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Jessica Leigh Thornton

Along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, lies a town of purple hues and culinary delights. Swakopmund links travel routes north to Etosha, east to Windhoek and south to Sossusvlei, providing a cool escape and respite from the harsh Namibian desert landscape (Wetu, 2023). With its array of tourist attractions and desert activities, two culinary traditions have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.

Heading towards the Jetty, lies both the Tug restaurant and 1877. The Tug makes use of locally sourced ingredients and is the first restaurant in Namibia that prepares its food in a mopane wood charcoal fired Josper (The Tug, 2024). Whereas, 1877 is a German café and bakery that specialised in sourdough doughnuts and Berliners (1877, 2024).

At the Tug you will find a Namibian experience by sampling a traditional Ovambo dish, the O’Kapana, originating from northern Namibia. This dish comprises of beef strips, diced onions and tomato, chillies, vetkoek, and jiggly pap (The Tug, 2024). The beef strips are grilled over an open flame, resulting in tender and flavourful morsels that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. Its secret is the blend of spices that are served on the side. Kapana is a staple food that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and kinship. In Swakopmund, kapana has transcended its cultural origins to become a beloved dish enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Whether served at local eateries or prepared in family kitchens, kapana continues to delight palates with its hearty flavours and nourishing qualities. Its presence in Swakopmund's culinary scene reflects the town's multiculturalism and celebrates the diversity of Namibian cuisine.

In contrast to the hearty warmth of kapana, Swakopmund's doughnut heritage offers a sweet indulgence that delights the senses. The sourdough doughnuts have become a beloved treat synonymous with Swakopmund's seaside charm. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, Swakopmund's doughnuts are a testament to the town's fusion of cultures and culinary traditions. Strolling along Swakopmund's bustling streets, the aroma of freshly fried doughnuts wafts through the air, from classic sugar-coated delights to innovative flavours and fillings.

Both kapana and doughnuts serve as more than just culinary delicacies; they are symbols of heritage and tradition, passed down through generations and cherished as integral parts of Swakopmund's cultural identity. In a rapidly changing world, where traditions are often at risk of being lost or forgotten, these culinary treasures serve as anchors that connect Swakopmund's past with its present and future (Nilson & Thorell, 2018). Swakopmund's kapana and doughnut heritage offer a glimpse into the town's diverse cultural tapestry and culinary richness.

 

 

 

References:

1877. (2024). 1877 Doughnut Bar. [Online] Available from:

https://1877-doughnut-bar.shop/index.php/our-cafe/

[Accessed: 17 April 2024].

 

Nilson, T. & Thorell, K. (2018). Cultural Heritage Preservation: The Past, the Present and the Future. Halmstad University Press 2018: Halmstad.

The Tug. (2024). The Tug. [Online] Available from: https://www.the-tug.com/

[Accessed: 17 April 2024].

 

Wetu. (2023). Swakopmund. [Online] Available from:

https://content.wetu.com/Resources//267197/low_res_no_date_swakopmund_-_tourism__destination_travel_brochure_emailer.pdf

[Accessed: 17 April 2024].

 
Posted on 20 April 2024 12:36:46


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