
Whenever I leave the UK I’m worried I’ll have trouble finding food I like as I’m a strict vegetarian (well… with the exception of pepperoni pizza of course). Before going to Nigeria my cousin read out a long list of Nigerian cuisine to me. I noticed a lot of meat was mentioned (!) but thankfully so was rice, yam, cassava and pudding… mmm pudding.
Below, I’ve listed my favourite Nigerian foods and drinks that everyone, especially Alice who is there, should try. So visit your Nigerian friend, neighbour, restaurant, market stall or book a trip, because what I’ve listed below is delicious and made my 7 month visit worth while.
1. Zobo
Best drink ever. The only way to drink it is ice-cold on a hot day.
Recipe: http://allnigerianfoods.com/zobo-drink
Health rating: good, if you don’t add to much sugar 🙂
2. Akara
The best breakfast around. White beans mashed, spiced and fried.
Recipe: http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/breakfast-recipes/akara-recipe.html
Health rating: not great, nothing ever is when it’s fried 😦
3. Egg stew
Like scrabbled egg but with chilli pepper, tomato and red onion.
Recipe: http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/stews/egg-stew.html
Health rating: Egg-cellent
4. Tomato stew and rice
Simple and delicious. Spicy tomato stew and plain rice.
Recipe: http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/stews/tomato-stew.html
Spice level: you’ll blow your nose at least twice
Health rating: Stew-pendous
5. Chocolate Viju
Chocolate drink called Viju. Great served chilled on a hot day.
Health rating: bad, chocolate is never good unless you run
6. Alewa
Sugar. 100% sugar. Probably why there is no recipe online as all you need is sugar!
Recipe: not found but I did find another lady who is looking for the recipe
Health rating: the worst thing for your health ever
7. Beans and Plantain
Delicious bean porridge served with roasted plantain = pure heaven.
Recipe: http://www.afrolems.com/2011/11/21/recipe-for-nigerian-beans-porridge-and-plantain/
Health rating: top banana
8. Fried yam
Yam pealed, sliced and fried. Also, sometimes dipped in egg before frying.
Recipe: http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/yam/fried-yam.html
Health rating: not great. Fried food never is, even if you run 😦
9. Egosi soup
Egosi seeds mashed and mixed with other ingredients.
Recipe: http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/soups/egusi-soup.html
Health rating: ok-ish, if you ignore the amount of oil 🙂
10. Moi moi
White beans mashed, spiced and boiled in a leaf or bag.
Recipe: http://www.nigerianfoodtv.com/2013/02/nigerian-moi-moi-how-to-make-nigerian.html
Health rating: moi-vellous
11. Masa
Made from rice or guinea corn. Fried in a special pan.
Recipe: http://www.dobbyssignature.com/2014/07/hausa-masa-recipe-rice-puff-puff.html
Health rating: not bad
12. Kuli Kuli
Ground nuts mashed, spiced and rolled into coils or balls. Great snack.
Recipe: http://www.nigerianfoodtv.com/2013/03/kuli-kuli-nigerian-hausa.html
Health rating: Cool x2
Bon Appétit!
Lettice
Very beautiful article by the way. Well done and keep up the good work. Most of the foods are majorly for northerners. I’m sure Alice will have more to share since she’s in the Southwest. How are you doing. Sure you’re doing good
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Hi Tomiisin, I am well thanks. How are you? I am just at home waiting to start working again. Good idea about Alice sharing food from South West Nigeria! I’ll ask her. It will make me very jealous though as I won’t get to taste it!
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My mum used to make me moimoi when I was little! Love it! Glad you enjoyed the food in Nigeria. Now you need to try some Ghanaian food! Ngz x
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I miss moimoi! So yummy 🙂 Yes, I’d love to try Ghanaian food 🙂
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This food is Ghanaian food so what the hell you talking about “you need to try some Ghanaian food?” Kokoo and Beans is Ghanaian and not Nigerian… You must be out your African mind
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I thought it was Nigerian food. Sorry.
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