Whatever the ethnic group they belong to, Namibians typically love their meat. It’s the primary Namibia meals that you just’ll discover within the nation!
If you happen to’re as keen about barbecues, stews and curries, attempt a few of these dishes whenever 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 change into a Namibian favourite. Locals put together the dish in massive, black, three-legged forged iron pots positioned on open fires, and the vary of recipes is huge – given that each prepare dinner has some or different favored ingredient.
Stewing beef turns into meltingly tender when simmered for a very long time, and is broadly held to be the very best meat for potjiekos. That stated, venison, mutton, pork, hen and fish work exceedingly nicely with most greens the prepare dinner chooses to make use of. The meal often requires three to 4 hours cooking time.
Braaivleis
Braaivleis is the Namibian equal of barbecue. However, not like barbecue, sizzling canines and burger patties don’t ordinarily seem on the Namibian braai menu. As a substitute, locals want 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 forms of salad.
In Namibia, making 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 change into a social gathering and ritual – it’s thought of crucial function of Namibian delicacies.
Throughout a braai, something that may be purchased in a grocery store is placed on the grill – be it sport comparable to zebra, ostrich or oryx; a farmer’s sausage known as boerewors and even simply peppers with little buns for grilling (braai brootjes).
The very best accompaniment is both ice-cold Savannah Dry from South Africa or Tafel beer, which remains to be brewed in line with 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 often known 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, think about them a perfect complement to their food plan.
If you wish to go on a culinary voyage of discovery, you must undoubtedly do that caterpillar. In conventional markets, in addition to in some eating places, it’s often supplied fried.
It might appear unusual at first, however in the long run it’s a rewarding expertise with a shocking style sensation.
Immediately, many foodies relish a meal of crispy, fried mopane worms.
Kingklip
You should definitely add kingklip to your checklist of culinary highlights! Though it isn’t so well-known but, it is going to quickly be an actual competitor to the cod. The meat of the fish is gentle 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 a lot of methods to organize it: Kingklip will be grilled or fried. As an entire fish or as a fillet with pores and skin, the Kingklip is ideal for light cooking strategies comparable to poaching, steaming or frying on the pores and skin. Its tender flesh will 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 may be very well-liked everywhere in the nation.
Primarily a avenue snack, Kapana is crimson meat barbecued within the open-air, and bought 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 metallic grill as the bottom. As soon as the meat is cooked to perfection, you possibly can take a bit proper off the grill and dip it in chili powder and salt – merely scrumptious!
Topping it off is a salsa-like sauce created from diced tomatoes, onion rings, and fiery chili peppers; seasoned with vinegar & oil for a harmonious taste expertise!
Referred to as a hangover treatment, this specialty can also 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, nevertheless, it should be totally cleaned till it’s completely clear.
The tripe is then sluggish cooked and varieties an essential base for a hearty stew. That is significantly well-liked in eating places across the nation, in addition to with avenue distributors as a fast meal to go.
Matangara additionally usually finds its approach into the normal potjiekos of the locals. The meat must be good and tender – that’s when Namibians find it irresistible probably the most!
Tripe is a Namibian conventional meals, so keep in mind to attempt it if you happen to’re after a radical cultural expertise. So if you happen to’re excited about attempting the extra conventional Namibia meals, that is the one to attempt!
Biltong
Whenever you attempt biltong, you might be in for a particular style expertise.
In addition to beef, Biltong can come from dried Kudu, Springbok, or Gemsbok meat. The preparation technique includes marinating the meat for days, spicing it and, lastly, hanging it to dry for 2 to 3 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 created from 240 grams of contemporary 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 also be an excellent supply of vitamin: It’s excessive in protein and iron, and low in carbohydrates, making it very best for an athletic snack or a snack between meals!
Consuming biltong is a big a part of the tradition in Namibia, so be sure you give it a attempt.
Sport
Namibia has many fascinating (and scrumptious) sport choices for adventurous foodies. Look forward to finding Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich and Crocodile on the menu.
It might appear a bit uncommon to instantly discover ibex meatballs and zebra steak on the menu. However we are able to guarantee you: Every dish is very beneficial! The meat is superb and usually completely contemporary.
In case you are doing a self-drive tour by means of Namibia, you must ask for contemporary sport 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 top quality meat proper on the spot.
One other extra distinctive kind of Namibia meals to attempt!
Boerewors
When speaking about meals in Namibia, one subject can’t be lacking: Boerewors.
This South African product can also be out there right here and will be discovered as a kringle within the refrigerated part. The identify interprets as “farmer’s sausage” and that’s precisely what it’s – a sausage for barbecues with mates or household.
Curiously, there are strict specs for the manufacturing of one of these sausage, which have even been regulated by legislation 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 approach!
Potijekos
Strive the various variations of potijekos whenever you don’t really feel like grilled meat. Historically cooked in a three-legged iron pot instantly over an open hearth, this stew is a real style sensation.
The elements for the stew differ relying on the area or the prepare dinner’s choice, however often a wide range of meats comparable to beef, pork or lamb are mixed with greens. Fashionable greens embrace cauliflower, pumpkin, or cabbage – all contemporary and wholesome elements!
So what are you ready for? Give this scrumptious various to grilled meat a attempt!
Vegetarian Miliepap
In Namibia, miliepap is a well-liked vegetarian maize porridge that’s often served as a facet dish. Nevertheless, when greens are added, it will also be loved as a nutritious foremost dish.
Immediately, pap exists beneath completely different names in lots of African nations 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 essential custom when tasting Miliepap is that it’s eaten solely with the palms.
Smiley: Sheep or Goat Head
Smiley is for individuals who love the extraordinary.
It’s often a ready sheep or goat head cooked with a wide range of herbs and spices.
There are not any components of the top – other than the mind – that can’t be eaten. Even the eyes are a part of this delicacy! Be courageous and check out Smiley!
By the way in which, the identify “smiley” comes from the truth that the top appears to be like like it’s smiling after cooking.
Contemporary Bread
Braai brootjes are a deal with for anybody who likes to grill herb baguettes. Namibia’s supermarkets promote small white rolls crammed with selfmade garlic or herb butter – an actual style explosion and ideal for the recent barbecue!
If you happen to want selfmade bread, search for farms in Namibia. Many household farms have their very own lodges or campsites and bake their very own contemporary bread – which tastes heavenly with an fragrant cup of espresso within the morning!
