Exploring Namibia's Cuisine: Tips and Warnings

 

https://www.discoverafrica.com/blog/local-cuisines-you-have-to-try-in-namibia/
Source: Discover Africa

Namibia is a country rich in culinary traditions, with a diverse range of dishes and flavours to explore. For foreigners looking to experience Namibia's culinary heritage, here are some tips to help you make the most of your culinary adventure.


Tips for Experiencing Namibia's Culinary Heritage

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Source: Gondwana Collection


Try local dishes: Namibia offers a variety of traditional dishes, such as kapana (grilled meat), oshifima (maize porridge), and potjiekos (stew cooked in a cast-iron pot). Be sure to sample these dishes to experience the true flavours of Namibia. I covered most of these in my first blog, Namibian Delights Part 1.

Visit local markets: Explore local markets and food stalls to sample authentic Namibian street food and interact with local vendors. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Namibia's food culture and discover new flavours. I will be sure to make a blog about which markets and food stalls to explore, be sure to watch out for that. 

Seek recommendations: When dining out, seek recommendations from locals or reputable sources to ensure you are dining at licensed establishments. This will help you avoid food safety issues and ensure you have a memorable dining experience. I will add this to the list of blogs that I will soon publish.


Warnings and Precautions


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Be cautious with street food: While street food can be delicious, it's important to be cautious when eating from unlicensed vendors. Ensure the food is cooked properly and that the vendor follows good hygiene practices. Trust me when I say that you would not want human feet as an ingredient in any of your foods.

Be mindful of allergies: If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to communicate these clearly when dining out. It's also a good idea to carry any necessary medications with you.

Stay hydrated: Namibia can be hot and dry, so it's important to stay hydrated, especially when trying new foods. Drink plenty of water and avoid consuming too much alcohol or caffeine. One cold Namibian beer on a hot day would not hurt though.

Get a tour guide: Unfortunately, crime and bad people are everywhere around the world and Namibia is no exception. Be sure to get a licenced tour guide so that the locals do not try to take advantage of you. It is a bit of an extra expense but it is better to be safe than sorry. 

The other day I was chatting with my cousin who is not Namibian in our native language while at the taxi rank at Wernhil. We planned to go to Maerua Mall which is a 5-8 minute drive. One of the drivers offered us a ride at a fare of N$26.00 each – double the usual price of N$13.00. He insisted that his price was more affordable than the other drivers. 

Confused, I wondered if prices had genuinely gone up. I was so confused and flabbergasted at that moment to the point that if this was a tactic to mug us or pickpocket us, it would have worked. The other drivers were listening to this and didn't stop him, which shouldn't have surprised me but it still did because I was holding my 5-month-old baby nephew.

I declined and looked for another taxi just to verify the prices hadn't increased. To my surprise, the prices were the same all along. It later dawned on me that the driver may have overheard us speak Portuguese so he assumed we were tourists and that he could overcharge us. Little did he know, being Namibian-born and raised, I was well-versed in local taxi rates. The attempt to overcharge backfired completely.


Exploring Namibia's culinary heritage is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips and precautions, you can fully immerse yourself in Namibia's food scene and create memories. When exploring markets and food stalls these are very informal and not regulated as strictly as formal businesses so be sure to follow these tips. Also, take the general precautions necessary when exploring Namibia. These tips aren't only for foreigners but for nationals and locals as well. Comment on tips and warnings based on your experience whether it was inside or outside of Namibia.





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Location: Windhoek, Namibia

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