Lissony Njembo
Restaurant owner Ketungoutji Natasha Kauteza is serving nostalgic, mouth-watering traditional cuisine in the heart of Katutura.
She operates from The Spot at the corner of Clemence Kapuuo and Numeri Street.
Founded in 2023 and named in honour of her grandmother, Pukaa Catering initially offered a traditional menu featuring kneecaps (ombumbwangoro), chicken wings and Herero bread.
As demand grew, Kauteza expanded her menu to include beef tongue, beef meat, “smiley” (sheep’s head) and porridge, all of which have been in demand with customers. Pukaa Catering has quickly become a favourite among locals who indulge in authentic flavours. Before venturing into business full-time, Kauteza worked for over a decade at the Magistrate’s office in Outjo. She resigned in 2021 to pursue her passion for cooking.
During her time there, she began preparing weekend braai plates with wings, boerewors and meat.
This experience deepened her love for food preparation.
“That’s when I realised how much I enjoy cooking. I have always loved preparing good food,” she oozes with passion.
Kauteza describes herself as a foodie who developed her culinary passion at a very young age.
“My grandmother told me that I prepared my first dish, pap/porridge, at the age of four,” she recalled.
Entrepreneurship runs in her family. Her father, Oscar Kauteza, owns a shop in Omatjete, where, as a young lass, she spent most of her school holidays working and learnt how to operate a business. During her high school years, she sold sweets and baked cookies using a small stove her father bought for her and sold them at school.
She further added that social media has played a significant role in growing her customer base. Many of her clients are social media influencers whose posts have helped boost her visibility. She recalls posting a TikTok reel that attracted more than 100 000 views, which led to a noticeable increase in customers.
“I encourage businesses to use social media because it really helps with growth,” she said.
Kauteza believes her careful use of spices sets her apart. “Spices are my niche. I experimented until I found what my customers love. Consistency is key, and I always aim to keep my clients happy,” she added.
She plans to expand Pukaa Catering to towns such as Outjo, Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo, where many of her customers have relocated for work and other opportunities. She also intends to introduce a takeaway section offering fast food options such as chips and Russians.
Currently employing five staff members, Kauteza advises fellow entrepreneurs not to leave their businesses entirely in the hands of employees.
“As an owner, you must remain present. The business is yours, and it needs your involvement,” she said. She also cautioned small business owners against underpricing their products.
“Many businesses fail because they don’t price correctly. People lower prices to attract customers but end up making no profit.”
Her sister, Michelle Kauteza, joined the restaurant in December and now works as the cashier. She manages daily finances and ensures funds are properly recorded and safely kept at the end of each business day.
“I enjoy working with my sister. When it comes to business, our relationship is strictly professional,” Michelle said. “I’ve learned how to cook, manage customers and always stay calm and provide good service.”
In addition to the restaurant, Kauteza runs a hair business selling wigs, including double-drawn Vietnamese hair, raw virgin hair, Cambodian and Remy hair with closures, which she orders online.
Encouraging others to pursue their dreams, Kauteza said resigning from her 8-to-5 job was a leap of faith. But it paid off.
“My dream was to be my own boss. God is at the centre of everything I do,” she said, adding that she lives by Proverbs 16:3.
Her final message to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Be your biggest cheerleader; no one else will do it for you.”
–lis24nje@gmail.com