Braai Society
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Where the fire brings people together ...
Located in Birnam, bordering Melrose and within easy reach of Melrose Arch, Braai Society brings contemporary South African fire-grilled dining to Johannesburg's northern suburbs. Founded by chef Simele Shange, a Top 3 finalist in MasterChef South Africa Season 6, the restaurant celebrates the age-old tradition of cooking over an open flame, where fire, flavour and generous hospitality take centre stage.
Rooted in South African food culture, Braai Society is built around honest, flame-cooked food made for sharing. Expect generous plates, bold flavours and a menu that brings together the dishes Shange grew up with, ingredients inspired by the land and influences gathered along the way. Traditional favourites such as pap and dombolo sit comfortably alongside bao, flatbreads, steak, kingklip, prawns and spicy rice, creating a dining experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly contemporary.
The menu evolves with the seasons and the kitchen's inspiration, keeping each visit connected to what's fresh, flavourful and ever-evolving.
More than a meal, Braai Society is about bringing people together around the table, sharing good food and making room for warm conversation. It is a celebration of South African braai culture, reimagined for today's diner, where generous hospitality and a spirit of community are as important as the food itself.
Who's Cooking?
Chef Simele Shange Founder, Braai Society
For chef Simele Shange, cooking has always been about telling a story — one shaped by his roots, his experiences, the places he has travelled, the flavours he loves and the people who have influenced his journey. Every dish carries a piece of that story, and Braai Society is his way of sharing it.
His culinary journey has taken him from cooking for those around him to creating memorable dining experiences and competing in MasterChef South Africa, where he became a Top 3 finalist in Season 6. Along the way, his technique has evolved and his understanding of food has deepened, but his philosophy remains refreshingly simple: great food should be generous, satisfying and, above all, delicious.
Forget elaborate presentations and unnecessary complexity. Shange embraces what is often described as ugly delicious — food that prioritises flavour, substance and the pleasure of eating over appearances. It is a philosophy that lies at the heart of Braai Society.
Facilities
- Cuisine : African, Braai, Grills, Seafood
- Ambience : Authentic Culture, Formal, Relaxed, Trendy
- Dress : Smart/Casual
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Reservations -
Functions
Credit Cards Accepted
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Debit Card -
VISA -
Mastercard
Map
Social Media
Trading Hours
Monday — Thursday
Lunch 11:00 — 15:00 | Dinner 17:00 — 20:30
Friday — Saturday: 11:00 — 22:00
Sunday: The Sunday Fire · 11:00 — 22:00
Specials at this Restaurant
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Birthdays, farewells, year-end dinners, or a Sunday that ran long. We can accommodate up to 40 guests — from a shared table in the restaurant to exclusive hire of the whole house.
The Long Table: 10 - 20 Guests
One table in the main restaurant, one set menu, served family style. The easiest way to feed a group properly.
The Whole House: 21 - 40 Guests
Exclusive hire of Braai Society — the restaurant, the patio and the full team, yours for the evening. No private room; the whole house is available.
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One long table. One set menu. A room of people who came for the evening, not just the meal. Hosted every Wednesday at Braai Society, Birnam.
EVERY WEDNESDAY | 18:00 — 23:00 | 395 PER SEAT
Book your seat HERE
