Top African Dishes You Must Try And Why
Nigeria stands undefeated as one of the African countries with the widest range of top African dishes you must try whenever you’re in town. Most Nigerian cuisine consists of meals bursting with intense flavours that will make your taste buds come alive. Do you want to explore but not quite sure what and where to begin? Sit back, fasten your belt while we take you through top african dishes you must try and why.
Jollof Rice
This dish is the perfect non-literal example of the saying ‘to each his own’. Virtually every African country has their version, but it might interest you to know that even with the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana about “who makes the best jollof rice”, this dish did not originate from any of them. Yes, it’s funny.
Nevertheless, Jollof rice is probably the number one dish in African homes and celebrations. Its popularity that earned it that position on the list is not just a hype- the dish is specially made with well cooked rice, stirred in tomato sauce and a flavorful combo of veggies and spices that brings out the smoky aroma in it.
My recommendation for you will be the Nigerian Jollof rice cooked with firewood, your palate will give you a hug and your tongue will sing songs.
Pounded Yam
Pounded yam became a viral internet sensation a few years back when some YouTubers discovered the meal. It is a smooth and stretchy mould enjoyed with all Nigerian soups. Before this dish found internet fame, even locally the ability to make any soup a star dish has given Pounded yam a 5-star rating in the community of other ‘swallows’. Paired with Efo riro, Afang soup, Egusi soup, Okro soup etc, Pounded yam always delivers in taste exactly what it should.
Suya
Suya! Some would argue that a properly prepared Suya is done only at night, in the open air and wrapped in an old newspaper with sprinkles of Suya pepper and veggies hugging the juicy, tender meat tightly. Many have questioned the reason why this particular meal is mostly sold at night, but again some of the others who have bought this meat in the daytime say it tastes different. It might just be a cultural preference in Nigeria, or a superstition, no one knows. However Suya is chosen to be prepared, this dish is unarguably a unifier of tribes.
Pepper soup
If you have a delicate palate, Pepper soup will give you a new appreciation for life- so it’s best to avoid it. This hot and spicy Nigerian soup is prepared with different kinds of proteins according to your preference- fish, chicken, or goat meat pepper with chunks of yam cut into it as an option. The soup is a combination of spices, including ginger, garlic, and chilli peppers. The intensity of this flavourful dish has made it somewhat of a challenge for most foreigners. Are you willing to try this adventurous meal yourself?
Moi Moi
Here’s another yummy and satisfying Nigerian meal for first timers. This tasty meal is made from beans grinded to a fine texture mixed with peppers, onions, spices, and sometimes garnished on the inside with fish or egg. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves or foil and steamed until firm. Moi Moi can be eaten on its own, it can also be served as a side dish with Pap, Jollof rice or fried plantains in Nigerian homes, parties and restaurants.
Chin Chin
Chin Chin is a sweet and crunchy Nigerian snack made with flour, sugar, and butter rolled into small pieces and deep-fried until golden brown.The sweetness and crunch of Chin Chin makes it a great snack option. It is usually served alone or alongside puff puff, spring roll commonly referred to as small chops at Nigerian parties.
Egusi soup
Egusi soup is made from crushed melon seeds and a variety of spices, dried fish, stock fish, veggies and palm oil. It can be enjoyed as a lone meal, or paired with Pounded yam, Fufu, Wheat flour or any of your preferred swallow. Try this meal out on your next visit to Nigeria and let us know what you think!
Akara
Locally known as Akara, Beans cake is that one meal without a rival in Nigerian homes, especially during breakfast on weekends. This tasty snack is made from beans, grinded to a certain texture with onions, and spices formed into balls and deep fried. It is typically served with bread or as a side dish with pap and custard. This meal promises a satisfying experience especially during a rainy Saturday morning.
Seafood Okro soup
If you are a lover of delicious soups with a taste of the ocean’s bounty, then you should try the Naija Seafood Okra. This soup is specially prepared with vegetables steamed in Okra, garnished with prawns and a wide variety of fishes. Usually served with pounded yam or fufu, this meal will leave your taste buds anticipating the next encounter.
Ekpa-nkukwo
The last on the list is a not-so popular Nigerian dish called Ekpa-nkukwo. This sounds like a tongue-twister but the taste of this special meal is magical. It is prepared with freshly grated cocoyam, wrapped in leafy greens and slowly stirred with various types of fresh or smoked meat, fish, crayfish and other spices. On special request, it can be made to please the taste buds of a vegetarian or a seafood lover.
Nigeria offers a wide range of delicious and diverse dishes. Every dish is a unique tasty experience that embodies the rich food culture of Nigeria. If you are in Lagos, looking for great restaurants in Victoria Island, head on to Turaka rooftop and The White Orchid Hotel restaurants in EbonyLife Place in Victoria Island to experience the diversity of the Nigerian food culture in a hygienic, serene environment.
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