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  • Top 20 Nigerian Foods That Will Blow Your Taste Buds

Top 20 Nigerian Foods That Will Blow Your Taste Buds

Posted on Apr 16th, 2020
by Emmanuel Oyibo
Categories:
  • Food Industry News
  • Food Trends
Chicken Jollof

Do you want to take your taste buds on a spectacular journey? If your answer is ‘yes’, then you need to visit Nigeria. As a West African country with a wide variety of ethnic communities, Nigeria has a varied and rich culinary tradition.

They have a myriad delicacies depending on what part of the country a person is. Numerous ingredients and staples cut across state borders as well.

Nigeria has one of the best cuisines in the world, which comprises dishes or food items obtained from the numerous ethnic group that makes up the country. Nigerian cuisine like those of other West African countries such as Ghana and the Benin Republic contains spices and herbs alongside palm or groundnut oil to produce deeply-flavored sauces and soups with an enticing aroma.

Nigerian Market
Food market; Photo credit: Andrew Moore

Rice is consumed in every part of the country either prepared as coconut rice, jollof rice, and fried rice or processed into the traditional dish Pate, which is a combination of rice with ground dry corn, spinach, tomatoes, onion, peppers, garden eggs, locust beans, groundnuts, biscuit bones, and minced meat.

Baked Jollof Rice
Baked Jollof Rice; Photo Credit: Pearlsa

Pate is commonly eaten in northwestern Nigerian states such as Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Plateau. 

Some of the top soups consumed in the various regions of the country include Banga soup, Miyan Kuka, Okro soup, Ewedu soup, Pepper soup, Egusi soup, Afang, and Edikan Ikon soup. The ingredients used to prepare these soups range from local condiments such as processed locust beans (Iru), to vegetables such as spinach, waterleaf, bitter leaf, and pumpkin leaves.

These soups are generally eaten with ‘swallow’, starchy foods such as fufu, Eba, amala, starch, pounded yam, etc. Due to international influence in the Nigerian food culture by Portuguese, British, Dutch, and other European traders in the early days, spices such as Thyme, Curry, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, Habanero pepper, and Scotch Bonnet are used.

Goat egusi soup with fufu
Goat egusi soup with fufu; Photo credit: H. C.

Nigerian dishes never run out of protein. Various meats such as beef, mutton, and chicken and different species of fish are often used to garnish it to your relish. Also common in the southern regions of the country is the use of seafood such as prawns, periwinkles, clams, snails, and crabs for preparing soups and stews. These dishes will blow your taste buds!

1. Jollof Rice

This is one of the most popular foods in Nigeria and is eaten in every part of the country. You may wonder what it is that can be so highly rated and it will shock you to know that it is simply rice prepared with tomato, onion, pepper, and some other spices.

It is sometimes served with vegetables, chicken or beef and fried fish. This dish is not only popular in Nigeria but also in some other West African countries such as Ghana.

Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice; Photo credit: Skarfmacaronne

2. Garri

This is undoubtedly the popular staple food eaten in Nigeria. It is consumed in the majority of the households in Nigeria, irrespective of region or ethnicity. Garri is prepared from cassava. The cassava is first harvested, peeled, washed, and ground.

The grounded cassava is drained of water, some starch and hydrocyanic acid before it is sieved and fried in a hot pan. The result of this process is called garri. 

Garri
Garri; Photo credit: Joel Abroad

Garri can then be used to prepare Eba simply by adding hot water into a bowl containing the desired quantity of garri granules. Eba can be eaten with any Nigerian soup such as Egusi soup, Okro soup, Banga soup, Afang soup, etc.

3. Pounded Yam

This is a very soft food served in several Nigerian homes and restaurants. It can be enjoyed with a variety of soups such as Ogbono, Egusi, vegetable, and Afang soups. The prepare Pounded Yam, the desired quantity of yam is peeled, washed thoroughly, and boiled to tenderness.

This boiled yam is then pounded in a mortar until a soft mash is formed. The people of Western Nigeria, called the Yorubas, are known to be very fond of pounded yam, but it is also eaten among the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria.

