· By Avi MAHARJAN
Biltong Flavour Comparison: Traditional, Chilli or Chakalaka?
Short answer: choose Traditional for a classic savoury biltong, Chakalaka for peppery spice with a touch of mild curry, and Spicy Chilli if you want real heat. If you cannot decide, the Biltong Trio Bundle gives you one bag of each.
Bilos biltong flavours at a glance
| Flavour | Seasoning | Heat (out of 5) | Award | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Herbs and spices, coriander, salt, malt vinegar | 2 | AMIC silver medal | You want the classic South African style, or you are new to biltong |
| Chakalaka | Herbs and spices with a touch of mild curry | 3 | AMIC gold medal | You like peppery, aromatic spice without strong chilli heat |
| Spicy Chilli | Herbs and spices with chilli flakes | 4 | Two AMIC silver medals | Heat is the point, not a side note |
All three are made from Australian Wagyu and list the same base: Wagyu beef, herbs and spices, salt, malt vinegar and flavour enhancer (621). Heat ratings and medals are taken from the Bilos product pages and packaging.
Traditional: the classic savoury choice
Traditional Wagyu biltong is coriander led and salt forward, the way biltong has been made in South Africa for generations. It is the mildest of the three at 2 out of 5 for heat. Start here if you have never had biltong. It is also the benchmark: once you know what plain biltong should taste like, you can judge any maker. Our guide to what biltong is explains how it is made.
Chakalaka: spice between the two
Chakalaka Wagyu biltong is named after the South African spiced relish. It adds a touch of mild curry to the traditional spice mix, giving it a peppery, aromatic flavour that is more about spice than heat. It sits at 3 out of 5 and carries an AMIC gold medal, the highest award in the Bilos range. Try it if you already like Traditional and want something different, not just hotter.
Spicy Chilli: the heat-forward option
Spicy Chilli Wagyu biltong is rubbed with chilli flakes and rated 4 out of 5, the hottest Bilos flavour. The richness of the Wagyu balances the chilli. It has won two AMIC silver medals. If you are buying for someone whose heat tolerance you do not know, choose a mixed pack rather than a large bag of this one.
Which flavour should you order first?
- New to biltong: Traditional.
- Like spice but not fire: Chakalaka.
- Chilli lover: Spicy Chilli.
- Can't decide, or buying for someone else: the Trio Bundle, so you can taste all three side by side.
Medium rare, medium or dry?
Every single flavour bag comes in three textures:
- Medium rare: soft and red in the middle, the closest to rare steak.
- Medium: the middle ground, firm outside and giving in the centre.
- Dry: firm all the way through, more concentrated, and keeps the longest.
Bags come in 50 g, 200 g, 500 g and 1 kg. See each flavour page for current prices.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bilos biltong is the hottest?
Spicy Chilli, rated 4 out of 5 for heat. Chakalaka is 3 and Traditional is 2.
Is Chakalaka biltong spicy?
Mildly. It is peppery and aromatic from a touch of mild curry, but it is not chilli hot. Most people who find Spicy Chilli too much are happy with Chakalaka.
Which flavour is best for kids or anyone who avoids spice?
Traditional. It has the lowest heat rating and the most familiar savoury flavour.
Is Bilos biltong gluten free?
Yes. All three flavours are listed as gluten free and halal friendly, with more than 20 g of protein per serve.
What is the best way to try every flavour?
The Biltong Trio Bundle includes one bag of each. If you also want to try droewors, the Biltong & Drywors Pack adds a bag of dried beef sausage. Our biltong gift pack guide compares the two.
