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!
In case you’re as enthusiastic 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 giant, 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 extensively held to be the very best meat for potjiekos. That stated, venison, mutton, pork, rooster and fish work exceedingly nicely with most greens the prepare 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, scorching canines and burger patties don’t ordinarily seem on the Namibian braai menu. As a substitute, locals favor richly-flavored lamb chops, boerewors (farmer’s sausage), rooster, steak, snoek (ocean fish) and pork rashers.
Very similar to South Africans who even have an enormous braaing tradition, Namibians take pleasure in their braai with varied 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 a very powerful characteristic of Namibian delicacies.
Throughout a braai, something that may be purchased in a grocery store is placed on the grill – be it recreation equivalent to zebra, ostrich or oryx; a farmer’s sausage known as boerewors and even simply peppers with little buns for grilling (braai brootjes).
One of the best accompaniment is both ice-cold Savannah Dry from South Africa or Tafel beer, which continues to be brewed in accordance 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 generally 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, contemplate them a perfect complement to their eating regimen.
If you wish to go on a culinary voyage of discovery, you need to positively do this caterpillar. In conventional markets, in addition to in some eating places, it’s normally supplied fried.
It could appear unusual at first, however in the long run it’s a rewarding expertise with a shocking style sensation.
Right this moment, many foodies relish a meal of crispy, fried mopane worms.
Kingklip
Remember to add kingklip to your checklist of culinary highlights! Though it isn’t so well-known but, it’ll 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 greatest: it tastes splendidly juicy and unbelievably scrumptious!
There are lots of methods to arrange it: Kingklip may be grilled or fried. As an entire fish or as a fillet with pores and skin, the Kingklip is ideal for mild cooking strategies equivalent 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 in style everywhere in the nation.
Primarily a avenue snack, Kapana is pink meat barbecued within the open-air, and offered within the nation’s townships. Cooks minimize 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 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!
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 gradual cooked and kinds an vital base for a hearty stew. That is significantly in style 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 like it essentially the most!
Tripe is a Namibian conventional meals, so bear in mind to attempt it in the event you’re after a radical cultural expertise. So in the event you’re inquisitive about making an attempt the extra conventional Namibia meals, that is the one to attempt!
Biltong
While you attempt biltong, you’re 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 minimize 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 also be an awesome supply of vitamin: It’s excessive in protein and iron, and low in carbohydrates, making it splendid 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 attempt.
Sport
Namibia has many fascinating (and scrumptious) recreation choices for adventurous foodies. Anticipate finding Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich and Crocodile on the menu.
It could appear a bit uncommon to immediately discover ibex meatballs and zebra steak on the menu. However we are able to guarantee you: Every dish is very really helpful! The meat is great and usually completely recent.
If you’re doing a self-drive tour via Namibia, you need to ask for recent recreation on the campsites. Many of those locations are owned by farmers with their very own livestock – so you could have the chance to take pleasure in 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 accessible 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 mates or household.
Apparently, there are strict specs for the manufacturing of any such sausage, which have even been regulated by legislation since 1990.
So be careful – don’t mess with the Boerewors! If you wish to take pleasure in it correctly, it’s best served with mustard on the braai – it tastes simply excellent that approach!
Potijekos
Strive the numerous variations of potijekos whenever you don’t really feel like grilled meat. Historically cooked in a three-legged iron pot instantly over an open fireplace, this stew is a real style sensation.
The substances for the stew differ relying on the area or the prepare dinner’s desire, however normally a wide range of meats equivalent to beef, pork or lamb are mixed with greens. Fashionable greens embody cauliflower, pumpkin, or cabbage – all recent and wholesome substances!
So what are you ready for? Give this scrumptious different to grilled meat a attempt!
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 will also be loved as a nutritious essential dish.
Right this moment, pap exists beneath completely different names in lots of African international locations and has other 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 vital 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 normally a ready sheep or goat head cooked with a wide range of herbs and spices.
There are not any components of the top – aside from the mind – that can’t be eaten. Even the eyes are a part of this delicacy! Be courageous and take a look at Smiley!
By the way in which, the title “smiley” comes from the truth that the top appears 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 full of do-it-yourself garlic or herb butter – an actual style explosion and excellent for the recent barbecue!
In case you 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!
