Braai & Potjiekos
The Braai (barbecue) in Namibia — as in all of South Africa — is a way of life. Every campsite, farm, and house has a braai area. On weekends, grilling goes on for hours — huge steaks, Boerewors (grilled sausage), lamb chops, and corn on the cob.
The braai is not a quick affair: Real wood (not charcoal briquettes!) is used, patiently waiting for the perfect embers while drinking beer. The social aspect is just as important as the food.
Potjiekos
A Potjie (pronounced: "poiki") is a heavy cast-iron pot with three legs, placed directly on the embers. Inside, the Potjiekos (pot food) is slowly stewed — layer by layer: meat at the bottom, vegetables on top, spices in between. Cooked for hours at low heat, without stirring. The result is an incredibly tender stew that tastes of campfire and Africa.
Other Namibian Dishes
- Kapana: Street food from Katutura — grilled beef pieces with chili salsa and white bread. Cheap, hearty, delicious
- Oshifima (Pap): Cornmeal porridge, the staple food in the north — similar to polenta, eaten with meat and vegetables
- Mopane Worms: Dried caterpillars of the mopane moth — high in protein and common in northern Namibia. Taste: nutty-earthy