View this post on Instagram

I made Pounded Yam!!!!! Without Mortar and Pestol ??Swipe left oooo. It’s as perfect as the real one!!! ???‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️ . If you are from Ondo like me, you will understand my joy! ? I grew up eating pounded yam VERY OFTEN. In fact my siblings and I can literally close our eyes while pounding perfectly. Please help me rejoice ooooo. . I have now added pounded yam to our menu at home and hubby is so happy. I am a proud Ondo babe who loves pounded yam but does not need the Mortar and Pistol stress ?‍♀️ my food processor will do the magic henceforth. . Who’s visiting me next?? ?‍♀️ na pounded yam and Egusi soup you go chop o! *shoulder pad* ?‍♀️? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #blogging #diaryofakitchenlover #kitchenqueen #foodie #foodblogger #naijafood #foodphotography #kitchenhacks #onlyinnigeria #africanfoods #kitchenlover #cookingtips #nigerianjollof #nigeriansabroad #foodstylist #nigerianbreakfast #ingredients #kitchendiaries #nigerianfoodblogger #nigerianfood #recipecreator #foodplatting #nigerianmeals #cookingclass #lambribs #egusisoup #africanfood #poundedyam

A post shared by Omotolani | Can | Cook (@diaryofakitchenlover) on Apr 10, 2020 at 1:51am PDT

4. Egusi Soup

This is one of the most popular soups in Nigeria. It is consumed in several homes especially during celebrations. Its unique texture and fluffiness are some of the qualities that make this soup a special Nigerian delicacy.

The Egusi soup is prepared from processed melon seed using ingredients like stockfish, red oil, meat, stockfish, vegetables, seafood, onions, and other condiments. The soup is served with pounded yam, garri, amala, etc.

Goat egusi soup with fufu; Photo credit: H. C.

5. Suya

This is simply nicely cut beef that is spiced and grilled over an open flame. It is served with fresh cabbage, tomatoes, and onions. It is usually wrapped with old newspapers or aluminum foil and eaten during the evening.

This spicy delicacy is a specialty of the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria. A special kind of spice mix called Yaji is usually added to the meat before grilling.

Suya
Suya

6. Akara

This is another popular Nigerian delicacy. It is called Kosai in the Northern parts of the country. It is simply bean cake deep fried in either palm or groundnut oil.

The beans are first soaked in water to remove the skin and then ground to a mash that is then deep-fried. Another kind of Akara can also be prepared by frying grated water yam.

Akara
Akara; Photo credit: AkinkuotuFunmi

7. Moi Moi

One of the really good foods you can eat in Nigeria that will blow your taste buds is Moi Moi. It is a very delicious dish that has earned its popularity due to its unique taste. Just like Akara, it is made from processed beans but the difference is that instead of being fried it is boiled.

Moi Moi can be garnished with fish, egg or crayfish. The basic ingredients are oil, tomatoes, pepper, salt and some spices. It can be eaten alone or with soaked garri, pap or custard; just do whatever works for you.

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Break fast prepared with natural goodness…. I am steadily killing the moi moi game ????? Moi moi X Oats?????? . . Who else makes moi moi using nncoconut oil and nncoconut milk ??? The taste & end result is amazing… . . Discover the magic in using nncoconut oil and nncoconut milk in cooking and make your family happy…. It's friday and am sure you have plans to cook…. Do incorporate coconut oil in your cooking…. To enjoy & get all the nutrients and vitamins… . . . . . #nncoconutfoods #Fridays #friblessingday#pureendofweeksales #breakfast #breakfastofchampions #moimoi #oats #foodie #9jafood #instagood #instafood

A post shared by COCONUT FOODS COMPANY (@nncoconutfoods) on Jan 24, 2020 at 12:07am PST

8. Pepper soup

This is also a very common delicacy eaten in almost every part of the country. It usually contains a plethora of beef, chicken, mutton or fresh fish. It is usually sold at bars where it is accompanied by beer.

It is a very healthy soup due to the natural spices used to prepare it. A touch of pepper soup on the tongue leaves an unforgettable taste that will keep you asking for more. It is very spicy, delicious and comes with a nice aroma.

Pepper Soup
Pepper Soup; Photo credit: bfishadow

9. Nkwobi

This is a very common soup among the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria. Nkwobi is prepared from cow legs and head, and is mostly a traditional dessert, adequately garnished with Utazi leaves and palm oil. It is usually eaten with a glass of palm wine, which is said to be the best drink to flush it down the belly.

