Zastron Slaghuis / Butchery

I’m Nick Hamman and I’m looking for the best biltong in South Africa, and today I’m in Zastron — and if that makes you go, what, where? — don’t feel bad, because I’m almost certain that most people haven’t heard of this southeastern Free State town that’s set on the Maloti route, right near the border of Lesotho.

But that’s not to say that you shouldn’t, because trust me, the beauty alone is worth the trip.

I’ve spent almost a decade travelling and writing about South Africa, and I don’t think I would have ever come here if my wife’s family didn’t live on a farm just outside town.

At first glance, admittedly, Zastron can look like a one-horse town where the horse died a few years ago, but like with most genuine hidden gems, if you pay attention and look closely, you start to see the charm and beauty lying beneath the surface.

It’s no secret that the Free State are masters of meat, and more often than not, all you need do is enter your nearest butchery for some of the most delicious biltong you’ve ever tried — and often for far better a price than in the major cities.

Both were true here at the Zastron Slaghuis. Situated off Hoofd Street, this butchery has all you’d expect and more: rows of hanging biltong, cheese wors, Russian cocktails, steaks, chicken — and this entire bag of biltong for R150, which to this Joburger is a steal. #biltong #meat #hiddengem #smalltown #vleis

You don’t need me to tell you it’s good. Of course it is. It’s fantastic.

I would highly recommend checking out the Zastron Slaghuis for yourself — I’ve left the details in the caption — but if this is not the best biltong in South Africa, you need to let me know in the comments where I’m going next.

  #biltong #meat #hiddengem #smalltown #vleis