ExploFood · Africa
What to eat in Namibia
Five dishes to try in Namibia, the most typical first. Two are vegetarian.
Five dishes to try in Namibia
Potjiekos
Meat and vegetables slow-cooked in layers in a three-legged cast-iron pot.
How to have it: Made over coals at weekend gatherings and lodges; expect a long wait while it simmers.
Oshifima
Stiff porridge of pearl millet (mahangu) or maize, eaten by hand.
How to have it: The staple of northern Namibia; tear off a piece and scoop up stew, spinach or grilled meat.
Biltong
Air-dried strips of spiced beef or game such as kudu and springbok.
How to have it: Sold by weight at butcheries and petrol stations; ask for game biltong for a road-trip snack.
Boerewors
Coiled, coriander-spiced beef and pork sausage grilled over coals.
How to have it: A braai (barbecue) staple; at Windhoek markets it comes in a roll with tomato relish.
Vetkoek
Deep-fried dough bun, split and filled with mince or eaten with jam.
How to have it: Look for it at roadside stalls and markets in the morning, still warm.
What to eat next door
Plan the trip
Questions
What food is Namibia famous for?
Potjiekos (meat and vegetables slow-cooked in layers in a three-legged cast-iron pot) comes first on our list, followed by Oshifima, Biltong, Boerewors and Vetkoek.
What is the national dish of Namibia?
Ask ten people and you get several answers. The dish we put first for Namibia is Potjiekos: meat and vegetables slow-cooked in layers in a three-legged cast-iron pot. Made over coals at weekend gatherings and lodges; expect a long wait while it simmers.
Which dishes in Namibia are vegetarian?
Two of the five on this page are vegetarian as usually made: Oshifima and Vetkoek. Recipes vary, so ask about stock, lard or fish sauce.
What street food should I try in Namibia?
Boerewors (coiled, coriander-spiced beef and pork sausage grilled over coals).
How reliable is this list?
The dishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, where you can also tick off the ones you have tried. Recipes vary by region and by family, so take it as a starting point.
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Tick off every dish you try in Namibia
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Get ExploDishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, with links to Wikipedia. Recipes and names vary by region.