Nigeria Cuisine
Africa • Western Africa
67 iconic dishes
Signature Nigeria Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(9)
Amala (Nigerian Yam Flour Swallow)
A traditional Nigerian 'swallow' made from dried yam flour (elubo), characterized by its deep brown color and smooth, dough-like texture. It's a staple in Yoruba cuisine, typically served with rich, flavorful soups like Ewedu or Gbegiri.
Amala and Ewedu
A classic Yoruba dish featuring 'amala' (a smooth, dough-like swallow made from yam flour) served with 'ewedu' (a slimy soup made from jute leaves), often accompanied by 'gbegiri' (bean soup) and locust beans for added flavor.
Eba
Eba is a staple Nigerian dish made from fermented cassava flakes (garri) cooked into a stiff dough. It's a 'swallow' food, meaning it's typically eaten by hand, rolled into a ball, and dipped into various rich Nigerian soups like Egusi, Ogbono, or Efo Riro.
Eba (Garri)
Eba, a staple Nigerian dish, is a quick and easy 'swallow' made from fermented cassava flakes (garri). It's a versatile accompaniment to various Nigerian soups and stews.
Fufu (Akpu)
A staple Nigerian 'swallow' made from fermented cassava, resulting in a smooth, stretchy dough with a characteristic mild sourness. It's designed to be eaten with hearty soups.
Gizdodo
A popular Nigerian party dish featuring tender chicken gizzards and sweet fried plantains stir-fried with a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce.
Nigerian Starch (Eba Igbekele)
A smooth, stretchy, and translucent cassava starch swallow, a beloved specialty from the Niger Delta region, traditionally served with rich soups like Banga or White Soup.
Okele (Lafun)
Okele, also known as Lafun, is a staple Nigerian 'swallow' made from fermented cassava flour. It has a smooth, slightly chewy texture and a neutral flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of rich and flavorful Nigerian soups.
Pounded Yam
A smooth, stretchy, and satisfying staple of Nigerian cuisine, traditionally made by pounding boiled yam until it achieves a dough-like consistency. It's often referred to as 'swallow' because it's used to scoop up soups and stews.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(19)
Abacha (African Salad)
A vibrant and flavorful Nigerian salad made from dried cassava flakes, tossed in a rich palm oil dressing with a medley of fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It's a popular dish often served at celebrations and gatherings.
Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)
Akara are delicious and crispy Nigerian bean fritters, often enjoyed as a popular breakfast street food. They are made from blended black-eyed peas, seasoned and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Asun (Spicy Grilled Goat Meat)
A fiery and intensely flavorful Nigerian delicacy, Asun features tender, smoky grilled goat meat coated in a rich, spicy pepper sauce. It's an addictive party snack and a staple at Nigerian celebrations.
Dan Wake (Nigerian Bean Dumplings)
Dan Wake are savory, steamed dumplings made from bean flour, a popular Northern Nigerian street food. They are typically served with a flavorful pepper sauce and a drizzle of palm oil.
Fura de Nunu
A traditional Hausa-Fulani refreshment from Northern Nigeria, featuring soft, steamed millet balls (fura) served in a tangy, fermented milk (nunu) base. This dish is both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, especially on a warm day.
Kilishi (Nigerian Spiced Dried Beef)
Kilishi is a popular Nigerian snack, often described as a Hausa-style dried beef jerky. It's made from very thinly sliced beef that is dried and then coated in a flavorful, spicy paste before being dried again to a crisp.
Kuli Kuli
Kuli Kuli is a popular Nigerian snack made from roasted groundnuts (peanuts). These crunchy, savory cakes are addictive and can be enjoyed on their own or with a beverage. This recipe details how to make them from scratch, including extracting the peanut oil for frying.
Masa (Northern Nigerian Rice Cakes)
Masa are delicious, slightly tangy, and fermented rice cakes originating from Northern Nigeria. They are typically cooked in a special dimpled pan, creating a unique texture. Enjoy them as a snack or side dish, often served with spicy suya or a flavorful pepper soup.
Masa (Waina)
Northern Nigerian fermented rice cakes, often called 'Waina', are delightful, slightly tangy, and subtly sweet fritters. Traditionally made with a fermented rice batter and fried in a specialized dimpled pan, they are a popular breakfast or snack.
Mosa (Nigerian Plantain Fritters)
Deliciously sweet and soft fritters made from mashed overripe plantains, lightly spiced with nutmeg and fried to a golden crisp. Perfect as a snack or a delightful breakfast treat.
Nigerian Chin Chin
A popular Nigerian party snack, these sweet, crunchy fried pastries are addictive and perfect for sharing.
Nigerian Fried Fish (Peppered)
A quintessential Nigerian party dish, this peppered fried fish is incredibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a spicy kick. Perfect as an appetizer or served alongside rice.
Nigerian Meat Pie
A beloved Nigerian savory pastry featuring a flaky, buttery crust encasing a rich, spiced filling of ground beef, potatoes, and carrots. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a satisfying meal.
