Best Traditional Nigerian Dishes Every Foodie Will Love in the Country
Nigeria is also home to friendly and welcoming people. Nigerians have an interesting culture and hundreds of languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, Hausa, Edo, Ibibio, Tiv, and English.
Located on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is a wonderful country with diverse geography and climates ranging from arid to humid equatorial. Tourists love visiting this country because aside from the attractive places they can witness here, Nigeria is also home to friendly and welcoming people. Nigerians have an interesting culture and hundreds of languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, Hausa, Edo, Ibibio, Tiv, and English. If you think those are enough reasons to include Nigeria to your bucket list, wait till you see our list of the best dishes this country has to offer. Food enthusiast or not, I am sure you are going to drool over these mouthwatering traditional dishes you can taste in Nigeria.
Egusi Soup
You will find many popular soups in Nigerian culture. One of them is the egusi soup. This savory soup is characterized by egusi or melon seeds. Egusi can be found all over the country but its name changes depend on a tribe. Some tribes call it Efo Elegusi, some call it Ofe Egusi. But no matter what they call it, it still remains delicious. The soup normally contains melons seeds and dry fish. Some people add vegetables and other seasonings to make it tastier.
Efo Riro
If you like vegetable stew, you will absolutely love Efo Riro. This dish is from the Yoruba tribe that is usually made with Efo Shoko or Efo Tete, two green vegetables. It is obvious that we cannot access the ingredients everywhere but we can use other green vegetables such as kale or spinach as a substitute. This vegetable stew also has different kinds of meat and fish. The most common meat Nigerians used to make this stew are smoked fish, dry fish, beef, and cow tripe. Chili peppers and other leafy vegetables are also added to make the stew more delicious. Efo Riro is typically served with pounded yam.
Dodo
People in the islands call it plantains but it is referred to as dodo when it comes to Nigerian dishes. This dish can be served as a snack or served with meat dishes. Whichever way you want to eat it, you will surely ask for more. This is a simple dish but so luscious.
Suya
Calling all meat lovers out there! Here is a super tasty Nigerian dish that you will definitely enjoy. Suya is a meat dish (chicken, beef, or ram) that is marinated before barbequed. Peanut flavors are typically associated with this dish and with some spices such as onion powder, garlic, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Suya skewers are a famous street food that you can eat on their own, no need to partner them with other dishes.
Afang Soup
Another famous soup dish in Nigeria that is not only healthy but also super yummy. As its name suggests, Afang soup is made mostly of Afang leaves. Other ingredients are meats like beef, ground crayfish, dry fish, and Kanda. And because this is a nutritious meal, it can be an alternative to most meals especially if you have just started a healthy diet.
Moi Moi
This dish is similar to pounded yam but it is not usually served with other meals. It is like a Nigerian cornbread, a bean-based dish. with black-eyed peas at the center. Moi Moi is made by mixing ground crayfish, stock cubes, chili peppers, and different spices. Some people add bone marrow, boiled eggs, or corned beef to add a twist.
Did I just hear your stomach growl? I can feel you. These dishes can make anyone hungry even just by looking at them in photos. The next time you plan your travel, include Nigeria to your list, and do not forget to try any of these delicious dishes.
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