What Is Droëwors? South Africa's Favourite Dried Sausage
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you enjoy biltong, there's another South African favourite you need to try droëwors. Packed with flavour, high in protein, and easy to enjoy on the go, droëwors has become a popular snack for South Africans around the world.
While it's often compared to jerky or salami, droëwors is a unique product with its own history, flavour, and traditional preparation.

What Is Droëwors?
Droëwors (pronounced DROY-ah-vors) is a traditional South African dried sausage.
The name comes from the Afrikaans words:
Droë – meaning dry
Wors – meaning sausage
Unlike fresh sausages, droëwors is carefully air-dried over time, creating a rich, concentrated flavour while preserving the meat naturally.
It's one of South Africa's most popular snack foods and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Where Did Droëwors Come From?
Droëwors has its roots in South Africa's farming communities, where preserving meat was essential before refrigeration became common.
Using traditional drying methods, families could prepare meat that would last much longer while retaining its flavour and nutritional value.
Today, droëwors is still made using many of the same techniques, combining quality meat with carefully selected spices before being slowly air-dried.
What Does Droëwors Taste Like?
Droëwors has a rich, savoury flavour that's distinctly South African.
Traditional recipes often include spices such as:
Coriander
Black pepper
Cloves
Vinegar
The drying process intensifies these flavours, creating a snack that's satisfying without being overly salty or heavily processed.
Its firm texture and bold taste make it a favourite for road trips, lunches, hiking, or simply enjoying at home.
Droëwors vs Biltong
Although they're often mentioned together, droëwors and biltong are quite different.
Droëwors
Made from sausage
Round in shape
Easy to snack on
Firm, chewy texture
Biltong
Made from whole cuts of meat
Sliced into strips
Available in different thicknesses
Tender to chewy depending on how it's dried
If you enjoy one, there's a good chance you'll enjoy the other too.
How Do You Eat Droëwors?
One of the best things about droëwors is how versatile it is.
It's perfect:
As a high-protein snack
In lunchboxes
On grazing platters
During road trips
Before or after outdoor activities
Alongside cheese and crackers
Because it's ready to eat, there's no cooking required—just open the pack and enjoy.
Where to Buy Droëwors in Christchurch
If you're looking for authentic droëwors in Christchurch, Taste of Africa makes their own traditional South African favourites made for people who appreciate quality and authentic flavour.
Whether you're introducing someone to South African food or looking for a nostalgic taste of home, droëwors is an excellent choice.
Why You Should Try Droëwors
Droëwors is more than just a snack. It reflects South Africa's rich food traditions and the craftsmanship behind preserving meat using time honoured methods.
If you've already discovered biltong, droëwors is the perfect next step. Rich in flavour, convenient to enjoy, and unmistakably South African, it's a snack that continues to win over people wherever it's found.
