors and South African Meats
BOEREWORS IS ESSENTIAL FOR ANY SA HOUSEHOLD
Boerewors — the traditional South African sausage — is the centrepiece of any braai. In the UK, you can find it at SA butchers and specialist shops.
- Fresh boerewors: Available from SA butchers — cook within 2 days or freeze
- Frozen boerewors: Available from most SA food shops and online retailers
- Wors rolls: Some SA shops sell pre-made boerewors rolls for quick meals
- Different varieties: Try garlic wors, cheese wors, and chilli wors for variety
OTHER SA GROCERY ESSENTIALS
- Mielie meal (Iwisa or Ace) for pap
- Chakalaka in jars
- Mrs Balls chutney
- Nik Naks and Simba chips
- Ouma rusks for dunking in coffee
- Rooibos tea (widely available in UK supermarkets)
- Amarula cream liqueur
- Peppermint Crisp and Bar One chocolate bars
Online South African Food Shops
ONLINE SA FOOD SHOPS DELIVER NATIONWIDE
If you don't live near a SA shop, online retailers are your best option. Most offer next-day delivery across the UK and stock everything from biltong to braai equipment.
- Biltong UK: Specialises in biltong, droëwors, and boerewors — nationwide delivery
- Saffa Shop: Full SA grocery range including dry goods, snacks, and frozen meat
- South African Food UK: Wide range of SA products with subscription boxes
- Braai Pack UK: Delivers braai meat packs including boerewors, lamb chops, and steak
- Amazon UK: Stocks many SA products including Mrs Balls chutney, Nik Naks, and rooibos tea
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
Some online SA shops offer monthly subscription boxes — a curated selection of SA treats delivered to your door. It's a great way to discover new products and never run out of your favourites.
South African Food in UK Supermarkets
UK SUPERMARKETS HAVE MORE SA OPTIONS THAN YOU THINK
You don't always need a specialist shop. Many UK supermarkets now stock South African products, especially in areas with large SA communities.
- Tesco: Stocks biltong, rooibos tea, and Mrs Balls chutney in many stores
- Waitrose: Carries biltong, boerewors, and SA wines
- Sainsbury's: Has rooibos tea, SA wines, and sometimes biltong
- Marks & Spencer: Stocks biltong and SA-style dried meats
- Lidl and Aldi: Occasionally stock SA products during speciality food weeks
SOUTH AFRICAN WINES IN UK SUPERMARKETS
South African wines are widely available and excellent value. Look for:
- Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch, Ken Forrester)
- Pinotage (Kanonkop, Beyerskloof)
- Sauvignon Blanc (Durbanville Hills, Springfield)
- Most UK supermarkets stock at least one SA wine — try Waitrose and M&S for the best selection
Pro Tips
Buy in bulk and freeze
Biltong UK and Saffa Shop offer subscription boxes — a monthly delivery of SA treats. It's great value and means you never run out of biltong, droëwors, or your favourite snacks.
Freeze boerewors in portions
Boerewors freezes brilliantly. Buy 5kg from a SA butcher, portion it into coils, and freeze what you don't need. It keeps for 3 months and thaws in a few hours at room temperature.
Try SA wines
South African wines are among the best value in UK supermarkets. Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch costs £8-12 and rivals French whites at twice the price. Pinotage is a uniquely SA red — try Kanonkop or Beyerskloof.
Search the SA business directory
Use the Saffas Connect Business Directory and search for 'food' or 'butcher' to find SA food shops near you. Filter by your postcode to see what's in your area — you might be surprised how many there are.
Action Points
Find SA food shops near you
- 1.Go to the Saffas Connect Business Directory
- 2.Search for 'food', 'biltong', or 'butcher'
- 3.Filter by your city or postcode
- 4.Check opening hours and call ahead for fresh stock
Order SA food online
- 1.Visit Biltong UK, Saffa Shop, or South African Food UK
- 2.Browse their biltong, boerewors, and grocery ranges
- 3.Order for next-day UK delivery
- 4.Consider a subscription box for regular SA treats
✅ Quick Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get South African food delivered anywhere in the UK?
Yes, several online SA food shops deliver nationwide including Biltong UK, Saffa Shop, and South African Food UK. Most offer next-day delivery and stock everything from biltong and boerewors to mielie meal and Mrs Balls chutney. Amazon UK also stocks many SA products.
What's the difference between biltong and beef jerky?
Biltong is air-dried with vinegar and spices (coriander, black pepper, salt), giving it a tender texture and distinctive flavour. Beef jerky is smoked and dried with sugar and liquid smoke, making it sweeter and tougher. South African biltong is generally considered superior in quality and flavour.
Which UK supermarkets sell South African food?
Many Tesco, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's stores stock South African products, especially in areas with large SA communities. You'll typically find biltong, rooibos tea, Mrs Balls chutney, and SA wines. M&S also stocks a good range of biltong.
Where can I buy boerewors in the UK?
You can find boerewors at SA butchers in London (Springbok Foods, The SA Butcher) and from online retailers like Biltong UK and Braai Pack UK. Some Tesco and Waitrose stores in SA-heavy areas also stock it. For the freshest wors, buy from a SA butcher and freeze what you don't use immediately.
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