What Is Droewors? South Africa's Favourite Dried Sausage Explained
If you've ever wandered into a South African deli or browsed the shelves at The Weston Biltong Company, you've almost certainly spotted droewors sitting proudly alongside the biltong. But what exactly is it, where does it come from, and why are so many people in the UK becoming obsessed with it? Let's dig in.
What Is Droewors?
Droewors (pronounced droo-vors) is a traditional South African dried sausage. The name comes from Afrikaans and translates simply as "dry sausage" and that's exactly what it is. Made from seasoned minced beef (and sometimes game meat like kudu or springbok), droewors is packed into thin sausage casings and then air-dried until it reaches that satisfying, chewy texture that snack lovers can't get enough of.
Unlike biltong, which is sliced whole cuts of dried meat, droewors is made from minced meat — giving it a different texture and a more intense, spiced flavour profile. Think of it as South Africa's answer to a beef jerky stick, but with far more character.
The History Behind the Snack
Droewors has its roots in the Boer farming communities of South Africa, where preserving meat without refrigeration was a necessity. The Voortrekkers — Dutch-speaking settlers who made their way across southern Africa in the 19th century — relied on dried meats like biltong and droewors to sustain themselves on long journeys. The spice blend used in droewors, typically coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg, was chosen not just for flavour but for its preserving properties.
Today, droewors is no longer a survival food — it's a beloved snack enjoyed by South Africans worldwide, and increasingly by food lovers in the UK who are discovering just how good it is.
What Does Droewors Taste Like?
The flavour is bold, savoury, and deeply satisfying. The dominant note is coriander — warm and slightly citrusy — balanced by black pepper and a hint of clove. The texture is firm and chewy, with a satisfying snap when you bite in. It's the kind of snack that keeps you coming back for more.
At The Weston Biltong Company, we source and stock droewors made to authentic South African recipes, so you're getting the real deal — not a watered-down imitation.
How Do You Eat Droewors?
Straight from the bag — that's the honest answer. Droewors is the ultimate grab-and-go snack. It needs no preparation, no refrigeration, and no accompaniments (though a cold beer or a glass of red wine alongside it is never a bad idea). It's brilliant for:
- Lunchboxes and on-the-go snacking
- Braai (barbecue) spreads and sharing boards
- Post-gym high-protein snacking
- Road trips and outdoor adventures
- A proper South African sundowner spread
Why Try Droewors from The Weston Biltong Company?
We're passionate about bringing authentic South African flavours to the UK, and droewors is one of our absolute favourites. Whether you're a South African expat craving a taste of home, or a curious foodie looking for your next great snack discovery, we've got you covered.
Ready to try it? Our 1kg Droewors Box — Pick Your Flavour is the perfect place to start. Get it delivered straight to your door. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever snacked without it.
