Nigeria is not just rich in culture and music, it is also home to some of the most delicious and diverse foods in Africa. From spicy soups to street snacks that keep you craving for more, Nigerian cuisine is bold, colorful, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a foodie exploring new dishes or a Nigerian looking to rediscover your roots, here are 20 Nigerian foods everyone must try at least once.
1. Jollof Rice
Arguably Nigeria’s most famous dish. Cooked with tomatoes, pepper, onions, and spices, Jollof Rice is often served at parties with chicken, fish, or beef. The debate about which country makes the best Jollof still rages on, but Nigeria’s version is a must-try.
2. Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
A classic Nigerian combo. Pounded yam is soft and stretchy, while Egusi soup is made from melon seeds, vegetables, and meat or fish. Together, they create a rich, filling meal.
3. Suya
This spicy street food is grilled beef skewered and coated with yaji (a peppery spice mix). Served with onions and tomatoes, Suya is Nigeria’s answer to barbecue.
4. Akara (Bean Cakes)
Deep-fried bean fritters often enjoyed as breakfast with pap (ogi) or bread. Crispy outside, soft inside — Akara is both tasty and filling.
5. Moi Moi
A steamed bean pudding made with ground beans, pepper, onions, and spices. Often garnished with fish or boiled eggs. It pairs perfectly with rice.
6. Pepper Soup
A light, spicy broth made with goat meat, catfish, or assorted meats. Known for its peppery kick, it’s believed to be medicinal and perfect for cold evenings.
7. Ofada Rice and Ayamase Sauce
Local unpolished rice with a unique aroma, served with a fiery green pepper sauce (Ayamase). It’s spicy, traditional, and deeply satisfying.
8. Akpu (Fufu) and Oha Soup
Akpu (cassava fufu) is smooth and stretchy, usually eaten with Oha soup — a rich blend of cocoyam, oha leaves, and assorted meats.
9. Boli (Roasted Plantain)
A popular street snack made by roasting ripe plantains over hot charcoal. Often eaten with groundnut (peanuts) or spicy pepper sauce.
10. Okra Soup
Known for its slimy texture, Okra soup is loved for its flavor and nutritional value. Usually cooked with palm oil, vegetables, and proteins.
11. Nkwobi
A delicacy made from cow leg cooked in a spicy palm oil sauce. Served in small clay pots, it’s a favorite in Eastern Nigeria.
12. Abacha (African Salad)
Made from shredded cassava, Abacha is mixed with palm oil, ugba, fish, and spices. It’s a crunchy, tangy, and refreshing meal.
13. Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan Kuka
Popular in Northern Nigeria. Tuwo Shinkafa is soft rice pudding, often paired with Miyan Kuka (a soup made from baobab leaves).
14. Kilishi
Nigeria’s version of beef jerky — thinly sliced dried meat coated in spices. A chewy, spicy snack you can’t resist.
15. Edikang Ikong Soup
A vegetable-rich soup made with pumpkin leaves, waterleaf, and assorted proteins. Nutritious and heavy, it’s considered a delicacy.
16. Afang Soup
Similar to Edikang Ikong but prepared with Afang leaves (wild spinach). It’s rich, flavorful, and usually eaten with garri or fufu.
17. Puff-Puff
Sweet, deep-fried dough balls sprinkled with sugar. A favorite snack at parties and street corners.
18. Beans and Plantain
A wholesome meal of beans porridge served with fried plantains. Comfort food at its finest.
19. Yam Porridge (Asaro)
A spicy, savory yam dish cooked with palm oil, pepper, and crayfish. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
20. Zobo Drink
Not food, but a popular Nigerian beverage made from hibiscus leaves. Refreshing, tangy, and often spiced with ginger, cloves, and pineapple.
Conclusion
Nigerian food is a journey of taste, spice, and culture. Each dish tells a story of tradition, community, and celebration. Whether you’re trying Suya by the roadside or enjoying pounded yam at home, these 20 dishes capture the true spirit of Nigeria’s kitchen.
So, next time you’re hungry, skip the regular fast food and dive into the rich world of Nigerian cuisine.
