How to Serve Biltong: From Snack Board to Dinner Table

Biltong is one of those beautiful things that needs almost no introduction at the table- slice it, put it out, and watch it disappear. But if you're new to this South African staple there's a whole world of ways to enjoy it beyond grabbing a handful straight from the bag. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

Before you think about serving, it helps to know what you're working with. Biltong comes in two main forms:

• Sliced biltong- Thin, ready-to-eat strips that are perfect for sharing, snacking, and building boards. Our Sliced Rugby Biltong is a crowd favourite for exactly this reason.
• Whole biltong- A full cured piece that you slice yourself at home. It stays fresher for longer and lets you control the thickness. Try our Whole Rugby Biltong if you want that full experience.

If you like a bit of heat, our Sliced Spicy Biltong and Sliced Rugby Biltong with Chilli add a serious kick to any spread.

The Biltong Grazing Board

This is where biltong truly shines. A South African-inspired grazing board is one of the easiest, most impressive things you can put together for guests and biltong is the hero ingredient.

What to include:

• A generous pile of sliced biltong as the centrepiece
• Droëwors or stokkies for texture variety (grab some from our Droëwors or Stokkies range)
• Aged cheddar or gouda, the saltiness plays beautifully against the cured meat
• Cornichons or pickled onions for acidity
• Dried apricots or figs for a touch of sweetness
• Crackers, seed loaf, or sourdough
• A small bowl of whole grain mustard

Pro tip: Fan your sliced biltong out rather than piling it, it looks incredible and makes it easy for guests to grab a piece without disturbing the whole board.

Biltong as a Meal Ingredient

Biltong isn't just a snack, it's a genuinely versatile ingredient that South Africans have been using for generations.

Biltong pasta  Toss sliced biltong through a creamy pasta (think a simple cream, garlic, and parmesan sauce) in the last minute of cooking. The heat softens the biltong slightly and infuses the sauce with incredible depth. Don't cook it too long, you want it to retain some chew.

Biltong and avo on toast A South African brunch staple. Smashed avo, a squeeze of lemon, cracked pepper, and a generous handful of sliced biltong on thick sourdough. Simple, satisfying, and genuinely delicious.

Biltong salad  Rocket, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and biltong strips with a light lemon vinaigrette. The biltong replaces croutons and adds a savoury, protein-packed punch.

Biltong dip Blitz cream cheese, sour cream, a handful of biltong, and a pinch of chilli flakes in a food processor. Serve with crackers or veggie sticks. It disappears fast — you've been warned.

Serving Biltong at a Braai

If you're hosting a braai (South African BBQ), biltong is the perfect pre-fire snack to keep guests happy while the coals get going. Put out a bowl of sliced biltong alongside some droëwors and a cold drink, and nobody will complain about the wait.

Our Mixes collection is ideal for this- a combination of biltong, droëwors, and stokkies that covers all the bases without any fuss.

Gifting Biltong

Biltong makes a genuinely thoughtful gift, especially for someone who's never tried it before. Our Gift Boxes are put together with exactly this in mind, and our Baby Biltong Gift Box is a great starting point for biltong newcomers.

Storage Tips for Serving

A few quick notes to make sure your biltong is at its best when you serve it:

• Store biltong in a paper bag or breathable container, not an airtight container, which can cause moisture build-up
• Keep it in a cool, dry spot (a pantry is ideal; the fridge can make it sweat)
• Sliced biltong is best consumed within a few days of opening; whole biltong lasts longer
• If your biltong dries out more than you'd like, a very brief rest in a slightly humid environment (a loosely covered bowl) can bring it back

Ready to Stock Up?

Whether you're building the ultimate grazing board, cooking up something special, or just want a quality snack on hand, browse our full Biltong collection  made authentically, right here in Australia.

Life is better with biltong