Made With Heritage (and a whole lot of love)
Hi! We’re Jessi & Schalk, the people behind Sahara Biltong & Braai.
We’re based in Tauranga, and we make proper South African biltong and braai favourites, the way we grew up with: bold, honest, and full of flavour.
Back in South Africa, biltong wasn’t just something you grabbed off a shelf. It was always around, shared with friends and sliced up at family gatherings. The recipes we use today come straight from Schalk’s dad, passed down and perfected over the years.
When we moved to New Zealand, we started making biltong, droëwors, and braai meats for ourselves… then for friends… then for friends of friends. Every batch disappeared faster than the last, and eventually we realised, this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was too good not to share.
From Passion to Plate
Turning that passion into a business just made sense.
Schalk is the one behind the scenes, obsessing over spice blends, cuts of meat, and drying times to get everything just right. Jessi handles the orders, packing, and everything else that keeps the wheels turning (and makes sure your biltong actually gets to you).
After years of tasting, tweaking, and refining, Sahara Biltong & Braai was born — a blend of our South African roots and our Kiwi home. We only use premium New Zealand beef, traditional South African methods, and zero shortcuts.
No jerky-style processing.
No watered-down flavour.
Just biltong made the way it should be.
Whether you’re snacking, hosting a braai, or sharing with friends and family, we hope every bite feels like something special — because for us, it always has been.
Thanks for being here.
Jessi & Schalk