Half Chicken and Lamb Chops from Braai Republic near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
One benefit of serving in the military is getting to travel the world and sample new cuisines. Thanks to this benefit, Braai Republic near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, just became one of my favorite restaurants.
Braai — rhymes with “dry” — is a South African barbecuing method that uses aromatic wood for roasting meat.
Braai Republic offers exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, along with some incredible food. An open kitchen allows you to watch the friendly and attentive staff as they prepare and serve tasty dishes that include boerewors – a type of sausage that originated in South Africa – lamb chops and shrimp.
I found it difficult to choose an entrée but eventually settled on the Half Chicken and Lamb Chops for 36,000 won, or about $27. It includes mashed sweet potatoes and a salad, and I ordered lemonade to wash it all down.
Braai Republic near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, specializes in a South African barbecuing method that uses aromatic wood for roasting meat. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
This was my first time eating South African food and it did not disappoint. The chicken was highly flavorful and a bit spicy thanks to its peri-peri marinade, and the lamb was tender and juicy with a smoky taste. The sweet potatoes were buttery and savory.
Other eye-catching menu items include the Meat Platter — two lamb chops, a boerewors, pork sausage, potato fries, corn and basil salad and slaw — for 37,000 won; and 500 grams of Pork Spare Ribs with Potato Fries for 23,000 won.
There’s also a large veggie plate for those with plant-based diets.
Most entrees are sizeable, but those feeling extra hungry can “Meat Up” their meal by adding a sausage, lamp chop or shrimp for a nominal charge.
Beverages include fruit juices from South Africa and an extensive bar menu that features South African beer and hard cider.
Overall, Braai Republic, which has two other locations in Itaewon and Hongdae, proved to be a wonderful dining experience that I’m bound to repeat while stationed on the peninsula.
Braai Republic near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, specializes in a South African barbecuing method that uses aromatic wood for roasting meat. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
Braii Republic
Location: 17-1 Anjeongshopping-ro, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Prices: Most entrees cost between 13,000 won and 55,000 won. Sides start at 8,000 won. Non-alcoholic drinks are 2,500. Alcoholic drinks start at 5,000 won.
Dress: Casual
Directions: About a 15-minute walk from the main gate at Camp Humphrey, South Korea.
Information: Phone: 031-657-7580; Online: braairepublic.com; instagram.com/braairepublic
