Meet Okahandja’s Black Pot Queen

If you ever find yourself passing through Okahandja, chances are the aroma of a black pot bubbling on an open fire will guide you straight to Amanda Meyer’s home.At 56, the mother of two daughters and proud grandmother of four has become something of a local legend, not just for her cooking, but for the laughter and love she dishes out with every meal.“A lady that does not smell of fire is not a lady,” Amanda chuckles, her lipstick bright red as always. She insists she never leaves the house without it: “Without my lipstick, I feel naked,” she laughs.Amanda is known for her cooking, ironing and cleaning services, but it is her food that truly makes her unforgettable. She creates her own recipes, each with a touch of magic. Her pork head cooked in tumeric and curry, with that sweet-sour twist, is always a sell-out. Then there’s her famous potato salad, with a mysterious ingredient she refuses to reveal: “It’s my secret,” she says with a sassy wink.On Saturdays, her black pot does more than cook - it brings people together. Neighbours and friends gather, lured not just by the smell of food, but by her jokes. “Whoever passes my house leaves with a smile, because my jokes are cooked like my pot every day,” she grins.She has recipes for every occasion, even for hangovers: “Just drink cold sugar water and you are cured,” she promises. She is also known as a “mother of plants” and shares remedies for dogs. Her garlic-and-aloe mix is a favourite for keeping ticks away while giving dogs shiny coats.But perhaps her most famous creation is one that raises eyebrows: donkey meat cooked with a little sour milk. Those brave enough to taste it swear by its flavour.Amanda is more than a cook; she is a storyteller, a healer and a bringer of joy. When asked what keeps her going, Amanda smiles, stirring her pot slowly. “It’s simple. Food tastes better when you cook it with love. That is why I never run out of recipes, and I never run out of smiles.”aurelia@nmh-hub.com.na

Meet Okahandja’s Black Pot Queen

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Meet Okahandja’s Black Pot Queen

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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