Elzanne Erasmus
Paul van Schalkwyk
Beer gardens, beach shacks, shebeens, cuca shops With Namibia being a top-quality beer producer, it is no surprise that we love our beer. We take great pride in being one of the few breweries outside Germany that remain committed to the original purity laws of 1516, the Reinheitsgebot. A braai without a beer in hand would be incomplete. A road trip in Namibia without stopping to check out one of the many shebeens, beer gardens or beach bars will be downright wrong. Although it is hot in the desert there is no reason to go thirsty, as you will clearly see.
BEER GARDENS – AREN’T THEY GERMAN? Yes, they originated in Germany, and due to strong German influences in this former colony, beer gardens are an integral part of the Namibian culture. There are many to choose from throughout the country. Here is a list to get you going: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Joe’s Beerhouse in Windhoek Andy’s Pub in Windhoek Brauhaus Swakopmund The Raft’s Bar in Walvis Bay Casa Forno in Otjiwarongo Farmhouse in Outjo Omaruru Souvenirs & Kaffeestube in Omaruru Bar and Beergarden at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Acasia Beergarden at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
BEACH BARS When visiting the coast, don’t let your throat go dry, especially in the exceptionally hot and humid east wind weather. Sometimes dense fog covers the coast, but we Namibians nevertheless enjoy our beer chilled.
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Where to find a cold one at the coast: ● ● ● ● ●
Solitude Beach Bar & Restaurant in Henties Bay Skubbe Bar in Henties Bay Pirate’s Cove sports bar and pizzeria in Henties Bay Tiger Reef in Swakopmund Wambu Beach in Walvis Bay
SHEBEEN/CUCA SHOP What is it? A colourful array of shebeens, also known as cuca shops, are scattered throughout the country, their quirky names adding humour and character to the Namibian landscape. The name “cuca shop” is derived from a Portuguese brand of beer (Cuca) in Angola. These shops are also known for selling basic groceries. Shebeens were once illegal or informal bars where people met to catch up on the news and listen to music. Today they are legal and dotted throughout the country, often selling simple dishes in particular areas. Take the opportunity to mingle with the locals in a relaxed environment while expanding your knowledge of the local music scene. Delicacies such as mopane worms are served with stiff porridge made from mahangu (a kind of pearl millet cultivated in northern Namibia), which is complemented by the sandy spinach dish ekaka, a variety of cooked locally grown beans, dried eembe and makalani fruit, and a grainy omaluvu drink.
A couple of well-known shebeens: ● ● ● ● ●
Oshebeena Bar (Etosha Safari Camp) Xwama Cultural Village (Katutura) One Stop Cuca Shop (Etosha Village) Maspiri Bar (Windhoek) Wambu Beach (Walvis Bay)
Elzanne Erasmus
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HAVE A BEER IN EVERY “BUURT”