A Foodie’s Guide to Namibia Food

Whatever the ethnic group they belong to, Namibians typically love their meat. It’s the principle Namibia meals that you simply’ll discover within the nation!

If you happen to’re as keen about barbecues, stews and curries, strive a few of these dishes if you go to the nation.

Namibia meals: What to anticipate

Potjiekos

Actually that means pot meals, potjiekos has its roots in South Africa and has since turn out to be a Namibian favourite. Locals put together the dish in giant, black, three-legged forged iron pots positioned on open fires, and the vary of recipes is huge – given that each cook dinner has some or different favored ingredient.

Stewing beef turns into meltingly tender when simmered for a very long time, and is extensively held to be one of the best meat for potjiekos. That stated, venison, mutton, pork, hen and fish work exceedingly effectively with most greens the cook dinner chooses to make use of. The meal normally requires three to 4 hours cooking time.

Braaivleis

Braaivleis is the Namibian equal of barbecue. However, in contrast to barbecue, sizzling canine and burger patties don’t ordinarily seem on the Namibian braai menu. As an alternative, locals favor richly-flavored lamb chops, boerewors (farmer’s sausage), hen, steak, snoek (ocean fish) and pork rashers.

Very like South Africans who even have an enormous braaing tradition, Namibians get pleasure from their braai with numerous sorts of salad.

In Namibia, getting ready meals open air is a lifestyle, as indoor kitchens are uncommon. This isn’t shocking given the excessive temperatures within the nation.

Over time, the barbecue, or braai, has turn out to be a social gathering and ritual – it’s thought-about crucial function of Namibian delicacies.

Throughout a braai, something that may be purchased in a grocery store is placed on the grill – be it recreation similar to zebra, ostrich or oryx; a farmer’s sausage referred to as boerewors and even simply peppers with little buns for grilling (braai brootjes).

The most effective accompaniment is both ice-cold Savannah Dry from South Africa or Tafel beer, which continues to be brewed based on German purity legal guidelines.

Mopane Worms

Mopane worms are caterpillars discovered within the northern components of Namibia. The Oshiwambo ethnic group found their potential as a scrumptious meal and launched them to the remainder of the nation.

In Namibia, the caterpillars of the emperor moth are referred to as omangugu and are well-known for his or her excessive dietary content material of 60% protein, iron and calcium. Locals, particularly in distant areas of the nation, contemplate them a super complement to their weight loss program.

If you wish to go on a culinary voyage of discovery, it’s best to positively do this caterpillar. In conventional markets, in addition to in some eating places, it’s normally supplied fried.

It might appear unusual at first, however ultimately it’s a rewarding expertise with a shocking style sensation.

Immediately, many foodies relish a meal of crispy, fried mopane worms.

Kingklip

Make sure you add kingklip to your listing of culinary highlights! Though it isn’t so well-known but, it would quickly be an actual competitor to the cod. The meat of the fish is delicate and low in fats – an actual deal with for gourmets!

Particularly on the Namibian coast, the chicken is at its finest: it tastes splendidly juicy and unbelievably scrumptious!

There are lots of methods to arrange it: Kingklip may be grilled or fried. As a complete fish or as a fillet with pores and skin, the Kingklip is ideal for mild cooking strategies similar to poaching, steaming or frying on the pores and skin. Its tender flesh may be ready very gently.

The South African Bearded Kingklip has an elongated physique just like that of the eel. It reaches spectacular sizes of as much as 1.80 meters in size and 15 kilograms in weight.

The completely different species of kingklip are simply distinguished by their coloration: They vary from red-orange with black spots on the again – particularly the South African selection, which is smaller and extra noticed than different species.

Kapana

Kapana could be very well-liked everywhere in the nation.

Primarily a road snack, Kapana is crimson meat barbecued within the open-air, and offered within the nation’s townships. Cooks lower the meat into small items and serve it with peppers, onions, chillies and sauces.

The road distributors work collectively within the markets and serve you freshly grilled meat of the very best high quality.

They put together a wide range of cuts, usually together with beef, lamb or venison. It’s historically cooked over a charcoal flame with a steel grill as the bottom. As soon as the meat is cooked to perfection, you’ll be able to take a chunk proper off the grill and dip it in chili powder and salt – merely scrumptious!

Topping it off is a salsa-like sauce produced from diced tomatoes, onion rings, and fiery chili peppers; seasoned with vinegar & oil for a harmonious taste expertise!

Often called a hangover treatment, this specialty can be a superb appetizer for the enjoyment of Namibian brewed beer.

