On a recent visit to Omaruru, I had the pleasure of meeting Karin le Grange, the executive chef at BASIC – The Culinary Studio, located on the main street of the town. It was during this visit that I got to sample Karin’s lamingtons, which were, without a doubt, the most delicious I have ever tasted.

Karin is an accomplished chef with a proven track record in the hospitality industry. Her expertise spans catering, restaurant management, food and beverage operations, baking and employee training, earning her a well-deserved reputation for excellence. A graduate of Granger Bay Hotel School in Cape Town, Karin was also named Namibian Senior Chef of the Year in 2008. With a wealth of experience behind her, Karin decided to return to her roots and settle in the town of Omaruru to pursue her dreams and bring her culinary vision to life.

BASIC started in January 2023 from Karin’s home kitchen, and by February 2024 she opened the doors to her charming shop on Omaruru’s main street. With a focus on delicious, home-cooked meals, BASIC quickly became a hub for both locals and tourists. In addition to serving mouthwatering dishes, BASIC offers a variety of cooking classes and fine dining events. Karin follows the ethos of “starting with the basics and working your way up”.

Another area where Karin has made a name for herself is with her speciality cooking classes, where anyone can come and learn the fundamentals of cooking. This has become particularly popular with international tourists wishing to learn how to prepare various cultural meals such as Afrikaans, German and Namibian staples, including traditional dishes from indigenous ethnic groups. After all, what better way to learn more about a country than to learn about their food?

These classes, tailored for all skill levels, dive deep into the art of culinary magic. Whether it is baking sweet treats or preparing hearty stews, Karin’s goal is to share the basics of great food with all who walk through her doors.