I consider myself a lowkey foodie. I go crazy for flavors and tastes from all around the world, but when I think back, my love for food was undoubtedly cultivated by my culture. If you’ve ever stepped into a proper Nigerian home, you know you’re going to eat! And I don’t mean nibbling on a charcuterie board—I’m talking about rich soups, perfectly seasoned rice, flavorful meats, and so much more. Food isn’t just sustenance in Nigerian households; it’s a love language.
This past Holiday in Nigeria felt like a never-ending feast. Imagine waking up and being asked what you’d like for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day… you blink and the food magically appears. I Dream of Jeannie has nothing on a Nigerian woman! There’s no such thing as missing a meal around Nigerians, oh no, someone might think you’re sick! Our culture is rich in so many ways, but I believe our food is one of its greatest treasures.
I have to admit, I might be biased, but my mom is hands-down the greatest cook on the planet. She pours love and time into every dish, until it’s perfect. I’ve watched my mom carefully layer the flavors of, and simmer stew for days- a meal that takes most only a few hours to prepare. Growing up, we didn’t have much, but my mother’s cooking made me feel like we were the richest family in the world. Nigerian meals connect me to my roots—they’re comfort, tradition, and a reflection of my childhood all wrapped into one.
I’m so passionate about our culture, and especially our food, that I wanted to take you on a little journey with me. Consider this a virtual food tour of some of my favorite Nigerian dishes. And if you don’t have a chef for a mother like I do, or if you’re not quite ready to try making these dishes yourself (it’s taken me years to work up the courage!), then let this inspire you to “research” the best Nigerian or West African restaurants near you.
Alright, enough talking—let’s dig in!
Ekpang Nkukwo
This is easily one of my all-time favorite dishes! Ekpang Nkukwo is a true labor of love, and you can feel its warm embrace with every bite. This rich and savory pottage, made with grated cocoyam, is wrapped in leafy greens and simmered in a flavorful mix of spices, meats, and palm oil. One of my fondest memories of this dish is making it with my mom for my cousin’s (who’s more like a sister to me) wedding. It was such a joyous and special time, and the excitement on my mother’s face as she prepared the dish is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Fish Pepper Soup
Get your tissues ready, cause you’re gonna need um kids! This dish lives up to its name. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, don’t even look at this soup. With a mere glance, the pepper will enter your eyes lol. Now for the rest of us, this soup is everything! While it’s enjoyed on any occasion, Fish Pepper Soup is also cherished for its healing qualities—it’s often recommended after childbirth, surgery, or even for soothing a common cold. Bursting with flavor and warmth, it’s a dish that nourishes both the body and soul, and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.
Akara and Custard
I didn’t grow up eating Akara, and to be honest, the first time I saw it, I thought it was a chicken nugget. While visiting Nigeria, I noticed my mom frequently asking family members to make it for her. One day, I decided to steal one from her plate, and WOW!!! Now unlike other Nigerian dishes, the flavors in Akara – a golden-brown bean fritter, are much more subtle. But there’s something about the combination of the Akara with custard, or ogi, that lends itself to be the perfect pairing of savory and sweet. In an instant, this dish went from nonexistent in my life to an absolute favorite!
Afang Soup
Fufu is one of the most popular Nigerian staples, and the variety of soups to pair with it is endless. Of them all, Afang always has and will forever be my absolute favorite. This hearty vegetable dish, made with afang leaves and waterleaf, is slow-cooked with a rich blend of assorted meats, fish, and a flavorful palm oil base. Afang is to Nigerians what collard greens is to African Americans-a beloved, comforting classic. This soup is a staple in any household!
Black-Eyed Pea Porridge
I think a lot of people sleep on black-eyed pea porridge. It may not be one of the more popular dishes, but that doesn’t make it any less wonderful! This comforting dish features soft-cooked black-eyed peas simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. When eating it, don’t forget to add plantain for the perfect combination. Side note: Plantain is always a good idea! *In my best Bubba Gump voice—“You can fry it, boil it, sauté it.”* Trust me, this dish deserves more love!
Suya
Now if you want to take your taste buds on a joyride, Suya is the way to go! No matter which meat you choose, Suya spices will leave you wanting more. These thinly sliced, spiced, and grilled meat skewers, coated in a peanut spice blend, deliver a smoky, slightly nutty kick that’s absolutely irresistible. You can enjoy it on its own, with rice, or however you like—it’s always a win. And if you really want to kick those flavors up a notch, wash it down with a cold carbonated beverage… thank me later!
Nigerian cuisine is so much more than just food—it’s a celebration of culture, heritage, and love. Each dish tells a story, connecting us to generations before us and bringing people together around the table. Whether you’re savoring the smoky spice of suya, the comforting warmth of pepper soup, or the rich flavors of afang soup, every bite is a reminder of the richness of Nigerian traditions. I hope this journey through my favorite dishes inspires you to explore and embrace the beauty of Nigerian food, whether in your own kitchen or at a local restaurant. And who knows? You might just discover a new favorite dish that keeps you coming back for more.
Until our next Runway my loves… keep strutting through life, one meal at a time!
