Crystalbeds Blog

7 Nigerian meals you should taste

Because of our rich cultural diversity and heritage, It is safe to say that Nigeria has one of the best and amazing cuisines which can be considered to be among the best in Africa.

Though there are other African countries that share similar traditions and recipes, Nigeria has the total package when it comes to food!

So post COVID-19, if you planning a trip to Nigeria or within Nigeria and looking for something to do, one fun idea or activity you have to include in your itinerary without a doubt is to try out the food.

As a multi-ethnic country, Nigeria has fabulous delicacies. From the east, west, north and south to every corner in-between the country, we have a plethora of spice-rich well-flavored dishes that bring Nigerians together

In fact, you would be doing yourself bad if you don’t indulge in some of the tasty range of flavors sold by street food vendors, restaurants or in the homes of local Nigerians.

Today, Kamsy’s Blog has carefully selected some of the best street foods Nigeria has to offer. From simple street food you can eat on-the-go” to the more luxurious ones during celebrations.

So here are some of the greatest street dishes of Nigeria

Abacha & Ugba: Also known as ‘African Salad’, Abacha and Ugba can be eaten as a meal or snack. Abacha is made from dried shredded Cassava while Ugba is made from fermented African oil bean seed. Many people eat it as a meal because it fills up your tummy just like any other meal. This meal is well-known in the Eastern part of Nigeria, among the Igbo tribes and they love it.

But it has started to gain popularity among other tribes.

Suya: This is a skewer of spicy meat (typically beef or chicken) that is very popular. It is available throughout the country and also very affordable, quick and tasty. It can be found in abundance as street food where sellers can barely make enough to supply demand!

Made with a mixture of spices to make a marinade called Yaji, every Nigerian has their own variation. Ingredients used to make the yaji include ground peanut, garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, and chili pepper.

After marinating, the skewers are then barbecued or grilled before being eaten hot. Yum 😋

Rice cakes (masa): These are a northern Nigerian delicacy, particularly among the Hausa tribe. Made with rice and just a few other ingredients, this dish is easy and inexpensive to prepare. It is nutritious, delicious and filling, and its fluffy yumminess can be enjoyed alone or with a sauce known as MIYAN TAUSHE.

Afang soup: Afang soup is one of the native soups eaten by those from the Akwa Ibom/Cross River state. It is a nutritious vegetable soup made from Afang leaves and other leafy vegetables such as utazi leaf and it has become very popular in Nigeria that even non natives of this states also prepare the sop in their private home or eat it in restaurants.

The soup can be very versatile and people add other ingredients to their own taste such as beef, crayfish, periwinkle, onion and seasonings. (In a subsequent post, I’ll write on how it is prepared)

Efo Riro: It is mostly popular in Western Nigeria where it is widely consumed due to its health benefits and hearty flavors. The main ingredient in efo riro is spinach as well as locust bean, crayfish, blended peppers, palm oil and onion.

There are lots of variations on the dish, you can add a range of additional meats, fish or vegetables as well as different seasonings.

Amala & Ewedu: Amala and Ewedu soup is one of the staple Nigerian meals, mostly eaten by the Yoruba tribes, especially people from Oyo State, but it is appreciated by other tribes.

Ewa Agoyin: This is a very popular street food, especially in Lagos. It is made by boiling beans until it’s really soft then you mash it. This delicious meal is usually accompanied by a spicy stew which is usually referred to as Ewa Agoyin Stew.

This recipe came to Nigeria through the Agoyin People from Cotonou an