O Portuga Restaurant Windhoek is an African hospitality masterpiece having hosted the legendary American pop star Michael Jackson in 1998. Close to three decades later, the restaurant still rocks like yesterday.
This hidden gem in Namibia’s capital is an absolute gem for food lovers. It is warmly inviting and doesn’t disappoint with its range of dishes. From local Namibian cuisine to continental dishes such as Portuguese flavours and famous European meals. It is also popular for its seafood delicacies.
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Where is O Portuga Restaurant?
The famous Namibian restaurant where Michael Jackson wined and dined sits at the heart of the capital, Windhoek City. It is specifically located at 312 Sam Nujoma Avenue, a street known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere.
O Portuga Restaurant Windhoek Menu
Once you set foot on Namibian soil, embark on a culinary adventure like no other. This quaint restaurant entices with its inviting ambience and delicious food from Namibia, Portugal and Europe. Its menu features the following meals.
Seafood
O Portuga restaurant seafood. Photo/TripAdvisor
Enjoy seafood kebabs with fresh, succulent skewers sourced from Portugal’s coast. Also, Arroz de Frutos do Mar, a tantalizing and flavourful seafood rice meal is available. Lastly, you enjoy a seafood platter with all edible sea creatures.
Meat
As its name suggests, O Portuga Restaurant Windhoek has a rich Namibian-Portuguese food culture. Thus, do not hold back from enjoying the taste of Bitoque à Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese steak served with a fried egg, fries, and rice. Other meat dishes include Espetada which is grilled meat skewers marinated in aromatic spices. Lastly, let your tastebuds delight in spicy grilled chicken locally known as Frango Piri-Piri.
Vegan Dishes
Vegans are well taken care of in Windhoek. While there are a variety of meats and animal byproducts on the table, vegan dishes are also available. They include the following:
- Funge de Bombó com Fitas, a hearty dish with rich sauces from cassava flour.
- Vegetarian Paella, a flavourful rice dish featuring a mix of vegetables
Signature Dishes
If you would like more of the culinary journey in Namibia, dine on O Portuga’s signature dishes. They include the following:
- Bacalhau à Brás – Salted codfish sautéed with onions, eggs, and crispy shoestring potatoes.
- Caldo Verde – Green soup with kale, potatoes, and chorizo
- Pastéis de Nata – Irresistible custard tarts with flaky pastry
Portuguese Wines
A glass of wine is great for your body and the restaurant pairs meals with the best Portuguese wines. Port wines, famous for their rich flavours and smooth textures, are available for tasting at the restaurant.
Why Did Michael Jackson Visit Namibia?
Michael Jackson in Namibia. Photo/Uutati
The ‘Liberian Girl’ singer visited Nigeria in May 1998 for the World Economic Forum held in Windhoek where he was a guest speaker. Jackson addressed the forum on the need for all players to end child abuse and neglect. He cited physical and se3ual abuse as deterrents of development in Namibia and other parts of Africa at the time. Topped with child labour, lack of education and homelessness; the rights of children were utterly violated.
Michael Jackson later visited the SOS Children’s Village to continue his support of children. There, he spoke with the kids and gave them gifts, including a U$20,000 donation. It is then that he headed out to O Portuga Restaurant Windhoek, making history for the establishment across Namibia.
O Portuga Restaurant Windhoek Price
Whichever meal you choose, the prices are reasonable. $1- $10 can get you a sumptuous dish on the table. Namibia is generally inexpensive compared to other South African countries.
The servings are huge coupled with good service according to a majority of reviews.
“Probably and arguably the best place for all seasons. I have never been disappointed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are a class of its own and the cut above the rest,” one of the reviews read.
“Great location and amazing food options. A lot of food options are available from seafood to steak and desserts.
Lastly, “I had a dinner in this restaurant and I ordered the galjoen fish grilled. It was well prepared and presented. The place can be loud as people also watch the games on tv, but generally clean, proper and the food is of very large proportion! And the prices are reasonable. I recommend [it] when you are in Windhoek and craving for seafood!”
Conclusion
Great Ambience and delicious and reasonably priced meals are the secret to the long existence O Portuga Restaurant Windhoek. Michael Jackson dined here, so can you!
