If there’s one thing Nigerians are proud of, it’s their food. Nigerian cuisine is bold, colourful, and packed with flavours that tell the story of its people. Whether it’s the smoky aroma of party jollof rice, the comforting taste of egusi soup, or the crunch of puff-puff from a street vendor, each dish carries a piece of culture, tradition, and pure joy. If you’re new to Nigerian food, or you grew up on it, but want to rediscover your favourites, here’s a list of 10 must-try common foods:
1. Jollof rice
No Nigerian food list seems complete without jollof rice. This one-pot dish of rice cooked in a rich blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices is the king of party meals. Nigerian jollof has a signature smoky taste that comes from being cooked over fire, and it’s often served with fried plantain, grilled chicken, or beef. If you ever attend a Nigerian wedding, try “party jollof” – you’ll understand why it’s legendary.
2. Egusi soup
Egusi soup is hearty, nutty, and deeply satisfying. Made from melon seeds, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish, it’s usually enjoyed with a “swallow” like pounded yam, eba, or semovita. Every household has its twist on egusi, but one thing is constant, it’s always rich and filling.
3. Suya
Suya is Nigeria’s most famous street food, grilled skewers of spicy beef, chicken, or ram, coated in ground peanut spice mix called “yaji.” Sold mostly in the evenings by roadside vendors, suya is smoky, spicy, and addictive. Pair it with fresh onions and tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbage, and you’re in food ‘heaven’.
4. Pounded yam and nsala soup
Pounded yam is a smooth, stretchy swallow that pairs beautifully with soups. One of the best combos is with Nsala soup, also known as “white soup,” made with catfish and flavoured with spices like uda. This is soul food at its finest.
5. Moi-moi
Moi Moi is a protein-packed steamed bean pudding made with ground beans, peppers, and onions. It’s often enriched with fish, egg, or corned beef. Nigerians enjoy it as a side to jollof rice or even on its own for breakfast.
6. Puff-puff
Think of puff-puff as Nigeria’s answer to doughnuts, small, golden-brown balls of fried dough, slightly sweet, and fluffy inside. They’re the life of every street corner and party snack table. Once you pop one, you won’t stop.
7. Afang soup
Originating from the Efik and Ibibio people, afang soup is made with afang, wild spinach, leaves and waterleaf. Rich, earthy, and often cooked with assorted meats, stockfish, or periwinkle, it’s a true taste of the Niger Delta.
8. Akara
Akara are fried bean cakes made from black-eyed peas blended with peppers and onions. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re a popular breakfast option, usually served with pap, fermented corn pudding, or bread.
9. Boli (roasted plantain) and fish
In Port Harcourt and many parts of the country, boli isn’t just food – it’s a festival. Roasted ripe plantains served with grilled fish and spicy pepper sauce are a beloved street delicacy. It’s smoky, hot, and incredibly satisfying.
10. Chin-chin
Chin-chin is a crunchy snack made from fried dough cut into small cubes or strips. Slightly sweet and crispy, it’s the perfect anytime snack and a staple at Nigerian social gatherings.
Final thoughts
Nigerian food isn’t just about eating, it’s about experiencing culture through taste. From the firewood aroma of jollof rice to the peppery kick of suya, each dish tells a story of tradition, family, and celebration. So, whether you’re visiting Nigeria or exploring recipes at home, make it a mission to try these 10 foods. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with those cuisines.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the most popular Nigerian food?
The most popular Nigerian food is jollof rice, a one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s the star of parties and weddings, known for its rich, smoky flavour.
2. Is Nigerian food spicy?
Yes, Nigerian food is generally spicy. Dishes like suya, pepper soup, and jollof rice use chili peppers and spices for bold flavours. However, spice levels can be adjusted to suit your taste.
3. What Nigerian foods are vegetarian or vegan?
Many Nigerian meals are plant-based. Dishes like moi moi (bean pudding), puff-puff (fried dough balls), and vegetable-based soups such as afang soup (without meat) are naturally vegan-friendly.
4. What is a typical Nigerian breakfast?
A typical Nigerian breakfast includes meals like akara and pap (bean cakes with fermented corn pudding), yam and egg sauce, or bread with moi-moi. These meals are hearty and filling.
5. What snacks are popular in Nigeria?
Popular Nigerian snacks include puff-puff, chin-chin, buns, kuli-kuli (groundnut sticks), and suya (spiced grilled meat). They’re widely enjoyed as street food and at social gatherings.
6. What makes Nigerian cuisines unique?
Nigerian cuisines are unique because of bold flavours, use of spices, and diversity across regions. From coastal seafood stews to northern grilled meats, every dish reflects the culture, tradition, religion, and history of the people.
