Southern Africa · Drink
Omaere (Cultured Buttermilk)
A thick, tangily refreshing cultured buttermilk hand-churned in traditional calabashes by pastoralist Herero communities across Namibia.
The story
Central to the pastoral identity of the OvaHerero and Ovambanderu people of eastern and central Namibia, Omaere is a thick, restorative fermented milk consumed daily. Historically prepared inside dried hollow gourds (ozondjupa) treated with smoke from specific aromatic shrubs like Combretum, the milk is soured and gently rocked to separate butterfat. The resulting buttermilk possesses a velvety, thick body with a pleasant lactic acidity that sustains herders under the intense Kalahari sun.
Cook this next
Oshikundu (Fermented Pearl Millet Beverage)
A refreshing, slightly effervescent Namibian fermented grain beverage brimming with lactic tang, malty sweetness, and toasted millet notes.
Damara Osoba (Herbal Goat Head and Bone Broth)
A deeply gelatinous, aromatic broth of charred goat head and marrow bones infused with arid wild herbs.
Kalahari !Khowa (Pan-Braised Desert Truffles)
Earthy Kalahari desert truffles pan-braised in rich butter with shallots and thyme until tender and golden.
Namibian Biltong (Spiced Air-Dried Game Meat)
Tender strips of lean venison steeped in spiced vinegar and coriander, then air-dried to savory perfection.