South Africa has a new Boerewors Champion! Roberto-Rui Agrela, a 33-year-old car salesman from Paarl, has clinched the coveted title at the 33rd Shoprite and Checkers Championship Boerewors finale. The event, held at Cabo Beach Club in Cape Town on Saturday, 23 August, saw Agrela triumph over more than 2,350 hopefuls.
The atmosphere was electric as experts from the South African Chefs Association (SACA) meticulously assessed every detail of the finalists' freshly made and braaied boerewors. Agrela emerged victorious, tongs in hand, claiming the title of South Africa's No.1 boerewors maker.
Agrela credits the catchy Afrikaans song, Boereworsgordyn, by Robbie Wessels and Appel, for inspiring him to create his own boerewors for the first time. "En daar’s net een wors, dis die boerewors…" the song goes. He admitted to being nervous upon reaching the Top 10 and spent weeks perfecting his recipe and braai techniques.
"I can’t believe I’m the winner," exclaimed Agrela. "It was my first time entering the competition, and I never in my wildest dreams thought that my passion for braai and inspiration from a song would bring me to this place. It just shows that you need to remain true to yourself, keep believing and trying, and always stay humble."
Agrela's prize includes a brand new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB AT and R20,000 in cash. The Top 10 finalists hailed from across South Africa, representing diverse locations like De Aar, Swellendam, Ladysmith, the Boland, and Benoni.
Second place was awarded to 47-year-old Roland Blaauw from Wellington, an Application Support Specialist for Shoprite.
What Makes a Champion Boerewors?
The judges at the Championship Boerewors finale look for a specific set of qualities. These include the quality of the meat, the blend of spices, the texture, and of course, the overall taste. The boerewors must also be cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and a juicy interior.
Boerewors Braai Tips
- Use high-quality boerewors.
- Don't overcrowd the braai grid.
- Turn the boerewors frequently for even cooking.
- Avoid piercing the boerewors to retain juices.
- Serve with your favourite sides, like pap and chakalaka.