Nigeria is a country known for its rich culture and diverse traditions. But it’s also famous for its delicious food.
Nigerian food is famous for its spicy and flavorful taste. While many people know about Jollof rice, Nigerian cuisine has a lot more to offer, especially with its tasty soups, stews, and “swallow” foods.
Sadly, Nigerian food isn’t as famous around the world as some other cuisines. But, thanks to Nigerians living in different countries, it’s becoming more well-known
Whether you’re a food lover or just like trying new things, you should definitely taste these top 10 Nigerian dishes.
- Jollof Rice: This is a spicy one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and a mix of tasty spices. It’s a must-have at celebrations and family gatherings.
- Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam or Fufu: It’s a hearty soup made from ground melon seeds, often served with pounded yam or fufu. It has a rich, nutty flavour with leafy vegetables.
- Pepper Soup: A popular spicy soup made with peppers and various meats like goat, chicken, or fish. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day and pairs well with a cold beer.
- Ogbono Soup: This Nigerian stew contains different vegetables, meat, and fish in a thick broth made with ground ogbono seeds. These seeds come from an African tree and have a unique slimy texture when cooked.
- Amala and Ewedu Soup: Ewedu soup is made from jute leaves and is enjoyed by the Yoruba people in Nigeria. It’s common in various parts of Africa and is often paired with Amala, a type of dough.
- Banga Soup: This hearty soup is made from palm nut and is native to the Urhobo people in Nigeria’s Delta State. It’s prepared with fresh palm fruit and various meats and seafood, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.
- Ofada Rice and Stew: Ofada stew is made with palm oil, red bell peppers, locust beans, African crayfish, and various meats. It’s usually served with Ofada rice, which is a special type of rice grown in southwest Nigeria.
- Dodo(Plantain): Dodo is deep-fried and caramelized ripe plantains. You can enjoy them on their own or as a side dish with other Nigerian foods like Jollof rice, white rice, or stewed beans.
- Moi Moi: This is a protein-rich Nigerian dish made with black-eyed peas, onions, and peppers. It’s pureed and then steamed in a mould with banana leaves. Depending on the cook, it can include additional ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, sardines, and more.
- African Salad (Abacha and Ugba): Also known as African salad, this dish is made from dried shredded cassava (Abacha) and fermented African oil bean seeds (ugba). It’s mixed with ingredients like palm oil, dried fish, and various spices. Though filling, it’s often enjoyed as a snack rather than a full meal.
So, if you’re looking for a culinary adventure, these Nigerian delicacies are a great place to start!
