Southern Africa · Street food
Omagungu (Crisp-Fried Mopane Caterpillars)
Sun-dried mopane caterpillars rehydrated and shallow-fried in oil with onions, chilies, and salt until crackling, nutty, and crisp.
The story
Omagungu (the caterpillars of the emperor moth Gonimbrasia belina) are gathered from mopane woodland throughout northern Namibia during peak summer rains. Sold in open-air markets from Oshakati to Windhoek's single quarters, they represent an indispensable source of wild protein and beloved snack food. Before frying, the dried larvae must be meticulously purged of residual woodland grit through salted rehydration, which plumps the nutritious core before high-heat crispening.
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