Joanna James
Namibian food is exotic, colourful and bursting with flavour. Each dish represents the culture and way of life unique to the nation, which means you are in for a gastronomical treat during your holiday there. Here are five of the most popular and traditional dishes to try in Namibia.
This is the Namibian version of jerky; oodhingu is a popular snack and traditional meal that was enjoyed long before refrigerators were used to preserve food. A variety of meats are used to make oodhingu and include beef, mutton as well as certain types of game like springbok and kudu. Made by marinating the meat in salt and cooking it over an open fire, the dried meat is also added to soups and stews. The best restaurants in Windhoek serve a variety of traditional dishes, which you can enjoy in comfortable settings. Some resorts there like Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino are popular among guests looking to unwind and enjoy evening entertainment after a day out exploring.
Locally called oshithima, this dish is a traditional favourite made from maize flour. A type of porridge is made by boiling the flour until it forms a thick consistency. Oshithima is eaten with side dishes such as meat or vegetable stews, and also mopane, a type of worm that's high in protein and cooked to a delicious consistency.
Omboga is a dish made from dried spinach, a type of wild spinach native to nations in southern Africa is used for the purpose. The leaves are collected when they multiply after the rainy season and are sun-dried similar to meats for the purpose of preservation. Before cooking, the leaves are soaked in water; they are then sauteed with butter, cherry tomatoes and other local herbs to make a tasty side to be eaten with oshithima or another type of carb.
If your mind is still lingering on the mention of worms, you should know that mopane worms are a popular dish among locals and tourists. Locally known as omagungu, the dish's main ingredient is caterpillars picked from the mopane tree. They are boiled in hot water and then deep-fried to make a tasty snack, or sauteed to make a side dish. Check out the street food stalls when you are out and about for the traditional snack, which you can munch on as you continue your explorations of Namibia.
This is a famous community meal cooked in a large three-legged pot. Locally called potjikos, it is a combination of meats and vegetables that go into the pot that has a Dutch influence. The stew is allowed to be boiled for about three hours, during which people gather to hang out and enjoy drinks. Once done, it can be eaten with maize porridge. The slow-cooked stew develops rich flavours and tenderises the meats, creating a comforting and delicious meal for all to savour.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
