Biltong is the ultimate padkos. Here’s where to find the good stuff the next time you are driving through the Karoo.
The Karoo is one of the best places to get biltong. Photos by Brandon de Kock
Karoo Biltong, Laingsburg
Kobus Reynolds recommends Karoo Biltong in Laingsburg, high praise considering he’s a purist and generally eats only biltong made by his wife, Annatjie. 11 Voortrekker Road, 023-551-1619.
Klein Merino Butchery, Beaufort West
Make a turn at Raymond Meyer’s Klein Merino Butchery for his excellent wet beef biltong. The original shopfront faces onto New Street, just down the road from Raymond’s factory, Gold Finger Biltong, and taxidermists Waldo and Ricus de Vries (who happen to be identical twins). The working entrance is on Church Street and much of it is clad with a metal security grill. Don’t be deterred if it looks shut – go inside and make your way to the Biltong Bar. 13 Church Street, 023-415-1134.
B&B Biltong, Cradock
With the oversized wooden ‘biltong’ hanging above its roof, De Wilge butchery seems an obvious pit stop, but Craddock’s finest dry beef biltong is made by Bruce Meyer. I know this because I got chatting to Lisa Antrobus-Ker, owner of Victoria Manor hotel, who put me onto the chef, Hayla, who is married to Bruce – that’s small-town networks for you! Officially called B&B Biltong, the calico sack is free of branding though it’s labelled ‘vir manne met of sonder tande’ (for men with or without teeth). Call Hayla on 082-347-3832 and look out for it at the Caltex in Cradock.
Die Vetmuis Plaaskombuis, Richmond
You can find Annatjie Reynolds’ biltong and droewors in Richmond, halfway between Joburg and Cape Town. Take a loop through the town’s main drag by pulling off the N1 before or after the Caltex and stop in at Die Vetmuis Plaaskombuis, a shop run by Annatjie and three other farmers’ wives living in the area. Droewors and venison chilli bites are usually available year round and if not made by Annatjie (aka Kerkmuis), it will be made by one of the other partners nicknamed Streepmuis, Mooimuis or Plaasmuis. Cured beef is sold from mid-May to August and venison biltong when available. Order on 053-693-0570. 56 Loop Street, www.kookenkuierindiekaroo.com.
Annatjie Reynolds making biltong which she dries in her cold room in Nieuwefontein. Photos by Brandon de Kock
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