Nigerian Scotch Egg
A classic Nigerian street food and party snack, this scotch egg features a perfectly boiled egg encased in a flavorful, spiced ground meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to a golden crisp.
Nigerian Small Chops Platter
A quintessential Nigerian party appetizer assortment featuring a variety of fried delights, including puff puff, spring rolls, samosas, chicken wings, and cocktail sausages. This platter is a must-have at any celebration.
Nigerian Spring Rolls
Crispy Nigerian-style spring rolls filled with a savory, spiced vegetable and ground beef mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Nkwobi
A rich and spicy Igbo delicacy, Nkwobi features tender cow foot coated in a vibrant, emulsified palm oil sauce, seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. It's a popular bar snack, often enjoyed with a cold drink.
Peppered Snail
A popular Nigerian delicacy featuring tender, giant African snails simmered in a fiery, aromatic pepper sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a robust bar snack.
Puff Puff
Nigerian Puff Puff are delightful, sweet, and fluffy fried dough balls, a popular and beloved street food. They are quick to make once the dough has risen and are incredibly satisfying.
🍲Soup Dishes(19)
Banga Soup
A rich and flavorful Nigerian soup from the Niger Delta region, made from palm fruit extract and assorted meats/fish, seasoned with traditional spices.
Edikaikong
A rich and flavorful Nigerian vegetable soup, particularly a specialty of the Efik people, made with a vibrant mix of fluted pumpkin leaves (Ugu) and waterleaf. This hearty dish is packed with assorted meats, seafood, and aromatic spices.
Edikang Ikong Soup
A rich and nutritious Nigerian vegetable soup, traditionally made with pumpkin leaves (ugu) and water leaves, simmered with assorted meats and fish. This hearty soup is a staple in Efik and Ibibio cuisine.
Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
A rich and flavorful Yoruba-style spinach stew, Efo Riro is a staple in Nigerian cuisine, made with a blend of vegetables, assorted meats, and a savory pepper base. It's hearty, nutritious, and perfect served with traditional Nigerian 'swallow' dishes.
Egusi Soup
A rich and hearty Nigerian staple, this Egusi soup is made from ground melon seeds, simmered with assorted meats, fish, and vibrant leafy greens. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Egusi Soup (Traditional)
Nigeria's rich and hearty Egusi soup, made from ground melon seeds, is a staple in many households. This recipe focuses on the traditional 'fried' method, resulting in a thick, nutritious soup loaded with assorted meats, fish, and vibrant greens. Its complex flavor profile and satisfying texture make it a celebratory dish.
Ewedu Soup
A traditional Nigerian soup made from jute leaves (Ewedu), known for its slimy texture and rich, earthy flavor. Often served with Gbegiri (beans soup) and Amala.
Gbegiri (Nigerian Bean Soup)
A smooth, thick, and flavorful Nigerian bean soup, traditionally served as part of the 'abula' combination with ewedu and stew. Gbegiri is made from pureed beans and gets its characteristic golden hue and rich flavor from palm oil.
Miyan Kuka (Baobab Leaf Soup)
A traditional Northern Nigerian delicacy, Miyan Kuka is a hearty soup made from dried baobab leaves, known for its unique earthy flavor and characteristic 'draw' or slimy consistency. It's often served with Tuwo Shinkafa (a pounded yam or rice swallow).
Miyan Taushe (Northern Pumpkin Soup)
A rich and creamy Northern Nigerian soup made from pumpkin and groundnuts, often served with Tuwo Shinkafa (rice swallow). This mild, nutritious soup is a staple in Hausa cuisine.
Nigerian Ogbono Soup
A rich and savory Nigerian 'draw soup' made from ground wild mango seeds (ogbono), known for its thick, mucilaginous texture. It's a hearty and comforting dish often served with starchy 'swallows'.
Nigerian Pepper Soup
A deeply flavorful and aromatic Nigerian spicy broth, traditionally made with tender meat or fish. It's renowned for its medicinal qualities and is a comforting dish, especially when feeling unwell or during colder weather.
Nigerian Pepper Soup
A deeply aromatic and invigorating spicy broth, traditionally made with goat meat or catfish, celebrated nationwide for its warming and healing properties.
Nigerian Stewed Beef
A rich and flavorful tomato-based beef stew, a staple in Nigerian cuisine and an essential accompaniment to rice dishes and 'swallow' (pounded yam, fufu, etc.). This recipe focuses on developing deep flavors through careful simmering and frying.
Ofada Stew (Ayamase)
A vibrant and intensely flavorful Nigerian green pepper stew, known for its signature green hue and spicy kick. Traditionally served with Ofada rice, this stew is a staple in many Nigerian households.
Ofe Akwu (Nigerian White Soup)
Ofe Akwu, also known as Nigerian White Soup, is a rich and creamy soup made from the extract of palm fruit. Unlike its red oil counterpart, this soup has a distinct white hue and a delicate flavor profile, making it a beloved delicacy, especially in the Delta State region.
