Nigerian suya (shish kebab)
Nigerian suya (shish kebab) is beef and chicken cubes grilled on a skewer brushed with groundnut oil, salt, and spices. It is usually served with peanut sauce, sliced raw onion, and a slice of pineapple.
The Nigerian suya (shish kebab) should be eaten with sweetened toasted bread. Its delicious and flavorful combination of spices gives it its unique taste. The meat chunks are succulent because it is best when grilled over hot coals.
Nigerian suya (shish kebab) is one of the most popular foods in Nigeria. You can find suya sellers on almost every busy junction, especially during peak hours where there would be long queues to buy this delicacy.
It is usually prepared by street hawkers who move around with their charcoal brazier either on foot or on motorbikes known as okada or at open-air festivals, called 'Eluwalhatu'.
Nigerian Moin-Moin
Moin-Moin with Jollof rice
Nigerian moin moin is a bean cake made from black-eyed peas or pea flour mixed with palm oil and onion. Vegetables like spinach, spring onions, waterleaf, eggplant may be added.
The name moin-moin comes from the Mandinka language and means "wrapped". It is also known as Nkrumah cake or Benachin.
Nigerian moin moin can be eaten for breakfast like a porridge with a hot sauce such as Nigerian pepper soup, fried meat, and stewed meat, tripe, grilled fish, etc.
The dish may also form the basis of lunches and dinners along with rice and other Nigerian dishes such as jollof rice, fried plantain, or yam.
Moin moin is a famous Ghanaian and Nigerian food but it may be found in some other African countries, as well.
Jollof Rice is a popular dish in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. There are different varieties of Jollof Rice made using the local ingredients available within these countries.
But it shares one thing in common which is that they all include tomatoes as part of their ingredients. What makes the Nigerian version of the Jollof Rice special is that it is mixed with spices and oil to give it a unique taste.
Nigerian Jollof Rice can be served with any type of meat or fish, although the traditional method is cooking the rice in a stew that contains beef or chicken. The flavor is very rich and the gooey sauce is well known for its unique taste. It's best enjoyed hot, like many Nigerian foods on this list.
Egusi Soup
Egusi Soup & Pounded Yam
Egusi Soup is a Nigerian dish made from melon seeds. Egusi soup is prepared with ground melon seeds and a variety of other ingredients to make a rich, spicy, thick soup.
Egusi soup has a variety of vegetables and traditional Nigerian spices such as nutmeg, pepper, thyme, and cray.
This hearty soup is one of the most popular soups in Nigeria. It's a healthy and delicious staple food in Nigeria.
Nigerian Egusi Soup is served in almost every restaurant and eatery, especially for lunch. It is usually accompanied with Fufu for meals or snacks. It can also be served as an appetizer with any meal.
If you have not tried the Nigerian Egusi soup before then you should try it!
Nkwobi
Nkwobi is a spicy, Nigerian food that is made of cow feet. It is usually eaten with the fingers because it has to be dipped into the pepper soup or palm oil before being eaten.
The delicacy of Nkwobi comes from its ability to absorb herbs and spices while cooking.
Nkwobi takes hours to cook, so this makes it special especially when you have company over. It is normally served at parties and celebrations of all kinds. Nkwobi is also mixed with Okro soup for another Nigerian favorite dish- Okroshka.
The taste of Nkwobi leaves an indelible mark on your palate that keeps you coming back for more after every meal.
Tuwo Shinkafa
Tuwo Shinkafa is a traditional Nigerian thick pudding made with rice and coconut milk.
Tuwo Shinkafa is sometimes called Nigerian Fufu because it's made almost the same way as the traditional Nigerian staple food fufu, but instead of plantain, it uses Shinkafa which is also known as tapioca pearls.
Tuwo Shinkafa can be eaten with pepper soup or Okra soup. This Nigerian food is often prepared for holidays and special occasions.
Nigerian Okpa
Okpa is a Nigerian dish made of a special type of beans (Bambara bean). The beans are first fermented and then fried. The resulting dish is spicy and considered to be a delicacy in Nigeria.
Okpa can be eaten with Nigerian Moi Moi, rice, or ground yam. It has a texture and consistency of tofu (bean curd) and unlike many Nigerian dishes, Okpa tastes better cold than hot.
Okpa is somewhat similar to Mexican tofu or Indian paneer; however, it does not taste like either one of those foods. It is difficult to describe the taste of Okpa as there are no similarly prepared dishes anywhere else in the world.
Another Nigerian delicacy that may be eaten with Okpa is suya (a type of kebab).
