On March 21st, 1990, Namibia gained independence day from South Africa. To celebrate this Southern African country, we are exploring delicious and adventurous Namibian cuisine.

Namibia, previously colonized by Germany and South Africa, has both indigenous cuisines and dishes that reflect the influences of their aforementioned former colonizers. 

( Potjiekos with pap. Image by Ji Elle via Wikimedia Commons )

Potjiekos is a Namibian stew, inspired by the South African dish of the same name that was brought in by the Dutch. Potjiekos usually comprises meat like chicken and vegetables and is stewed for three hours in a pot over an open fire. In Namibia, this dish is typically eaten with pap/ground millet/corn or rice.

( Mopane worms. Image by Happy Apple via Flickr)

Mopane worms is a delicacy in Namibia among the Oshiwambo people in Northern Namibia. The dish is cooked by cooking and frying caterpillars with vegetables such as onions and tomatoes. Some have described Mopane worms as similar to a steak that has been burned.

( Lamb and Boerewors. Image by Olga Ernst via Wikimedia Commons )

Boerewors is a sausage that hails from South Africa and is part of Namibian BBQ culture. Namibia even has a Boerewors festival, a Shoprite & Checkers Namibian Champions Boerewors Competition. Boerewors usually are made of ground meat, vegetables, and spices.

( Kapana. Image by Fdimolloy via Wikimedia Commons )

Kapana is beef that is roasted on a grill, usually over charcoal. Kapana is street food and can be served with salsa and ground chili powder. The salsa is typically a combination of vinegar, onions, chili, tomatoes, and oil. Namibia’s cattle are notable for being grass-fed.

Read “Namibian Resistance: From German and South African Colonization to Independence”:

Namibian Resistance: From German and South African Colonization to Independence

Happy Independence Day, Namibia! Join us in commemorating the resilience of Namibians by exploring their tumultuous journey to independence. Learn more here: Read More » 

( Biltong. Image by BobbyMP via Pixabay )

Biltong is a meat dish similar to beef jerky, made with different types of antelope. Biltong is made by marinating the meat in spices for multiple days and then hanging the meat to dry for either 2 or 3 weeks.

What is your favorite South African dish?

Works Cited

https://www.bugsfeed.com/mopane_caterpillar

https://www.goway.com/travel-information/africa-middle-east/namibia/food-and-drink/

https://www.internationalcuisine.com/namibian-kapana/

https://www.namibianchampionboerewors.com

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/amp/pin/820007044636442103/