Best Biltong You Can Buy In The UK
Biltong is absolutely one of my favourite snacks in the world. A cold beer (low-calorie beer if possible) or a glass of white wine and a handful of biltong is the absolute best.
Most people have the wrong perception and don't like biltong - mostly due to the fact that they hve only tried the packets you can find hanging on the shelves in supermarkets, either the alcohol aisle or snack aisle. They are dried-up, horrible imitations of biltong. Once you try the real fresh biltong (in the UK, or by visiting South Africa/Zimbabwe or Namibia) you'll not expect anything less.
So, as a self-professed Biltong expert, here are my choices for the best Biltong you can buy in the UK!
What is Biltong?
For those who don't know already, Biltong is a dried, cured meat that is spiced and originates from Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa but also Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Each place has its own spice blend and the meats used can vary depending on the producer; biltong in the UK is usually produced using beef, but it can also be produced using venison, ostrich, crocodile, buck and even seen Elephant biltong.
Generally, the meat is marinated in vinegar, salt, and spices (generally coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamon and sometimes chilli powder - chilli bites are amazing). The marinated meat is then hung to air-dry in a cool, dry place for several days or up to a week, depending on the desired texture and flavour.
Compared to a similar product, like Jerky, the meat of biltong is a softer texture and a much more complex flavour. It is popular among rugby players (specifically in SA) outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and athletes as a high-protein, low-fat source of sustenance.
John Brash Butchers
John Brash is a proper old-school South African butcher based in Edinburgh, not too far away from the Murrayfield stadium, and is a 'must-go' for South African rugby fans travelling to the city.
Other than selling all kinds of South African goods, Wors and Pap, to me, they offer some of the very best biltong in the UK for so many reasons.
The first reasons are the quality of the meat, the family recipe spice blend and the flavour are top-tier. So much love has gone into the biltong over the many years of operation.
The biltong is fresh, it is soft and has a very nice fragrant flavour as they use lots of cumin and coriander seeds.
They do not deliver online but if you're in Edinburgh, you should make the trip and they cut it fresh in front of your eyes.
Find their website here: http://www.johnbrashbutcher.co.uk/
Biltong Boss
Based in Winsor, Biltong Boss are by far one of the best Biltong suppliers online. They are stocked in a number of places but seem to be a small company that mostly sell online and via local markets (got mine from them at a market outside Kingscross).
Usually, when you get biltong that has been prepackaged, it can be tough, dry and lacks flavour. This, however, was moist, soft and chewy with a load of flavour. Obviously, it is much better fresh, but for packaged biltong, this was amazing.
I went for the spicy biltong, but there are other flavours there including a traditionally spied.
Check them out on Amazon UK right here.
Kings Wagyu Biltong
The Kings Wagyu biltong is all gimmick, but I love it. The shirt packaging, the fact that it is Wagyu and limited edition meant I needed to grab some.
The Biltong itself wasn't as fresh as I like my biltong, but it was flavourful, was soft and I could get a real satisfying amount from this one packet. Once I get going I struggle to stop - that habit gets expensive with some of the fresh biltong options here.
The packet was rammed with loads of lean pieces and I was very happy with the Biltong (other than it being the official sponsor of England Rugby. Mon the boks.)
You can pick up the standard packets online from Amazon UK here.
Limpopo Biltong
If you want variety, then Limpopo has the best biltong selection that I have seen, anywhere outside of South Africa. Based in Woking, the company operate mostly online and at local markets.
What I love about Limpopo is you can customise your online biltong order. From Garlic and Rosemary to Chilli Chutney and BBQ flavours, to be able to select how wet/dry you with the biltong to be, and how much fat you'd like. Me, I'm an extra fat kind of person.
The biltong is absolutely delicious as well and is fresh and as authentic as it comes.
You can find the company, and see the full selection of biltong and droewors on their website here: https://www.limpopobiltong.com/
Smally's Biltong
Smally's is another fantastic brand to buy biltong online in the UK. The brand was established by Chris Small in 2015 who spent 2 years in Grahamstown (I know the place well) and fell in love with biltong.
He came back to the UK to build his very own biltong company. They have a huge selection of flavours, options and bag sizes (bigger the better in my opinion).
They are stocked in several locations around the UK. Full disclosure, I have yet to try this brand but they are regarded as the best biltong in the UK by many loyal customers and included on several PR placements online. Worth a mention for sure!
To learn more about the brand, and to check out their biltong, you can get them on Amazon UK right here.
Smally's Biltong
Smally's is another fantastic brand to buy biltong online in the UK. The brand was established by Chris Small in 2015 who spent 2 years in Grahamstown (I know the place well) and fell in love with biltong.
He came back to the UK to build his very own biltong company. They have a huge selection of flavours, options and bag sizes (bigger the better in my opinion).
They are stocked in several locations around the UK. Full disclosure, I have yet to try this brand but they are regarded as the best biltong in the UK by many loyal customers and included on several PR placements online. Worth a mention for sure!
To learn more about the brand, and to check out their biltong, you can get them on Amazon UK right here.
The Savanna
The Savanna is one of the biggest south african food stores. They were established in 2005 and have several locations across London. They have some of the best biltong you can buy, but also a bucket load of other snacks that will remind you of home.
Simba chips, to Sparletta and fresh wors. If you're within the London area, you can go to the main shop, or their Biltong Box. It is a great place, with great friendly staff and of course, lots of biltong.
If you'd like to see their online selection then head on over to their website, or you can see where they are based and visit one of their shops
https://www.thesavanna.co.uk/collections/biltong
Final Thoughts on the Best Biltong UK
Obviously, the best biltong is absolutely subjective, and you may have your own spot where you get the stuff that takes you back home - or to a world of flavour.
If you do, then feel free to share in the comments below or reach out via our contact page. We will try them out and add to the list if we agree!