Afang Soup
Afang soup & Pounded yam
Afang Soup is another popular Nigerian soup. The main ingredient of Afang Soup is the leaves from the dry herb called Apha (Afang) which grows in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea.
The herbs are boiled in some pepper soup (the Nigerian Pepper soup consists of yam, dried fish, crayfish, Shaki (cow skin), beef, or chicken with spices).
Afang Soup is a very nutritious and healthy Nigerian food because it contains a high level of calcium, iron, vitamins A & C, potassium. It's best served with fufu, Eba, or pounded yam.
You can get this soup either at a restaurant or market where you pick it up yourself. It is definitely not an everyday dish but worth trying if you're ever given the chance.
Ewa Agoyin
Ewa Agoyin & Plantains
If you are looking for real comfort food in Nigeria, it's hands down Ewa Agoyin.
Ewa Agoyin is a Nigerian dish that is composed of beans and pepper sauce (pepper, onion, tomato, crayfish, and some spices).
Similar to other Nigerian food, Ewa Agoyin is prepared with lots of different variations. Some cooks use meat as protein while others may add more vegetables or spices for extra flavor.
Ewa Agoyin can be eaten at any time of the day and it's a dish that you will find in every street market and roadside joint.
Goat Pepper Soup
Are you looking for some unique foods to try in Nigeria? Why not try the Nigerian Pepper soup.
Pepper Soup is a traditional Nigerian soup made from meat and other ingredients such as tonic vegetables.
The soup can be cooked with meats such as goat meat and fish. Some versions of pepper soup use cow foot, tripe, and snails to add flavor while others use beef and chicken for taste and texture variation.
It is also known as Ogbono soup or Efo Eiro or Edikang Iku, depending on the region of Nigeria where it is prepared.
Eba & Nigerian stew
Eba is a popular Nigerian dish among the Yoruba people in Western Africa.
Eba is made by frying the Garri (Cassava flour) and then stirring in boiling hot water until it reaches a doughy consistency then adding oil and stirring until the water has been absorbed.
Eba can be eaten alone or with soup such as Okra soup or Nigerian groundnut soup. It can also be stuffed or rolled with vegetables such as spinach and bitter leaf, meats such as chicken and beef to make different kinds of Nigerian dishes such as jollof rice and Nigerian fried rice.
Amala & Edwu soup
Nigerian Amala and Ewedu is a simple dish and a combination of two Nigerian staple foods, Amala, a swallow starch and Edwdu soup.
Ewedu is basically a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the spinach family. This vegetable forms part of the same plant as Celosia argentea which grows in many parts of West and East Africa.
To make the delicious Nigerian soup the Rdwdu leaves needs to be mashed and cooked with palm oil, crayfish, salt & pepper. The result is a yummy soup similar to an Okra soup.
Amala is a dough-like staple made from Garri (Cassava) which has been dried then ground into flour. It's similar to other African staples Fufu flour, Ugali, Fuul and Mafuta.
Ogbono Soup
Ogbono Soup is one of the Nigerian foods that you must experience. It is made the main ingredient which is the Ogbono seeds, palm oil, and fish (other meats can be used). Other ingredients include pepper, onion, and thyme leaves may be added.
Ogbono seeds (sometimes spelled Ogboni seeds) are the kernel of a wild mango plant native to West Africa, where it thrives in the dense rainforest vegetation.
Nigerian foods like Ogbono soup are unique and deliciously interesting because they're not always made in the same way. It always depends on the region and the type of ingredient used.
Like many Nigerian dishes, Ogbono is usually served with Fufu, pounded yam.
Pounded yam
Pounded yam is a popular and traditional African staple dish made from cassava, also known as yuca or manioc.
There are many different ways of cooking pounded Yam. Many regions of Nigeria add spices such as chili pepper, thyme leaves, and onions.
Pounded yam is eaten with Nigerian soups or stews.
Banga Soup
Banga Soup is a Nigerian food that is commonly cooked and served in Nigeria. It's also served at Nigerian parties and gatherings.
This soup dish is prepared using fresh palm fruit and meat (beef, goat, or oxtails). Other ingredients needed to make this dish include onion, palm oil, thyme, salt, pepper, and ground crayfish.
Efo Riro
Efo Riro is a Nigerian food that is popular in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Efo Riro can be prepared with either fresh or dried water leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, or water convolvulus.
Efo Riro can be cooked with either meat or fish which helps make it a popular dish for Christmas dinner in Nigeria.
Efo Riro literally means "stirred leafy vegetable" is served with staple foods like Amala (Garri) and Eba (Garri flour) which are both made from cassava.
