Whatever the ethnic group they belong to, Namibians usually love their meat. It’s the principle Namibia meals that you simply’ll discover within the nation!
For those who’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 which 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 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, rooster and fish work exceedingly effectively with most greens the cook 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, in contrast to barbecue, scorching canine and burger patties don’t ordinarily seem on the Namibian braai menu. As an alternative, locals want richly-flavored lamb chops, boerewors (farmer’s sausage), rooster, steak, snoek (ocean fish) and pork rashers.
Very like South Africans who even have an enormous braaing tradition, Namibians take pleasure in their braai with varied varieties of salad.
In Namibia, making ready meals outdoor 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 similar 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 line with German purity legal guidelines.
Mopane Worms
Mopane worms are caterpillars discovered within the northern elements 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, take into account them an excellent complement to their eating regimen.
If you wish to go on a culinary voyage of discovery, you need to undoubtedly do this 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.
As we speak, many foodies relish a meal of crispy, fried mopane worms.
Kingklip
Be sure you add kingklip to your record 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 finest: it tastes splendidly juicy and unbelievably scrumptious!
There are lots of methods to arrange it: Kingklip might be grilled or fried. As a complete fish or as a fillet with pores and skin, the Kingklip is ideal for light cooking strategies similar to poaching, steaming or frying on the pores and skin. Its tender flesh might 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 totally 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 fashionable all around the nation.
Basically 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 best high quality.
They put together quite a lot of cuts, typically 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’ll be able to 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 comprised of 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 should be completely cleaned till it’s completely clear.
The tripe is then sluggish cooked and types an essential base for a hearty stew. That is significantly fashionable in eating places across the nation, in addition to with road distributors as a fast meal to go.
Matangara additionally typically finds its means into the standard potjiekos of the locals. The meat ought to be good and tender – that’s when Namibians adore it essentially the most!
Tripe is a Namibian conventional meals, so bear in mind to attempt it if you happen to’re after a radical cultural expertise. So if you happen to’re interested by 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.
Moreover 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 comprised of 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 an awesome supply of vitamin: It’s excessive in protein and iron, and low in carbohydrates, making it ideally suited for an athletic snack or a snack between meals!
Consuming biltong is a large a part of the tradition in Namibia, so make sure to give it a attempt.
Sport
Namibia has many fascinating (and scrumptious) recreation choices for adventurous foodies. Look forward to finding Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich and Crocodile on the menu.
It might appear a bit uncommon to abruptly discover ibex meatballs and zebra steak on the menu. However we are able to guarantee you: Every dish is extremely really useful! The meat is great and typically completely recent.
If you’re doing a self-drive tour by means of 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’ve the chance to take pleasure in actually top quality meat proper on the spot.
One other extra distinctive sort of Namibia meals to attempt!
Boerewors
When speaking about meals in Namibia, one subject can’t be lacking: Boerewors.
This South African product can be out there right here and might 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 buddies or household.
Curiously, there are strict specs for the manufacturing of this kind of sausage, which have even been regulated by regulation 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 means!
Potijekos
Strive the numerous variations of potijekos whenever you don’t really feel like grilled meat. Historically cooked in a three-legged iron pot straight over an open fireplace, this stew is a real style sensation.
The elements for the stew range relying on the area or the cook dinner’s desire, however often quite a lot of meats similar to beef, pork or lamb are mixed with greens. Widespread greens embody cauliflower, pumpkin, or cabbage – all recent 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 can be loved as a nutritious primary dish.
As we speak, pap exists underneath totally 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 many who love the extraordinary.
It’s often a ready sheep or goat head cooked with quite a lot of herbs and spices.
There aren’t any elements of the pinnacle – aside from 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 pinnacle seems to be 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 stuffed with do-it-yourself garlic or herb butter – an actual style explosion and ideal for the new barbecue!
For those who want 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!
