Restaurant
Joe’s Beerhouse
Windhoek's best-known pub restaurant since 1991, serving game dishes, steaks, kapana and German classics amid a huge collection of Namibian memorabilia.
Xwama Traditional Restaurant
Traditional restaurant in Wanaheda, Katutura, serving Oshiwambo dishes such as marathon chicken, oshifima, ombidi spinach and mopane worms in a homestead-style setting.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Oshiwambo cuisine
- Area
- Wanaheda, Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Traditional décor
- Catering
- Eat with your hands
Why we recommend it
Xwama is the restaurant most often recommended to visitors who want to try traditional Namibian, and specifically Oshiwambo, home cooking in Windhoek. It is based in Wanaheda in Katutura, and its name is usually translated as "let there be light" or "to set alight", a reference to the fire around which people gather to eat. It is as popular with local office workers and families as it is with visitors, which is a good sign.
The setting is designed to recall a traditional homestead. Reporters have described walls of sticks and logs, reed screens between dining booths and white sand on the floor, with an upstairs dining room. Before eating, staff bring warm water so you can wash your hands, because food is traditionally eaten with the fingers, and dishes are served in wooden bowls.
The menu centres on Oshiwambo staples. Oshifima, a stiff porridge made from mahangu or maize, is the base of most meals, served with marathon chicken, ombidi (dried traditional spinach), kapenta fish, matangara (tripe) and oshingali, a purée of white beans. Mutete, a dish from Kavango East, has also featured. Mopane worms are on offer for the adventurous, and the restaurant has also become known for mopane worm pizza and kapana burgers. Most ingredients come from northern Namibia. Traditional brews such as oshikundu and the much stronger ombike have featured on the menu, so ask staff to explain what is available.
Opening hours are not published online, so check before you go, and consider visiting with a local guide or as part of a Katutura tour if you are not driving. Lunchtime is a good choice, when the restaurant is busy with regulars. Prices are modest and portions generous. Xwama also caters for corporate and private events, including year-end functions, and food can be delivered.
Eating here is relaxed and friendly. In 2021 the restaurant employed about 15 people, and The Namibian's reviewers found it busy with business diners and office groups at lunchtime. It suits curious eaters, families and anyone who wants to go beyond game steaks and taste the food many Namibians grew up with.
Xwama Traditional Restaurant FAQs
What kind of food does Xwama serve?
Traditional Oshiwambo dishes such as oshifima, marathon chicken, ombidi spinach, kapenta, tripe and mopane worms.
Where is it?
In Wanaheda, part of Katutura, north-west of central Windhoek.
Do you eat with your hands?
Yes, traditionally. Staff bring warm water for hand washing before the meal.
What does the name mean?
It is usually translated as let there be light or to set alight.
Are there traditional drinks?
Drinks such as oshikundu and the much stronger ombike have featured; ask staff what is available.
Is it expensive?
No. Prices are modest and portions generous.
Does Xwama do catering?
Yes. It caters for corporate and private events.
How do I get there?
By taxi, car or as part of a guided Katutura tour.