As well as being served with staple foods Efo Riro can be served with rice, boiled yam, or fried plantain.
Nigerian Fried Plantain
Nigerian fried plantains
Nigerian Fried Plantains are a popular Nigerian dish made of unripe plantains. Plantains are unripe bananas, usually eaten cooked rather than raw like most other fruits.
The Nigerian Fried Plantain is extremely easy to make and can be served with a variety of Nigerian dishes.
Plantains are low in fat, high in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. They are also easy to digest making them ideal for babies and toddlers.
Nigerian Fried Plantain is healthy if prepared without frying the plantain with excess oil.
Puff-Puff
Nigerian Puff-Puff
Puff Puff is popular Nigerian street food. It is made from dough and can be stuffed with various fillings.
Puff-puff is a popular Nigerian food that is often eaten for breakfast or snacks.
Puff-puff has many different names, depending on what part of Nigeria you are in. You may hear it called "Akara" or "Akamu." Nigerian Puff-puff is one of the most common foods that you will find when traveling around Nigeria
Chin Chin is Nigerian snack food, which has become very popular in Nigeria. Its name is originally from the Ibo language of Nigeria and means "lick."
Chin Chin is made up of fried dough that is shredded into small pieces and then covered with sugar or other sweet flavorings.
The dough is traditionally made of butter, sugar, eggs and flour, and some sort of seasoning. There are many variations depending on the region in Nigeria. For example, in the south West Chin Chin is deep-fried whereas in southern Igboland Chin Chin is shallow fried.
Chin Chin can be bought at most any market in Nigeria.
Akara is a Nigerian food made from ground beans. It is usually fried and eaten as a snack or side dish. Akara, also known as black-eyed pea fritters, is common Nigerian street food.
Where to find Akara in Nigeria? Akara can be found anywhere in Nigeria but it is a common street food often found in popular Nigerian markets across the country. There are also some restaurants that serve Akara as a side dish or snack.
Boli (Roasted Plantains)
Roasted Plantains
Boli is a Nigerian roasted plantain dish made of sliced plantains which are roasted on a flat iron griddle. It is often eaten as a snack.
This dish is prepared by slicing semi-ripe or ripe plantains, removing the skin, and roasting them on a hot metal griddle. The plantains are then split into two and served with a dipping sauce, such as melted palm oil or a vegetable stew.
Nigerian ponmo
Kpomo/Ponmo
Ponmo (or Nigerian Ponmo), also known as Kanda, is one of the Nigerian snack foods that are popular in various parts of the country. Ponmo is the Nigerian term for meat that is prepared from cowhide and other parts of a cow's skin.
The Nigerian Ponmo is prepared by separating the skin of the cow from its meat and muscle, boiled in water or milk to make it tender, and later chopped into pieces and sold in the markets.
It's a traditional food in Nigeria and it can be used to replace meat in soups and stews or just as a snack.
Nigerian Sausage Rolls
Sold by street vendors in most Nigerian cities, Sausage rollds are delicious on the go snack. Nigerian sausage rolls are made by loading a pastery dough with saugage meat (It can be pork or meat) and some authentic Nigerian spices then baking them in the oven.
This Migerian delicacy can be found in restaurants and cafes as well and it's usually accompanied with a chilled drink or yogurt for an extra flavor.
Nigerian Meat Pie
The Nigerian meat pie is quite similar the the sausage rolls. The difference lies in the stuffings. The Nigerian meat pie is filled with a mix of ground beef, potatoes and carrot.
Don't be afraid of having this food anytime of the day. Really no limitation or whatsoever, you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's a real comfort the soul
Nigerian Coconut rice and Custard
Nigerian Coconut Rice and Custard is a dish of African origin. It is usually served as dessert or a side dish.
Nigerian Coconut Rice and Custard are made with long grain rice, coconut milk, nutmeg, and raisins. The coconut rice and custard recipe are said to date back to the colonial era when the ingredients were not readily available.
Nigerian Coconut Rice and Custard is seen in many Nigerian homes today because it is an easy to prepare dish while some people use Nigerian coconut rice and custard as wedding cakes.
The Nigerian coconut rice and custard recipe includes cooking the long grain rice for 25 minutes then adding grated coconut, nutmeg powder, raisins, and coconut milk.
This tasty Nigerian dish can be served hot or cold with custard.
Dodo is a famous Nigerian side dish or snack that is made from plantains. It is usually served and eaten with soup and other Nigerian foods.
