One thing you can’t take away from Nigerians is the fact that we like good food. A typical Nigerian eats well. Our love for food is majorly inspired by the availability of rich cuisines. We have a variety of dishes ranging from jollof rice, Nigerian fried rice, Egusi soup and a host of others.
Top 10 Nigerian Cuisine Dishes
Nigerian cuisines are not just foods but most of them are representations of the rich cultural heritage of the country. This article covers the top 10 Nigerian cuisine dishes.
1. Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is not just a household name in Nigeria but West Africa. It is popular in other West African countries, especially in Ghana but the Nigerian variety is easily the best. Jollof rice is prepared using the long-grain parboiled variety of rice. Aside from the rice which is the major recipe, it is also made with tomato-based sauce with spices, vegetables, and in most cases, chicken or beef. Jollof rice is mostly found in parties and celebrations. You can also get it in restaurants and eateries all over the country.
2. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a general meal but the one in this article is the Nigerian fried rice. The Nigerian fried rice is still different from the regular fried rice you know. To cook your Nigerian fried rice, you need rice, vegetables, and a variety of spices. You can add chicken, shrimp, or other available proteins.
3. Egusi Soup
This is also a Nigerian cuisine that is quite popular. Egusi soup is prepared and eaten in almost every roadside eatery and restaurant. It easily sits top of the list of Nigerian soups. The thick and hearty soup is prepared with ground melon seeds, leafy vegetables, and meat or fish. It has a rich and nutty flavor and is often served with fufu or pounded yam.
4. Suya
If you love the nightlife, then you should probably a whole lot about Suya. Suya is made from skewered and grilled meat coated with spicy peanut sauce and it is classified under Nigerian street foods. Suya is sold by the road, especially at night and can be taken as a snack and appetizer.
5. Pounded Yam
This is the king of all Nigerian cuisines. Made from pounding yam until is stretched and smooth, this starchy dish is quite popular in Nigerian homes. It is mostly served with Egusi soup, vegetable soup and any other Nigerian soups.
6. Akara
Akara, a staple Nigerian cuisine, is prepared using black-eyed peas or cowpeas. This bean cake has a crispy exterior and a tender interior, making it a popular choice for breakfast or snacking. Akara can be served with pap popularly called Akamu or any soft drink.
7. Semo and Egusi Soup
Semo, a widely enjoyed Nigerian swallow, is prepared from semolina; a wheat flour. It is often served alongside a creamy and flavorful egusi soup or any other Nigerian soup. This cuisine is mostly sold in Nigerian eateries and restaurants.
8. Pepper Soup
Nigerian pepper soup is a peppery and delectable dish prepared with various meats such as goat, chicken, or fish, seasoned with hot peppers, spices, and aromatic herbs. It is believed to possess medicinal properties. Pepper soup can be eaten with any kind of meal.
9. Plantain and Beans
Plantains are a staple in Nigerian cooking, and they are much of the time seared or bubbled and filled in as a side dish. Plantain and beans is a famous mix, where ready plantains are cooked with beans in a tomato-based sauce.
10. Chinchinga (Nigerian Kebabs)
Chinchinga, like Suya, is pierced and barbecued meat kebabs. They are frequently prepared with a mix of flavors and presented with a hot plunging sauce.
