Nigerian food is simply out of this world. I want to show you that nobody infuses flavor, spices, and love into their foods like Nigerians! In this post, I will share 9 popular foods to eat during your trip!
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This is the third post in the Nigeria travel series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Nigeria Travel Series
Bucket List: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nigeria At Least Once
Travel Guide: The Ultimate Lagos, Nigeria Travel Guide: For First-Time Visitors
Food: 9 Popular Foods To Eat In Nigeria
Packing Guide: The Complete Packing List for Your Trip to Nigeria
Travel Tips: 13 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Lagos, Nigeria
Inspiration: 15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Nigeria
Tourist Visa: 5 Tips for U.S. Citizens Applying for a Nigerian Tourist Visa
Lagos: 11 Best Things To do in Lagos
My Story: Homegoing: Three Times A Charm
Travel Itinerary: How to spend 5-day in Lagos, Nigeria
9 Mouthwatering Traditional Nigerian Dishes You Must Try
Jollof Rice
I felt it was only right to start with one of Nigeria’s most popular staple foods. There’s nothing like Naija jollof rice! This tomato-based onion and pepper rice will awaken your tastebuds.
Jollof rice is a party favorite and is usually served with vegetables, chicken, beef or fried fish, and fried plantains. Different variations of Jollof rice are popular in other West African countries, especially Ghana.
I will reserve my comments about Ghanian Jollof because I’ve never tried it, but I stand with my opinion when I say Naija jollof rice is and will always be the reigning champion.
To sample the best Jollof rice in Lagos, go to The Place Restaurant in Ikoyi.
Egusi Stew
Yum, Egusi stew! I can’t help but salivate at the thought of this yummy southeastern stew! This delicious and nutritious soup is made with melon seeds, palm oil, spinach (or whatever vegetable you prefer), peppers, tomatoes, beef, cow skin, fish, and spices.
The burst of flavors of the soup complements each other so well, making you want to eat more! I usually like to eat my Egusi with fufu (cassava meal) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! If fufu isn’t your thing, you can also eat your soup with garri (cassava meal), rice, or yam.
I promise you; there isn’t a party or event where Egusi stew is not served! If you’re visiting Lagos, go to Utazi Kitchen and Bar to try one of the best southeastern Nigerian cuisines!
Pepper Soup
This soup is also famous in Nigeria and West African countries. Pepper soup is one of my favorite soups! The combination of spices mixed with onions, chili pepper, ginger, habanero peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of meat, including my favorite catfish!
Have a stuffy nose or head cold? This light yet flavorful spicy soup will clear out your sinuses with the quickness. I prefer eating my pepper soup with boiled yams and plantains. I love this soup because it’s jammed packed with nutrients, such as iron, zinc, potassium, and vitamins.
Nigerian soups are always healthy and hearty too! Although the soup can also be served with potatoes and bread. If you don’t like spicy foods, I am afraid this soup isn’t for you, but if you’re open to trying new foods, Pepper soup is a dish you must try! If you happen to be staying in Lekki Phase 1, go to Grind Grill Cafe (Wolly’s Mall) for the tastiest Pepper soup in Lagos!
Suya (Spicy Grilled Kebab)
Oh man, where do I begin with suya? We have a serious love thing going on, and when I am home, the first thing I need aside from a Star beer is suya!! If you don’t try anything on this list, you MUST try suya at least once!
This flavorful traditional street food hails from northern Nigeria and is made by grilling pieces of skewered meat (beef or ram) with salt, onions, ground peanut, pepper, and other spices.
The spices give the suya an extra kick and burst of flavors, which I love! The options for getting Suya in Lagos are endless; here are the top 5 suya spots around Lagos. You will also find street vendors grilling suya at night, which is my favorite way to enjoy my suya.
Moi Moi
Be prepared for your taste buds to have a party in your mouth! Moi Moi is another favorite and popular dish in Nigeria! It’s made with blended black eye peas, tomatoes, pepper, salt, spices, fish, or crayfish. This Nigerian staple is packed with protein and can be eaten alone or with soaked garri.
Chin Chin
This deep-fried Nigerian snack is one of my favorites! It’s the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy. Chin Chin is made with flour, milk, sugar, butter, and vegetable oil. You can usually find chin chin at parties or when visiting friends and family.
Puff Puff
This sweet fried dough ball is another favorite! It’s made from flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, and vegetable oil. Puff-puffs are fried to perfection and are a tasty treat you must try during your visit! These sweet morsels are usually garnished with vanilla and cinnamon or chocolate.
Ogbono Soup
If you haven’t noticed, soups in Nigeria are a staple. Aside from Egusi and Okra soup, Ogbono is another favorite of mine. My mouth waters every time my aunt makes this hearty and delectable stew!
The soup hails from the Southeastern part of Nigeria and is a favorite among the Igbo people (my tribe!). It’s made with blended African mango seeds, palm oil, vegetables, spices, meat, and fish and simmered in a light, delicious broth. The soup has a slimy texture similar to okra.
I like to eat my soup with a side of fufu (cassava meal), but you can also enjoy your soup with pounded yam. Like most Nigerian soups, Ogbono is loaded with lots of health benefits, such as being rich in fat, protein, iron, fiber, zinc, vitamins, potassium, and calcium, to name a few. The combination of flavors and spices is finger-licking good, and I promise you’ll enjoy this soup!
Pounded Yam
This popular food, predominately from the Yoruba people, is similar to mashed potatoes. Iyan or pounded yam is essential; many mashed yam pieces together using a blender or mixer. The end result is a smooth, sticky dough making it the perfect side dish for stews and soups.
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
While this isn’t an exhausted list of the variety of tasty foods you should try during your visit to Nigeria, it’s a start! Our food is flavorful, and your taste buds will thank you three times over for being introduced to some of the best flavors in the world.
What’s the first food on this list that you will try?
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