Food in Namibia

The best local food in Namibia and must-try dishes for every traveler.

Namibia is located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Namib Desert along the coast, which is considered one of the oldest deserts in the world.

Wondering what to eat in Namibia? This guide covers the must-try foods in Namibia, from traditional stews to street food delights. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, discover the culinary gems that make food in Namibia unique.

Namibia food

• Namibian cuisine features rich traditional stews like potjiekos and matangara, showcasing the deep culinary heritage of the country.
• Grilled foods, such as kapana and braaivleis, are popular staples, reflecting Namibia’s love for smoky flavors and barbecue traditions.
• Unique snacks like biltong and droëwors, as well as adventurous items like mopane worms and smiley, highlight the diverse and indigenous flavors in Namibian cooking.

Namibian food landscape

Imagine a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. It brings together indigenous cooking methods and ingredients with colonial influences, creating a unique culinary identity in southern Africa. From the hearty stews cooked in a three-legged iron pot to the smoky delights of grilled meats and the adventurous flavors of game meat, Namibian food offers a delicious journey for the taste buds.

Traditional Namibian stews

Local cuisine in Namibia is epitomized by its classic stews, where slow-cooking techniques fuse the ingredients into a robust and flavorful dish. Both potjiekos and matangara serve as prominent illustrations of how traditional Namibian food reflects the richness of the nation’s gastronomic legacy.

The culinary traditions of Namibia are truly embodied in these dishes, which act as tributes to the national heritage of cooking.

Potjiekos

Potjiekos is a beloved Namibian stew cooked in a three-legged cast iron pot over an open fire, making it a perfect example of small pot food. This Dutch-influenced method involves slow cooking meat and vegetables for hours without stirring, resulting in deeply rich flavors.

The result is a hearty stew, popular at social gatherings and family meals.

Matangara

Local restaurants and street vendors frequently serve Matangara, a stew made from goat or beef tripe that is slow-cooked for improved flavor and tenderness. This dish exemplifies the culinary creativity of Namibia, offering a distinctive and savory stew experience.

Grilled and barbecued delights

Smoky and charred tastes are a cornerstone of culinary traditions in Namibian cuisine, where food is often celebrated through the art of grilling. kapana and braaivleis stand out as beloved dishes, exemplifying the nation’s penchant for barbecued delights that tantalize the palate with their grilled flavors.

Kapana

Kapana, a beloved street food staple, consists of assorted red meats, typically beef, barbecued over charcoal. It is flavored with spices such as chili, garlic and ginger and commonly accompanied by hot chili sauce along with onions and tomatoes when served. This dish epitomizes the lively street food scene in Namibia and is most delectable when savored straight from the grill.

Braaivleis

In Namibia, the braaivleis is their version of a barbecue and it centers around cooking different types of meats like lamb chops, boerewors, chicken, steak, snoek and other grilled meat over an open flame. These flavorful meats are typically served with white rolls laced with homemade garlic or herb butter as part of the meal.

Adopting this culinary practice from South Africa has become customary in Namibia where people often enjoy these delectable meals accompanied by a chilled Windhoek Lager.

Unique Namibian snacks

Offering a delightful snapshot of Namibia’s varied cuisine, snacks such as biltong and drowors are particularly popular for their distinctive taste and high-protein benefits, making them ideal for consumption while on the move.

Biltong

Biltong, a high-protein snack, is made from dried meat, spiced, and cured meats such as beef, kudu, springbok, or gemsbok. The meat is marinated, spiced, and air-dried for two to three weeks.

The result is a flavorful, chewy snack, a staple in Namibian cuisine.

Droëwors

Drowors is a type of dried sausage prepared with seasoned ground meat and akin to biltong in its method of preparation. It’s commonly served at social events, showcasing the shared dining experiences characteristic of Namibian culture.

Seafood specialties

Namibian cuisine, influenced by its proximity to the coast, features an array of seafood dishes. Specialties like Namibian oysters and Kingklip highlight the bountiful marine resources available in the country.

Kingklip

In Namibia, kingklip is a cherished fish that is celebrated for its subtle taste and minimal fat levels. Due to its adaptability, it can be cooked through various methods including grilling and poaching, which has led to its widespread popularity in restaurants as well as domestic culinary settings.

Namibian oysters

Flourishing in the chilly currents of the Benguela near Walvis Bay, oysters from Namibia are celebrated for their robust meatiness that sets them apart from those found in France. They are best savored raw, enhanced with a touch of lemon juice, a sprinkle of pepper or drizzled with Tabasco.

The distinct taste and texture of these oysters elevate them as an exceptional gastronomic treat.

Indigenous and adventurous eats

For those looking to explore authentic and distinctive culinary experiences, Namibian cuisine presents various indigenous dishes. Among these are mopane worms and Smiley (Sheep or Goat Head), each offering a genuine flavor of the country’s gastronomic traditions.

Mopane worms

In southern Africa, a popular dish known as omangugu consists of mopane worms, which are caterpillars originating from northern Namibia. Introduced by the Oshiwambo ethnic group, these protein-packed worms are commonly fried and savored as a snack throughout the region.

Smiley (sheep or goat head)

Smiley, a distinctive dish that epitomizes Namibian culinary heritage, consists of the head of a sheep or goat—without the brain. The slow cooking process renders the meat succulent and rich in taste.