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Because it's weekend and we are ready to chill with some Nkwobi. This bowl went to Lekki HOW TO ORDER OR MAKE ENQUIRES *CLICK ON THE LINK IN BIO (PROFILE) *SEND A DM *CALL 08170307926

A post shared by LAGOS DESIGNER FOOD VENDOR (@dpotterscatering) on Nov 8, 2019 at 5:52am PST

10. Ewa Agoyin

This is a delicacy that is very popular among the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria. It originated from the Benin Republic. Ewa Agoyin is cooked mashed beans eaten with pepper sauce.

This sauce is made not just from pepper but also involves onion, tomato, crayfish, and some spices. This combination produces a taste that will make you ask for more.

Ewa Agoyin
Ewa Agoyin; Photo credit: https://allnigerianfoods.com/

11. Abacha and Ugba

This is another Nigerian food common among the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria. It is also called African salad. Abacha is prepared from cassava, which is first properly cooked, then grated before being sun dried. These sundried cassava flakes are then used to prepare Abacha.

This delicious delicacy is made with sliced Ugba (oil bean seed) and some fresh vegetables. It is mostly served with fried fish and ponmo (cowskin) and eaten as a dessert.

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Where can one get the best Abacha, Anambra or Enugu? . . . #ifyskitchen #africansalad #foodie #foodblogger #ugba #abachaandugba #fish #gardenegg #abacha

A post shared by Ify's Kitchen (KITCHEN QUEEN)⭐ (@ifys.kitchen) on Jan 2, 2019 at 7:17am PST

12. Amala and Ewedu

Ewedu is a delicious soup mostly associated with the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria. It is, however, a very popular delicacy in the country. Ewedu soup is made from the leaves of a Jute plant that is blended into a mucilaginous form such as okra soup.

Ewede soup is usually garnished with a lot of meat and ponmo (cowskin) and best served with Amala. A tomato-pepper sauce can also be added to the Ewedu soup to accommodate for the slight bitterness possessed by the Jute plant leaves.

13. Beans and Plantain

If you visited Nigeria and didn’t taste this food, your trip was incomplete. There is an abundance of beans and plantain in Nigeria, therefore preparing this delicious delicacy is not a problem. 

This combination is made as portage and richly garnished with dried fish and other ingredients that are meant to increase the quality. Beans and plantain is a very special Nigerian delicacy that I believe you would love to taste.

Beans and Plantain
Beans and Plantain; Photo credit: secretlondon123

14. Ogbono Soup

This is another important soup eaten in Nigeria. It is prepared from the seed of bush mango (a wild variant of mango) with oil, meat, stockfish, dried fish and other condiments. Ogbono soup is normally served with Eba, fufu or pounded yam.

The slippery texture of Ogbono soup earned it the sobriquet “draw soup”; this characteristic makes it go well with Eba or fufu balls. It is said to be one of the easiest soups to prepare.Pho

Ogbono Soup
Ogbono Soup; Photo credit: Xtacywura

15. Banga Soup

This is a very popular soup in Nigeria, mostly common in the southern region of the country. This delicious soup is made from ripe palm fruit and adequately garnished with meats, fish and other special ingredients that give it a unique aroma and taste. It is mostly eaten with starch and sometimes white rice.

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A post shared by U Don Chop of Lagos (@u_don_chop) on Sep 18, 2019 at 1:31am PDT

16. Efo Riro

This is a very delicious Nigerian soup, which is mostly associated with the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria. Efo riro is made with a combination of pumpkin leaves, chicken or smoked fish, and beef. Vegetables like water leaf and spinach can also be used in place of pumpkin leaves.

17. Afang Soup

This is another popular soup in Nigeria. It is mostly associated with the Efik tribe of Southern Nigeria. Afang soup is a vegetable soup prepared with meat, stockfish, and seafood such as prawn and periwinkles.

The leafy vegetable normally used to prepare this delicious soup is the Afang or Okazi leaves. Due to its toughness, the leaf is sliced into very tiny bits. Afang soup is best served with Eba, fufu or pounded yam.

