2023 edition of kapana cook-off commences

Chefs and food enthusiasts are invited to showcase their culinary talent in the 2023 Nedbank Kapana Cook-off Competition.

Nedbank spokesperson Selma Kaulinge said the competition’s goal is to promote the uniquely Namibian delicacy of kapana and grow its popularity.

“The Kapana Cook-off Competition has emerged as a beacon of hope for budding entrepreneurs, providing them with an invaluable platform to flourish,” Kaulinge said.

This year’s preliminary rounds of the competition begin on 24 June with the Northern Round, which will be held at Oshakati; the Coastal Round on 8 July at Walvis Bay and the Central Round on 5 August in Windhoek.

Three contestants from each round will participate in the finals on 26 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.

The grand prize is a mobile food kitchen worth N$100 000, a Nedbank account with N$10 000, and a N$5 000 Bakpro Vetkoek voucher. The second and third prize winners will also receive cash prizes and vouchers.

In addition to the traditional rounds, a Professional Chef Round will be held at Soweto Market in Windhoek on 4 August. This round is open to chefs with formal qualifications or training and work experience in the food industry.

The winner of the Professional Chef Round will receive a Nedbank account with N$10 000 and professional help to develop the kapana section of their menu.

The Nedbank Kapana Cook-off started in 2014 as a small local event in Ongwediva. Since then, Nedbank Namibia has continuously invested in the competition, partnering with like-minded organisations such as Bakpro, Agra Namibia, and the Namibia Chefs Association.

The competition is open to chefs who are 18 years and older. Younger participants will require a parent or legal guardian to sign an indemnity form on the day of the competition.

To take part, chefs can visit their nearest Nedbank branch for application forms or apply on the Nedbank Namibia website.