Hearty sides and accompaniments

No Namibian meal is complete without hearty side dishes. Oshithima and Miliepap are staple accompaniments that enhance the rich flavors of the main dishes.

Oshithima (maize or mahangu Pap)

Oshiwambo cuisine features oshithima, a dense porridge crafted from mahangu grains or a blend of pearl millet and corn flour. This dish is gluten-free and pairs well with different stews made from meat and vegetables.

Miliepap

Traditionally consumed with the hands, miliepap is a cherished side dish in Namibia comprised of vegetarian maize porridge. For an enhanced nutritional value, it is frequently served alongside vegetables, embodying the cultural customs of the region.

Sweet treats and desserts

Desserts from Namibia, such as Melktert and apfelstrudel, offer a delicious finale to a meal while highlighting the nation’s gastronomic variety.

Melktert

Melktert, a cherished sweet delicacy, features a luscious custard filling composed of eggs, flour, milk, sugar and cinnamon nestled within a pastry shell. This delectable dessert is customarily savored chilled.

Regularly offered at moments such as unexpected guest arrivals, barbecues (braais), Sunday luncheons or during tea time gatherings – it brings a delightful sweetness to various events.

Apfelstrudel

The dessert apfelstrudel, imbued with a blend of spices and apple flavors that embody the perfect mix of sugary delight and comforting warmth, is most delightful when enjoyed at Solitaire Bakery situated close to Swakopmund in Namibia. This confectionery favorite amongst both residents and tourists frequently comes accompanied by fresh cream, providing a celebratory and fulfilling conclusion to a meal.

German influence in Namibian cuisine

The impact of German culture on the culinary traditions of Namibia, located in southern Africa, can be seen through various dishes. Notably, European-flavored items such as Bratwurst and Schnitzel have been integrated into Namibian cuisine.

Bratwurst

The local sausage known as Bratwurst, which is commonly prepared using pork and flavored with seasonings such as nutmeg and coriander, is a regional favorite. It’s frequently served alongside condiments like sauerkraut or potato salad, as well as mustard.

Its widespread acclaim serves to highlight the persistent influence of German culture.

Schnitzel

Another well-loved dish is Schnitzel, which consists of meat that has been thinned out by pounding, breaded, and then fried to achieve a crispy texture. This popular dish is frequently accompanied by sides such as potato salad or sauerkraut when served.

Game meat experiences

Known for its distinctive and tasty game meat, Namibia provides a variety of unconventional options including Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich, and Crocodile. Each type offers an exciting flavor that reflects the wilderness.

Kudu and springbok

Adventurous eaters are encouraged to try Kudu and Springbok, two distinctive game meats that epitomize the culinary heritage of Namibia. These premium quality meats can be enjoyed in dishes such as stews or through grilling methods.

Ostrich and crocodile

Crocodile meat, regarded as an unusual and exotic treat, possesses a texture similar to that of chicken. It is featured in fine dining establishments where it provides a distinctive gastronomic adventure.

Ostrich meat delivers a profound taste profile, contributing to the array of bold and exciting flavors for those seeking culinary diversity during their dining experiences.

Street food and market staples

The culinary landscape of Namibia is enlivened by its street food, where delicious Meat Skewers and Vetkoeke stand out as beloved quick bites that provide an authentic taste of the region’s local flavors.

Meat skewers

Meat skewers, typically made from ostrich or crocodile, are a popular street food in Namibia. Enjoyed for their bold flavors and convenience, these skewers are often grilled to perfection and served hot.

They offer a unique and delicious treat street food experience.

Vetkoeke

Vetkoeke, a popular street food in Namibia, consists of unsweetened dough balls that are deep-fried and can be stuffed with an array of sweet or savory fillings. These delightful treats may contain anything from minced meat to cheese, as well as sweeter options like butter coupled with honey or syrup.

Food travel through Namibia

Namibian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, blending indigenous traditions with colonial influences to create a unique and delicious culinary experience. From hearty stews and grilled meats to unique snacks, seafood, and sweet treats, there is something to tantalize every palate. Whether you are exploring the adventurous tastes of game meat or enjoying the comforting flavors of traditional side dishes, Namibian food offers a journey of discovery and delight. So why not take a culinary adventure to Namibia and experience these mouthwatering dishes for yourself?

What are traditional Namibian stews?

Traditional Namibian stews like Potjiekos and Matangara are deliciously hearty, featuring rich, slow-cooked flavors that truly warm your soul.

They’re definitely worth trying!

What makes Namibian oysters unique?

Namibian oysters stand out because they’re meatier than French oysters and thrive in the cold Benguela Current waters, giving them a unique flavor.

You’ll definitely taste the difference!

What are some popular snacks in Namibian cuisine?

Biltong and drowors are must-try snacks in Namibian cuisine—both are deliciously spiced and perfect for sharing!

How are mopane worms prepared?

Mopane worms are usually fried and enjoyed as a tasty local dish, especially by the Oshiwambo ethnic group.

So, if you’re feeling adventurous, give them a try!

What is the German influence on Namibian cuisine?

German influence on Namibian cuisine is clear in popular dishes like Bratwurst and Schnitzel, along with delightful desserts such as apfelstrudel.

So, if you’re exploring Namibian food, expect a tasty mix of these flavors!