13 Nigerian Foods You Need To Eat In Your Lifetime

Food - one of the greatest gifts ever given to man.

More than a necessity for life, it is a luxury. An experience. A good time. There is no feeling quite like the one of putting something very delicious in your mouth especially for the first time and lavishing how much it tastes. It's a feeling like no other.

While there are many foods across many different cultures, there's no food quite as rich, tasty, and unique as Nigerian food.

Today we'll be counting down 23 Nigerian foods you just have to try at some point in your lifetime. Are you ready to dig in? Then let's go!

**Before reading on, please make sure to like and follow my Facebook page (Jide Okonjo) so you don't miss out on any new and interesting lists, articles, and stories that I post every single day. I have a really fun page. If you like my page, you will have fun too. So what's stopping you? Like my page and let's have fun together!

1. Party Jollof Rice

Not just any kind of jollof rice, but Nigerian party jollof rice. In the argument of what kind of jollof rains supreme, there is no contesting - Nigerian party jollof rice takes the win every. single. time.

It is a must-try at least once in your lifetime.

2. Puff Puff

One of the most popular local snacks in Nigeria, puff puff is a staple snack at most occasions not only because of the quantity per serve but also because the exquisite rich full taste.

It is definitely another must-try.

3. Agidi Jollof

Popular especially in primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, Agidi Jollof is quite the experience. Wrapped in uma leaves, Agidi Jollof is a meal enjoyed by many as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack.

It is a definite must-try at least once in your life.

4. Isi Ewu

Isi Ewu which translates directly to goat head in English is a Nigerian delicacy enjoyed from time to time as a 'treat', and what a treat it is! Made from goat head, Isi Ewu is a tasty, savory experience that will have you licking your fingers and asking for more bowls in no time.

It is 100% a must-try at least once in your life.

5. Pap

Usually eating with milk and sugar, pap (or akamu or ogi) is an experience all on its own. While it can be eaten on its own, pap is usually best paired with akara or bread and is a wonderful delight you must try at least once in your life.

6. Onunu

A south-south dish, onunu (or temburu) is a dish made with boiled overripe plantains and yam pounded together with palm oil. The result is a very sweet yet savory swallow that can be enjoyed totally on its own but is best paired with hot pepper soup.

7. Suya

This list will not be complete without me mentioning one of the most popular street foods in the country, suya. For the full experience, suya is best bought by a malam at the roadside after 7pm. It is an experience that words cannot explain.

8. Abacha

Abacha (or African salad) is a popular food in the Eastern part of Nigeria. It is almost a waste of transport to go to the east without bringing back some African salad. This delicacy is an experience that must be tried at least once in a person's life.

9. Bole

Bole (or roasted plantain) is another popular street food. Bole can serve as snack, breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is also a treat you can give to just about anybody. Best served with stew or oil and roasted fish, bole is definitely a delicacy one must try at least once in their life.

10. Akara

Akara (or bean cake) is another Nigerian delicacy that is mouth watering. Best eaten hot and fresh, akara is a savory dish that can be eaten on its own but is best served with hot pap. It is an experience one must try at least once in their life.

11. Tuwo Shinkafa

A food popular in Northern Nigeria, Tuwo Shinkafa is a one of a kind dish made out of local rice and eaten with soup. It is a wonderful dish and should be tried at least once in a lifetime.

12. Moi Moi

Moi moi is another staple food in Nigeria for all the right reasons. Made with beans, moi moi is a very special delicacy that is best enjoyed with pap or custard. Savory and smooth, moi moi is unlike anything you've ever eaten and is undoubtedly an experience one must try at least once in their life.

13. Nigerian Stew

There are no words that I could ever use to describe the experience of Nigerian stew. It is by far one of the most common dishes and is eaten practically everyday by thousands of families across the nation - for good reason. Stew is the perfect spread for everything. Rice, yam, beans, bread, there is almost no dish you cannot eat with stew - and guess what, the stew will almost always amp up the experience of any dish you serve it with. By far one of the most versatile foods in the country, Nigerian stew is definitely an experience one must enjoy.

I hope you go out and try some of these if you haven't already. As you can see, I made it a point to not include any soups in this list because with the number of soups in Nigeria, that would have to be a whole other list. Still, I am curious to see which of these you like best, how many you've had and which ones you're looking to try.

That's All.

I hope you’ve had fun. Don’t forget to like my page (Jide Okonjo) if you don’t already for more stories like this, the fun never ends!

To catch up on other content you might have missed, click here.

Until next time, have a wonderful rest of your day.