The plantains must be peeled and then cut into two-inch pieces. The pieces are then boiled and fried over low heat until they become golden
The traditional Nigerian dish Asun refers to the spicy roasted goat dish. Asun is traditionally prepared by cutting the goat meat into small cubes and marinating it with spices like ginger, onions, and garlic.
The goat meat is then mixed with the marinade, roasted until cooked, and served hot.
It can be served with starch or fried plantains. Asun is commonly prepared during Nigerian holidays like Christmas, Easter, and weddings but it can also be enjoyed at any time of the year.
The recipe for Asun varies depending on different regions in Nigeria. Some regions, like Ondo State, for example, prefer to eat Asun with starch while people in Abia State consider it more appropriate to serve Asun with fried plantains.
Asun is usually eaten with a salad or fried plantains. Another Nigerian food that is commonly eaten with Asun is Egusi soup.
Gizdodo
Gizdodo is a Nigerian food that originated from the southeast region of Nigeria, particularly Rivers State.
Gizdodo is basically a mix of boiled and deep-fried chicken gizzards, Dodo (fried plantains ), and pepper and tomato sauce.
This dish is usually served as a side dish to other Nigerian foods such as Jollof rice.
Ofada Stew
Ofada Stew & Rice
Ofada Stew is a Nigerian food dish. It is made from palm oil and okra, spiced with peppers and fresh tomatoes.
It is popular in the southwest of Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba people. It is usually served with white rice or pounded yam.
Abacha and Ugba
Abacha and Ugba are two Nigerian foods that make a great African salad. Abacha is simply dried and shredded cassava while Ugba is a fermented made of African oil bean seeds.
The African salad is called after the two main ingredients Abacha and Ugba but it contains a lot more than that including palm oil, dried fish, Calabash Nutmeg, ground African crayfish, locust beans, ponmo.
Edikang Ikong Soup
Edikang Ikong Soupis a Nigerian soup consisting of fish, vegetables, and spices. It has origins in the Efik people of Nigeria.
The most notable ingredients are oil palm fruit, catfish fillet, crayfish, fresh meat or poultry or meat, seasoning cubes , onions , chicken stock cube , ginger , thyme leaves , pimento berries and many more.
This dish is considered a special occasions's dish and not ver accessible to all Nigerian families as it is expensive to make.
Kilish (Nigerian Beef Jerkey)
Kilish (Beef Jerkey)
Kilishi also Kilichi is another great example of the variety of foods that Nigeria offers. Kilichi is a form of beef jerky, a spicy one. Kilichi is a actually very similar in ingredient to Suya but the taste and texture are totally different.
This Algerian dish is prepared by spcing the meat and drying it under the sun for a few days. The result is a great snack
What is special about Nigerian food?
Nigerian food culture is unique in its own way. Nigerian cuisine has no set standards of how the food should taste or look. Every meal has an abundance of flavors and spices that will have your taste buds going wild! You can even tell a Nigerian chef how spicy to make a meal, which just makes the experience more exciting.
The world has many different cuisines, but they all share one thing in common: the internationally accepted quality and taste levels set by their respective countries. For example, Mexican, Italian, and French food are loved around the globe because they set high standards in terms of cooking methods and taste levels.
This makes Nigerian food stand out as a unique cuisine among many others globally even though it interests a limited number of people outside Nigeria.
Nigerian food stands out as a unique cuisine among many others globally even though it interests a limited number of people outside Nigeria.
What are Nigerian foods made of?
Most dishes served in Nigeria will consist of rice as a side dish, along with meat and vegetables in a sauce. Depending on how it's cooked, Nigerian food can have a lot of spices, which pairs well with a local Nigerian drink called acha.
The exceptional flavors of Nigerian food come from different spices that are usually imported from all over the world which include ginger, chili pepper, onions, thyme, and much more, making it truly unique among other cuisines.
The most common meats in a Nigerian dish are chicken and beef, but they also use seafood as well.
Vegetables and fruits are abundant in Nigeria. Because of this, many Nigerian foods are considered healthy when prepared properly.
What is Nigeria's national food?
When it comes to Nigerian food, the most well-known and national dish is called Jollof rice.
A lot of people wonder what the characteristics of Nigerian food are. Well, the truth is that it's hard to answer this question because there are so many different types of dishes in Nigeria.
What we can tell you though, is that Nigerian cuisine includes some amazing spices and flavors like ginger, cumin, garlic, and palm oil which make for a delicious meal, no matter if they're eaten with rice or bread!
You may be thinking "why should I try out Nigerian food?" The best way to find out why would be to comment by adding your favorite dish below!
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