Discover 20 Authentic Nigerian Dishes to Savor at Home or in Nigeria

Nigerian cuisine is rich with unique recipes and in the way the food is prepared. For example, it’s a well-known fact that Jollof rice tastes better as a leftover. Unfortunately, few people in the Western world have experienced authentic Nigerian food. The culinary offerings in Nigeria are aromatic, delicious, and always made straight from the heart.

If you’re heading over to Nigeria, there are traditional dishes you have to try during your visit. Make sure to check out the local menus as you explore nearby bukas (casual Nigerian restaurants).

The Best Nigerian Cuisine

Nigerian food is surprisingly hearty and tasty. From the interesting texture of pounded yam to various types of Nigerian soups like Ogbono soup, Egusi soup, and Afrang soup, Nigerian cuisine will turn you into a fan of African food instantly. Do you need a little help selecting your Nigerian cuisine? Below are 20 Nigerian foods you must try.

1. Iyan (Pounded Yam)

One of the world’s largest producers of yams is Nigeria, so it’s no surprise Iyan is a beloved dish. The saying, “yam is food and food is yam” is popular in many parts of the country.

A popular method of preparing yams involves pounding them into a smooth paste. Depending on the ethnic group preparing the dish, the method might vary slightly. Once pounded, the yam is formed into balls, often served alongside soup, such as a vegetable stew. Try making it at home with this great recipe!

2. Ewa Riro (Beans Porridge)

Beans are a staple in Nigerian cuisine due to their abundance. Ewa Riro is a popular dish renowned for its addicting flavors and affordability.

This dish originated from the Yoruba-speaking area of Nigeria, where beans are boiled until soft and then stewed with spices and palm oil. Special ingredients can vary; some may add crayfish, while others prefer smoked fish. Adjust to your liking if you’re making it at home. Use this recipe for your own creation.

To enhance Ewa Riro, consider pairing it with fried plantains or fresh bread.

3. Jollof Rice

You can’t leave Nigeria without trying the classic dish known across many West African countries. Be prepared for Nigeria’s friendly competition with Ghana regarding who makes the best Jollof rice!

The heart of Nigerian Jollof rice lies in its combination of rice, tomatoes, and peppers, often enhanced with prawns, peas, or onions. Typically, it’s served with proteins like minced meat or chicken and may come with a stew or plantains. For an extra kick, enjoy it with Nigerian pepper sauce.

4. Beef Suya (Thin Strips of Seasoned, Grilled Beef)

While exploring Nigeria, you’ll encounter this popular street food. Thin slices of beef, marinated in a tantalizing array of spices, create a mouthwatering experience. Common spices include roasted peanut powder, cayenne, and ginger.

This dish has its roots in the Hausa and Fulani cultures, known for their unique methods of preserving meats. Beef Suya can be found at numerous roadside stalls, typically served with tomatoes, onions, and pepper sauce.

5. Dodo (Fried Plantain)

In Nigerian cuisine, plantains are a versatile ingredient that can be fried, grilled, or dried. The way plantains are cut changes how they’re served; thick slices accompany main dishes, while cubed pieces are deep-fried and enjoyed as appetizers or snacks. Making Dodo only requires plantains and palm oil or vegetable oil.

6. Egusi Soup (Ground Melon Vegetable Soup)

If you seek comfort food that warms the soul, Egusi soup is your answer. This one-pot meal is typically enjoyed with swallows like Fufu or Eba and can also be served over rice.

Some variations use toasted pumpkin seeds to add additional warmth. Often enjoyed with pounded yam, this dish is a great option to try making at home.

7. Nigerian Egg Rolls

Nigerian egg rolls differ significantly from their Asian counterparts. In Nigeria, it’s a boiled chicken egg covered in batter and fried, providing a crisp texture and soft yolk that make it a delightful finger food.

8. Puff Puff (Sweet Deep Fried Dough)

Puff Puff is another delectable fried treat. These sweetened dough balls are fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar, reminiscent of a donut or a beignet.

9. Agege Bread

This bread is a staple in Nigerian meals, serving as a versatile complement rather than the main attraction. Unlike American sandwich bread, Agege bread is denser and is often enjoyed with stews or as a breakfast option with eggs and plantains.

10. Ogbono Soup (Mango Seed Soup)

Known for its unique texture, Ogbono soup is made from blended Ogbono seeds, which translate to mango. Popular in southeastern and southwestern Nigeria, this nutritious soup is always customized according to the chef’s preferences.

11. Akara (Fried Black-Eyed Peas Cake)

If you’re vegetarian and traveling across Africa, Akara is the ideal savory snack made from deep-fried black bean paste with onions and spices. Originally created by the Yoruba tribe, it has become popular throughout West Africa.

12. Nigerian Pound Cake

If you’re craving something sweet, Nigerian pound cake is a must-try. It’s denser and richer than the American version and often appears in celebrations like birthday parties.

13. Moi Moi (Bean Pudding)

Unlike sweet American puddings, Moi Moi is made with black-eyed peas or brown beans, blended with tomato paste, onions, garlic, an assortment of peppers, and spices before being steamed, often wrapped in banana leaves.

14. Nkwobi (Head and Legs of Cow)

Nkwobi, consisting of spicy cow feet or legs, is a unique dish that can be quite spicy, so it’s advisable to inquire about the heat level before ordering. Typically made in Owerri, it’s combined with a spicy oil paste and is exceptionally flavorful.

15. Pepper Soup

If you love spice, Nigerian pepper soup is a must-try. Often made with goat meat, this soup is seasoned with ginger and red chili flakes, delivering a punch of flavor. It’s a central dish in African cuisine that you will want to recreate after trying.

16. Ila Alasepo (Okra Soup)

This okra soup name translates to “okra soup” in Yoruba and can elevate your spirits even on the longest travel days. Depending on the chef, you may experience different consistencies with fresh vegetables often added.

17. Chin Chin (Deep Fried Snack)

For a quick snack while exploring Nigeria, grab some Chin Chin, a crunchy donut-like fried dough that varies in sweetness based on personal recipes.

18. Tomato Stew

A staple in many Nigerian households, tomato stew is versatile and easy to make, often accompanied by various meats. It pairs wonderfully with a large serving of rice for an authentic experience.

19. Chicken Stew

Nigerian chicken stew is nostalgic and packed with flavor, containing roasted peppers, chicken drumsticks, and African spices.

20. Peanut Soup

Peanut soup is a cherished staple in both West Africa and Taiwan, favored for its protein benefits. Many chefs enhance it with beef or chicken, making it a robust dish to enjoy after a long day of travel.

Tasty Travels: Must-Try Nigerian Dishes

Nigeria is rich in breathtaking natural sites and vibrant culture, significantly enhanced by its delicious food. With an array of stews, soups, and fried snacks, you’ll always find flavorful meals. Immerse yourself in the spices as you traverse the lively markets.

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