Every Wednesday and Sunday evening, we draw on our local culture and a hint of Italian flair to gather a host of like-minded, meat lovers at long tables at the Babylonstoren Bakery.

This five-course, communal feast is hosted by braai master Jaco, who will grill each prime cut of meat from the Chianina cattle to perfection. Expect traditional boerewors with a twist, chargrilled biltong and a selection of our three favourite cuts of the night, served with crisp garden salad greens, our signature vinaigrette, fresh pesto and other herbs.

Meat Lovers look at that meat!

We end each evening off with a lekker, local treat – either iconic melktert, rich Malva pudding, sweet koeksisters, creamy melkkos, sago pudding or homemade pancakes – and a nightcap of our authentic dark, rich balsamic vinegar hailing from Modena, Italy.

Guests are invited to gather at the wooden table to meet one another, share good conversation, and enjoy a delicious spread of Babylonstoren’s finest ingredients.

Chianina Meat

Chianina, The Best Meat in The World

The best meat in the world derives from the Chianina cattle – its steaks are used for the famous Bistecca Fiorentina. Chianina is an ancient, white-coated Italian breed that towers in comparison to other breeds. Our small herd of this cattle is our pride and joy – farm-reared on an entirely grass diet.

Our butcher ages each prime cut of beef in a 2-3°C maturation room lined with Himalayan salt tiles. During maturation, the salt slabs draw moisture from the air, concentrating the rich, savoury flavour of the meat. The collagen breaks down and tenderises and the colour turns a dark red. At our carnivore evenings, these cuts of beef are grilled briefly over hot coals to seal in the flavour, then over indirect heat to ensure perfect caramelisation of fat. We recommend you have yours juicy pink.

Chianina Cattle at Babylonstoren

Carnivore evenings take place on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the cost is R650 per person (including two glasses of Babel Red Blend). Be sure to book your spot at the table (reservations open two months in advance) either online or by contacting us on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or [email protected]. Kindly note that priority will be given to hotel guests.