Nigeria, a West African country home to over 200 million people, boasts remarkable cultural diversity with over 300 ethnic groups. This diversity is reflected in its cuisine, which combines bold flavours, unique ingredients, and rich traditions. From spicy stews to savoury snacks, traditional Nigerian foods are as eclectic as the country itself, making them cherished both at home and across the world.
Here’s a look at 21 traditional Nigerian dishes worth exploring:
Jollof Rice
Often considered Nigeria’s national dish, jollof rice is a vibrant one-pot meal. Made with rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, and rich spices like curry, thyme, and bay leaves, this dish is a celebration of flavor. It’s commonly served with fried plantains and meat for a true taste of Nigerian cuisine.
Tuwo Shinkafa
A staple in northern Nigeria, tuwo shinkafa is a soft rice-based side dish. The cooked rice is mashed into a sticky paste before being shaped into balls. Pair it with soups like banga or egusi for a typical Nigerian meal.
Fufu
Widely popular, fufu is a starchy side made from cassava, plantains, or yams. It’s boiled, pounded, and shaped into dough-like portions that are perfect for dipping into stews and soups.
Afang Soup
This vegetable-based dish is made with afang leaves (often substituted with spinach abroad), dried fish, crayfish, and palm oil. It’s hearty, highly nutritious, and loved by many Nigerians.
Eba
Made from cassava flour and water, eba is another starchy staple, often served as a complementary dish for Nigerian soups. Its slightly grainy texture pairs perfectly with flavourful stews.
Efo Riro
The Yoruba people’s classic vegetable soup features spinach, pumpkin leaves, and proteins like fish or crayfish. Served with fufu or eba, efo riro is both delicious and nourishing.
Nkwobi
This spicy meat dish, traditionally made with cow legs, is a bar favourite in Nigeria. The flavour-packed stew is best enjoyed with a cold drink.
Ogbono Soup
Made from ground ogbono seeds (wild mango), this soup often includes leafy greens, fish, and spicy palm oil. Its rich, nutty taste makes it a household favourite.
Suya
A signature street food, suya is skewered, grilled meat coated in a spicy peanut-based rub. Packed with incredible heat and flavour, suya is a must-try.
Moin Moin
This delicate steamed pudding is made with puréed black-eyed peas, peppers, and onions. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Fried Plantains (Dodo)
A sweet and delectable side dish, fried plantains need just oil and salt to transform them into crispy perfection. Dip them in rich sauces for a satisfying bite.
Egusi Soup
This protein-rich soup is made with ground melon seeds, leafy greens, and fish or meat. Paired with fufu or eba, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Ewedu Soup
Known for its slimy texture, ewedu soup is made from jute leaves. Often paired with amala, the dish is a specialty of the Yoruba people.
Akara (Bean Cakes)
Deep-fried fritters of black-eyed peas, akara are popular as a breakfast food or snack. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a light yet satisfying option.
Pepper Soup
This fiery dish is a quintessential Nigerian comfort food. Infused with spices like calabash nutmeg and uziza seeds, it’s enjoyed with goat, fish, or chicken.
Ofada Rice and Ayamase
Native to southwestern Nigeria, Ofada rice is an earthy, locally grown variety often served with ayamase (a spicy green bell pepper sauce). Together, they make a flavour-packed dish.
Ewa Agoyin
This mashed black-eyed pea dish comes with a rich, caramelized pepper sauce that’s bold and smoky. It’s a street food favourite in Lagos.
Okro Soup
Okra gives this soup its signature slimy texture, creating a hearty dish loaded with greens and meat. Serve it with fufu for a traditional meal.
Puff Puff
Soft, golden, and sweet, puff puff is a deep-fried favourite that’s loved at gatherings. Made with flour, sugar, yeast, and water, its simplicity is what makes it so delightful.
Chin Chin
Crunchy and satisfying, chin chin is a fried dough snack flavoured with sugar and nutmeg. Often enjoyed at parties, it’s a nostalgic treat for many Nigerians.
Zobo Drink
Made from dried hibiscus leaves, zobo is a refreshing, tart drink often spiced with ginger and cloves. It’s as vibrant in taste as it is in colour.
Nigerian Street Food and Beyond
The bustling streets of Lagos are alive with the aromas of street food vendors offering some of Nigeria’s most iconic dishes. Akara for breakfast, puff puff as a snack, and nkwobi for an evening meal are just a few examples of the incredible variety available.
Creating these dishes at home can open the door to Nigerian culture and flavours. Whether you choose to try suya skewers or a bowl of egusi soup, there’s a dish to suit every palate.
Discover Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage through these traditional recipes and make them part of your own kitchen today.