Middle Eastern Cuisine Is Supreme At MeatPoint

“How I explain a beef shawarma laffa to Namibians is that it’s like kapana on a wrap. The pita is like a vetkoek that went to private school,” says Kaylan Kalondo with a laugh as she describes how she plans to reel in locals sceptical of the delicious Middle Eastern cuisine being served at MeatPoint at Grove Mall in Windhoek.

Kalondo has managed the store since December last year and as patrons pour into the neat red, black and white space at 13h00 on a Sunday afternoon, it’s clear that she runs a tight and tasty ship where regulars know what they want, and the rest of us can learn a little from excellent staff members such as Glenn Shaduka who immediately recommends the bestseller.

“The beef shawarma laffa,” Shaduka says without hesitation and frankly, in Namibia, the beeline for the thinly sliced beef slow roasted on a vertical spit is unsurprising. What is impressive is just how much agreeably spiced beef shawarma is stuffed into the chewy flatbread I fill with my own selection of couscous, aubergine and mango amba.

How it works is that patrons select either a pita or laffa as their chicken, beef, falafel or lamb kebab receptacle. They can then proceed to a selection of a feta or hummus base, fresh vegetables, salads, pickles and sauces.

“We always have a selection of different vegetables on display and you can choose three so you’re spoilt for choice. There is a selection of six sauces and you can choose two but if you give a really bright smile, you can maybe get an extra,” says Kalondo, who ruminates on what makes the tidy little Middle Eastern spot particularly special.

“It’s not something that’s seen every day in Windhoek. The spices, taste and preparation are something different,” she says, adding that the unusual names of the dishes are also intriguing to customers.

“The names of the dishes are very unique so they will get your attention. Middle Eastern cuisine is flavourful and colourful too. It’s so interesting. You literally step into a different world.”

Focused on wholesome foods such as shawarma, shakshuka, falafel and kebabs, MeatPoint offers an introduction to some Middle Eastern favourites including syrupy sweets such as ravani and baklava which, alas, is sold out on a Sunday.

My lunch order from a menu that includes lamb and chicken kebabs, a selection of plates, beef, chicken or falafel laffa and pitas as well as a selection of Middle Eastern salads, is the beef shawarma laffa, a chickpea salad, two large hunks of ravani and a delicious pour of ice cold homemade lemonade, not the hibiscus iced tea which is also awesome.

Honestly? MeatPoint is a new personal favourite. The shawarma is tender. The vegetables are crisp. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the flavours, as Kalondo says, are a step into a different world where spices such as cumin, nutmeg, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cinnamon and Baharat tickle the tongue.

“I think everybody should give themselves a treat to it,” says Kalondo, who encourages Windhoekers to try something a little unusual. “Everyone will find something that they like. Kids and even older people whose diets may be stricter will enjoy the food here. Our menu can be meaty but it’s a healthier option with lots of vegetables so whether you’re a carnivore or a local plant bae, we’ve got you too.”

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