Afang Soup
Afang Soup; Photo credit: Yemisi Ogbe

18. Tuwo Shinkafa

This a very popular dish is associated with the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria. The word “Tuwo Shinkafa” means “mashed rice”. It is prepared by boiling rice to tenderness and then mashing it into a semi-solid form. It is served with soups like Miyan Kuka, Miyan Kardashi or even bean soup. It is usually eaten as either lunch or dinner.

Tuwo Shinkafa
Tuwo Shinkafa; Photo credit: https://www.tasteatlas.com/

19. Okpa

This is a very delicious Nigerian delicacy, mostly common in the eastern region of Nigeria especially Enugu State. It is a kind of Moi Moi made from a special kind of beans called Bambara nuts.

Okpa is prepared by grounding Bambara nuts into flour and mixing it with hot water and other necessary ingredients. These ingredients include crayfish, palm oil, fresh pepper, pumpkin vegetables (if desired) and salt. The dish is very nutritious and delicious. 

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Bambara Nut Flour Cake (just kidding ?it’s OKPA. _ My son Lovessss this meal but I was getting tired of washing the moi moi cups and haven’t made it in a while. then it hit me, steam with the baking pan and voila!? _ This can feature on any restaurant menu in the world. Abi? _ Want to make this buy a The Bambara Nut Flour from @machi.foods and Get a free Bambara Nut Recipe ebook _ When there’s a will, there’s a way. _ What did your family have for breakfast this morning? _ #okpa #bambaraflourcake #bambaranutflourlagos #bambaraflourrecipe

A post shared by Bambara Nut Products (@machi.ng) on Jul 27, 2019 at 3:53am PDT

20. Boiled White Rice

It is a very common practice to cook rice every Sunday in Nigeria. Most families boil white rice, which is eaten with stew or soup richly garnished with fish or meat as the occasion demands. Some of the soups which can be used to eat boiled white rice include Egusi soup, Banga soup, and vegetable soup.

If you ever visit Nigeria, make sure you have a taste of one or more of these wonderful delicacies. You will be glad you did.

Boiled White Rice
Boiled White Rice

Featured photo credit: Joan Nova

Next check out our ranking of the most popular Nigerian desserts.

Coconut Candy is one of the most popular desserts in Nigeria.

Emmanuel Oyibo

Emmanuel Oyibo is a Nigerian writer and poet who believes the world can be a better place if we take attitude. Emmanuel is a graduate of Biochemistry and lives in Uyo, Nigeria.

10 Comments Hide Comments

Maga says:
January 17, 2021 at 5:11 pm

Rice is Asian people’s main food, not the black people’s main food. Nigerian and most of black people’s countries copied “rice” from Asian. This food is not original from black land. Main food is identity. So always keep looking for our black people’s main food. Our black people’s main find is our identity.

Reply
Victoria says:
January 16, 2021 at 12:36 am

Great list

Reply
Rejoice says:
January 7, 2021 at 3:53 am

Who eats tuwo

Reply
Anony says:
December 15, 2020 at 10:30 am

Some of your pictures don’t visually represent our beloved Nigerian dishes properly. E.g Pictures of Egusi soup, Peppersoup, Suya, Ogbono soup. The worst is Okpa. I’m an original Enugu, ‘wawa’ girl and I would never think of Okpa if shown the picture you used in isolation. Pls you can represent our foods better as foreigners and expatriates read these blogs. Other than that, your list is comprehensive and well-written. Good job!

Reply
Kelechi says:
September 3, 2020 at 12:49 am

Afang is one of the most Nigeria

Reply
ALOKWE JOY CHIDIMMA says:
August 18, 2020 at 11:13 pm

i noticed that while boiling meats you don’t grind the pepper…..why?

Reply
Haleems kitchen says:
July 11, 2020 at 10:23 pm

There are more foods from the north such as biski kunun gyada daneake and many more
Nigeria is blessed

Reply
Joey says:
July 7, 2020 at 3:52 am

This list isn’t complete without Edikaikong soup, it just has to be there.

Reply
Tolu says:
May 31, 2020 at 1:14 am

Why did you not mention the Yoruba origins of some of the foods but you mention Igbo and Hausa origins ?

Reply
Charles says:
May 9, 2020 at 7:29 am

Edikiako soup deserves to be among the first five most desired food in Nigeria

Reply

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