Goat or Beef Tripe – Matangara

Namibians benefit from the edible offal from the ox, sheep and goat stomachs, and put together them as curries or potjies.

Earlier than it may be ready, nonetheless, it have to be completely cleaned till it’s completely clear.

The tripe is then sluggish cooked and varieties an necessary base for a hearty stew. That is significantly well-liked in eating places across the nation, in addition to with road distributors as a fast meal to go.

Matangara additionally usually finds its manner into the normal potjiekos of the locals. The meat needs to be good and tender – that’s when Namibians like it probably the most!

Tripe is a Namibian conventional meals, so keep in mind to strive it in the event you’re after an intensive cultural expertise. So in the event you’re thinking about attempting the extra conventional Namibia meals, that is the one to strive!

Biltong

While you strive biltong, you might be in for a particular style expertise.

Apart from beef, Biltong can come from dried Kudu, Springbok, or Gemsbok meat. The preparation methodology includes marinating the meat for days, spicing it and, lastly, hanging it to dry for 2 to a few weeks.

The meat is lower into skinny strips and seasoned with chosen spices. It’s then slowly air-dried till the meat has reached its attribute consistency – 100 grams of biltong is produced from 240 grams of recent beef.

What makes this delicacy so particular? For one factor, this can be very tasty: The spicy flavors mix completely with the juicy, low-fat muscle meat of beef. Biltong can be a terrific supply of diet: It’s excessive in protein and iron, and low in carbohydrates, making it supreme for an athletic snack or a snack between meals!

Consuming biltong is a big a part of the tradition in Namibia, so you’ll want to give it a strive.

Recreation

Namibia has many fascinating (and scrumptious) recreation choices for adventurous foodies. Anticipate finding Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich and Crocodile on the menu.

It might appear a bit uncommon to immediately discover ibex meatballs and zebra steak on the menu. However we will guarantee you: Every dish is extremely advisable! The meat is great and typically completely recent.

In case you are doing a self-drive tour by Namibia, it’s best to ask for recent recreation on the campsites. Many of those locations are owned by farmers with their very own livestock – so you’ve gotten the chance to get pleasure from actually prime quality meat proper on the spot.

One other extra distinctive sort of Namibia meals to strive!

Boerewors

When speaking about meals in Namibia, one subject can’t be lacking: Boerewors.

This South African product can be obtainable right here and may be discovered as a kringle within the refrigerated part. The title interprets as “farmer’s sausage” and that’s precisely what it’s – a sausage for barbecues with buddies or household.

Curiously, there are strict specs for the manufacturing of such a sausage, which have even been regulated by regulation since 1990.

So be careful – don’t mess with the Boerewors! If you wish to get pleasure from it correctly, it’s best served with mustard on the braai – it tastes simply excellent that manner!

Potijekos

Attempt the various variations of potijekos if you don’t really feel like grilled meat. Historically cooked in a three-legged iron pot straight over an open hearth, this stew is a real style sensation.

The substances for the stew range relying on the area or the cook dinner’s choice, however normally a wide range of meats similar to beef, pork or lamb are mixed with greens. Fashionable greens embrace cauliflower, pumpkin, or cabbage – all recent and wholesome substances!

So what are you ready for? Give this scrumptious various to grilled meat a strive!

Vegetarian Miliepap

In Namibia, miliepap is a well-liked vegetarian maize porridge that’s normally served as a facet dish. Nevertheless, when greens are added, it may also be loved as a nutritious essential dish.

Immediately, pap exists beneath completely different names in lots of African international locations and has alternative ways of preparation relying on the area. Slap Pap is eaten for breakfast with milk and honey, Stywe Pap goes completely with braai dishes and Krummel Pap completes meat and vegetable dishes.

An necessary custom when tasting Miliepap is that it’s eaten solely with the fingers.

Smiley: Sheep or Goat Head

Smiley is for individuals who love the extraordinary.

It’s normally a ready sheep or goat head cooked with a wide range of herbs and spices.

There aren’t any components of the pinnacle – aside from the mind – that can not be eaten. Even the eyes are a part of this delicacy! Be courageous and take a look at Smiley!

By the best way, the title “smiley” comes from the truth that the pinnacle appears to be like like it’s smiling after cooking.

Recent Bread

Braai brootjes are a deal with for anybody who likes to grill herb baguettes. Namibia’s supermarkets promote small white rolls crammed with do-it-yourself garlic or herb butter – an actual style explosion and excellent for the recent barbecue!

If you happen to favor do-it-yourself bread, search for farms in Namibia. Many household farms have their very own lodges or campsites and bake their very own recent bread – which tastes heavenly with an fragrant cup of espresso within the morning!