Nigerian Cuisine: A Complete Guide in 12 Emblematic Dishes

Nigerian cuisine is one of the richest and most diverse in West Africa. Born of more than 250 ethnic groups (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani), it unfolds an aromatic palette unique in the world. For the Nigerian diaspora in France, Belgium and Switzerland, it is a living heritage passed down from generation to generation. Here is our complete guide in 12 must-try dishes, from the iconic jollof rice to the little-known Igbo soups.

1. Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is THE iconic dish of Nigeria, rice simmered in a spicy tomato sauce that fuels the friendly rivalry with Ghana and Senegal.

• Cooking: 45 minutes in a covered pot
• Signature: a crust at the bottom called party jollof

Discover our complete jollof rice recipe.

2. Egusi Soup

A soup of ground melon seeds, milky and thick, served with cassava paste or rice. The Sunday family dish par excellence.

3. Pepper Soup

A spicy broth with catfish or goat, flavoured with uziza leaves and ehu berries. Reputed to be restorative in case of a cold.

4. Suya

Spicy skewers with yaji, a blend of roasted peanut and chilli. A beloved evening snack in the north of the country. See our Nigerian suya recipe.

5. Akara

Fritters of ground black-eyed beans, fried in oil. A traditional breakfast served with pap (corn porridge).

6. Moin Moin

A black-eyed bean pudding with chilli and hard-boiled eggs, steamed in leaves. See our moin moin recipe.

7. Boli

Ripe plantain grilled over charcoal, served with peanut sauce. An iconic street food of the big cities.

8. Ogbono Soup

An Igbo soup based on ogbono seeds that naturally thicken the broth, garnished with smoked fish and meat.

9. Efo Riro

A Yoruba spinach stew with smoked fish, palm oil and locust beans (iru). A Sunday family dish.

10. Chin Chin

Small fried biscuits flavoured with nutmeg, served at celebrations and as a snack.

11. Puff Puff

Sweet puffed fritters, the Nigerian version of doughnuts. Served at celebrations and religious festivals.

12. Banga Soup

A palm-nut soup from the Niger Delta, flavoured with obeletientien herbs. An emblem of the cuisine of the south-east.

Where to buy Nigerian ingredients in France?

NKOSI offers a selection of West African ingredients with fast delivery in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg: egusi seeds, peanut paste, yaji spices, kankan spice, and more. The selection is constantly expanded to serve the diaspora with authenticity.

Conclusion

Nigerian cuisine is an infinite culinary universe, combining simplicity and depth. Start with jollof rice and suya, then venture towards the Igbo and Yoruba soups. To explore further, see our guide to traditional African cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nigeria's national dish?

Officially there isn't one, but jollof rice is considered the most representative dish of Nigeria, followed by egusi soup and suya.

Is Nigerian cuisine very spicy?

Yes, scotch bonnet chilli is very present. You can adapt the recipes by reducing or removing the chilli; the taste will remain authentic thanks to the other spices.

Where to buy Nigerian ingredients in France?

The NKOSI online grocery on nkosiagro.com offers a complete selection of Nigerian and West African ingredients with fast delivery in France and Europe.