Table of Contents
You may be thinking, What’s There to Eat in Namibia? There are several Namibian foods you could try in the best way possible! The Atlantic Ocean, Zambia, Angola, Botswana and South Africa border this southern African country. But what you may not know is that Namibia’s food culture is just as rich and diverse as its landscapes.
Because of its colonial history, you’ll find many German and British culinary influences like sausages and fish & chips. When it comes to Namibian foods one thing’s for sure – they love their meat! We’re talking about an infinite variety of proteins from ostrich and antelope to zebra, giraffe, oryx, kudu, lamb and beef.
The traditional way of preparing these meats is by grilling them over an open flame to get that amazing charred flavor and smothering them in rich, tasty sauces. But don’t go thinking it’s all just grilled meats.
15 Popular Namibian Foods You’d Enjoy Trying Out
Appetizers
Biltong
Let’s start with a classic Namibian snack that’s perfect for whetting your appetite: biltong. Think of it as the African version of beef jerky, but with a flavor profile that’s out of this world. Biltong is made from strips of meat (usually beef or game) that are air-dried, seasoned with a blend of spices, and cured to perfection. Every bite packs an umami punch that will leave you craving more. See Recipe.
Droëwors
Droëwors, a dried sausage that’s essentially the Namibian version of a slim jim. Made from a mix of ground beef or game meat, spiced with coriander, cloves, and nutmeg, and then cured to perfection, droëwors is a must-try for any meat lover visiting Namibia. See Recipe.
Kapana
Let’s move on to something a little more substantial. Kapana is a beloved street food in Namibia, made of grilled meat (usually beef) that’s been cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with a tantalizing blend of spices. Vendors often sell it on the side of the road, and the aroma alone will have you drooling before you even take a bite.
Main Dishes
Potjiekos
Potjiekos is one of the true Namibian foods, and it’s the perfect representation of the country’s love for slow-cooked, flavorful dishes. This stew-like dish is cooked in a traditional cast-iron pot over an open fire, allowing the flavors to meld together in a harmonious symphony.
Typically, potjiekos is made with a combination of meat (game, beef, or chicken), vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
Pap en Wors
If you’re looking for one of the comforting and substantial Nambian foods, look no further than pap en wors. This Namibian staple is made of a thick, crumbly porridge made from maize flour (pap) served alongside a hearty helping of grilled boerewors sausages. The combination of the creamy pap and the flavorful sausages is a match made in culinary heaven.
Eisbein / Grillhaxe
For those who love their meat slow-cooked to perfection, eisbein or grillhaxe is one the must-try Namibian foods. This delicacy is made of pickled and slightly boiled pork knuckles that are typically served with sauerkraut and egg noodles (spaetzle). The tender meat falls off the bone, and the crispy crackling adds an irresistible crunch to every bite.
Sides
Pap
While pap can be a main dish on its own, it’s also a staple side dish in Namibian cuisine. This thick, crumbly porridge made from maize flour is a perfect accompaniment to heartier dishes, soaking up all the delicious sauces and flavors.
Sauerkraut
Namibian foods would not be complete without a serving of sauerkraut on the side. This tangy fermented cabbage dish is a staple in Namibian cuisine, adding a refreshing burst of flavor to balance out the richness of the main dishes.
Omajowa Mushrooms
If you’re lucky enough to visit Namibia during the rainy season, be sure to keep an eye out for omajowa mushrooms. These wild mushrooms grow on termite hills and are a true seasonal delicacy. Sautéed with garlic, butter, and a touch of salt, they make for a delightful side dish that shows the natural goodness of the Namibian.
Brötchen
No Namibian meal would be complete without a side of brötchen, traditional German bread rolls that are a staple in Namibian cuisine. These soft and airy rolls are perfect for soaking up sauces or as a vehicle for delicious fillings like rohack (minced raw meat) or fleischsalat (cold meat salad).
Desserts
Melktert
After a hearty Namibian meal, you’ll want to save room for a slice of melktert, a beloved dessert that’s essentially a custard tart with a sweet pastry crust. Topped with a dusting of cinnamon, this creamy treat is a delightful way to end your culinary adventure.
Apfelstrudel
If you’re a lover of apple desserts, you’ll enjoy the Namibian take on apfelstrudel. This flaky pastry is filled with a sweet, spiced apple and raisin filling, and it’s often served with a drizzle of apricot jam glaze. For the best apfelstrudel in Namibia, head to the Solitaire Bakery in the middle of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Roosterkoek / Stokbrood
For a truly authentic Namibian experience, try your hand at making roosterkoek or stokbrood over an open fire. These dough balls or bread sticks are cooked over hot coals, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Slather them with butter and honey or cheese for a simple yet satisfying dessert or snack.
Geelrys
Geelrys is a sweet and savory rice dish that’s popular in both Namibia and South Africa. This dish is flavored with turmeric, lemon rind, raisins, and cinnamon, creating a unique blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Fried Mopane Worms
Now, for the adventurous eaters out there, we have fried mopane worms. These crunchy, nutty-tasting worms are a delicacy in Namibia and are often served as a snack or appetizer. While they may not be for everyone, they’re certainly a unique and authentic culinary experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
What Is Namibia’s Most Popular Food?
Do you know what Namibians can’t get enough of? Meat skewers and Kapana! These grilled meat dishes are a common treat among Namibians. Meat skewers are tasty street food skewers made with beef, ostrich, zebra – you name it!
They’re grilled over flames and coated in flavor-packed sauces like peanut butter, lemon and chili. As for kapana, it’s shredded beef cooked over hot coals then smothered in tangy tomato-onion relish. You’ll see vendors selling both of these irresistible meaty treats on sidewalks across Namibia. Once you’ve perceived the smoky aroma, you’ll be hooked!
What Do Namibians Eat for Breakfast?
For breakfast, Namibians love a hearty bowl of pap or mealie pap. It’s a thick, crumbly porridge made from corn flour. Pap is often served with a tasty tomato and onion relish, along with some protein like boerewors – the delicious grilled sausages.
Another traditional morning meal is oshifima, a porridge made from pearl millet flour that’s super popular in the northern Oshiwambo culture. Whether it’s pap, oshifima or both mixed, you can count on Namibians to start their day with a comforting, filling cereal dish to fuel them through that hot desert sun!