Ofe Nsala (White Soup)
Ofe Nsala, also known as White Soup, is a traditional Igbo delicacy from Nigeria. It is a light, aromatic, and flavorful soup characterized by its absence of palm oil, which gives it a distinct white or pale appearance. This soup is often prepared for nursing mothers and is believed to aid in recovery and milk production.
Oha Soup
A rich and flavorful Igbo specialty from Nigeria, Oha Soup is a celebratory dish often prepared for special occasions. It features tender assorted meats and fish, thickened with cocoyam, and infused with the unique aroma of fresh oha leaves.
Okro Soup
Okra soup, also known as Okro soup, is a popular Nigerian mucilaginous draw soup. It's known for its unique slimy texture and pairs perfectly with various 'swallow' dishes like Eba, Pounded Yam, or Fufu.
🥔Side Dishes(8)
Ewa Agoyin (Mashed Beans with Spicy Palm Oil Sauce)
A beloved Lagos street food classic, Ewa Agoyin features tender mashed beans generously topped with a rich, dark, and intensely flavorful spicy palm oil sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, often enjoyed with crusty bread.
Jollof Rice
West Africa's beloved party rice - a vibrant, flavorful one-pot dish of rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper stew. The source of friendly international rivalry.
Jollof Rice (Nigerian Classic)
The legendary party rice - a deeply flavorful, tomato-based, one-pot dish that's a staple at celebrations across Nigeria and has sparked international culinary debates. This version aims for a smoky, spicy, and intensely savory profile.
Nigerian Fried Rice
A vibrant and flavorful Nigerian classic, this fried rice is a popular alternative to Jollof rice at parties, packed with colorful vegetables and savory chicken liver.
Nigerian Jollof Rice
The legendary party rice – a smoky, deeply flavored, tomato-based one-pot rice dish that is a cornerstone of Nigerian celebrations. This recipe aims to capture that authentic, slightly charred, and intensely delicious flavor.
Ofada Rice and Ayamase
A flavorful and spicy Nigerian dish featuring local Ofada rice served with a rich, smoky green pepper sauce (Ayamase), often accompanied by assorted meats and offal.
Ofada Rice with Ayamase Sauce
A classic Nigerian dish featuring distinctively earthy Ofada rice, known for its unique aroma and texture, served with a vibrant and fiery Ayamase sauce made from green bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers.
Tuwo Shinkafa
A smooth, starchy rice dough, traditionally served as a staple 'swallow' in Northern Nigerian cuisine, perfect for soaking up flavorful soups.
🍰Dessert Dishes(6)
Agege Bread
A classic Nigerian soft, sweet, and slightly dense bread, often sold by street vendors. Its unique texture makes it perfect for tearing and enjoying with various accompaniments.
Dodo (Fried Plantain)
Dodo is a popular Nigerian side dish made from ripe plantains that are fried until sweet, tender, and beautifully caramelized. It's a delightful accompaniment to savory dishes like rice and beans.
Kunun Gyada (Nigerian Groundnut Milk Drink)
A creamy, sweet, and nutritious beverage made from groundnuts and rice, popular in Northern Nigeria, especially during Ramadan.
Moi Moi (Nigerian Steamed Bean Pudding)
A protein-rich and incredibly versatile Nigerian steamed bean pudding, made from blended black-eyed peas, aromatics, and spices. It's a staple that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish.
Moin Moin (Nigerian Bean Pudding)
A savory and protein-rich Nigerian steamed bean cake made from blended black-eyed peas, infused with aromatic peppers and onions, and enriched with palm oil. This dish is a staple in Nigerian cuisine, often served as a side or a light meal.
Zobo (Nigerian Hibiscus Drink)
A vibrant, deep red, tangy, and incredibly refreshing traditional Nigerian drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, accented with pineapple, ginger, and cloves.
🥨Snack Dishes(4)
Boli (Roasted Plantain)
Boli is a popular Nigerian street food made from roasted plantains, often served with groundnuts, grilled fish, or a spicy sauce. The roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the plantain, creating a delicious smoky and sweet flavor.
Isi Ewu (Spicy Goat Head)
Isi Ewu is a highly sought-after Igbo delicacy, featuring tender pieces of goat head simmered in a rich, spicy, and aromatic palm oil-based sauce. This dish is traditionally served hot and is a popular choice for celebrations and social gatherings.
Suya (Authentic Nigerian Street Food)
Experience Nigeria's legendary spiced beef skewers, a beloved street food perfection featuring a fiery 'yaji' spice blend. Traditionally prepared and sold by Hausa vendors at night, this dish offers an unforgettable smoky, spicy, and savory flavor profile.
Suya (Spiced Nigerian Beef Skewers)
Legendary spiced beef skewers, a beloved Nigerian street food traditionally sold at night by Hausa vendors. This recipe captures the authentic smoky, spicy, and nutty flavors of authentic suya.