I always say that one of the highlights of any tourist’s journey would be the delicacies eaten when in a new place. This is why I decided to curate a list of top 10 Nigerian dishes every tourist needs to try out on visit. Also, check out my top 50 best things to do in Nigeria to assist plan your itinerary.
Is Nigeria safe to travel to as a foreigner? Yes, it is. The government is working hard to curb the insecurities in some Northern states. However, general, the country is a great place to visit if you have Africa on your bucket list. I have written a detailed Nigeria travel advisory as well as How to apply for visa as a foreigner.
When it comes to Nigerian dishes, I always have no doubt that it would be delicious and enjoyable as Nigerian cuisines are as diverse as its people. These meals come with flavors that will excite your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
You already know that Nigerian Jollof is definitely on this list. Forget the jollof war between Nigeria and Ghana. I haven’t tried Ghana jollof, yet from reviews I will say Nigeria jollof is the best. Someday in the future, I will you my review of both countries jollof.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Nigerian dishes every tourist needs to try
Are you salivating already?
In this blog, I will be sharing top 10 Nigerian dishes every tourist should try. Trust me, they slap!
In no particular order, these meals are:
Jollof Rice: which is better Ghana vs Nigeria Jollof
Without a doubt, Jollof rice stands tall at the top of the list. I like to call Jollof rice the king of the jungle as I am yet to see anyone who doesn’t enjoy Nigerian Jollof rice!
Yes, I know that there are other countries that claim Jollof rice, but none comes close to Nigerian Jollof! Nigerian jollof rice is a rice meal made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a mix of local spices. It comes with a spicy and smoky kick and can be paired with plantains, chicken, or beef.
No visit to Nigeria is complete without tasting and devouring Jollof Rice!
Nigeria Jollof, Chicken and Plantain
Boli
Have you heard of Boli? It is simply grilled plantains and is a street food in Nigeria. This simple yet delicious snack is charred to perfection and can be eaten alone or with groundnut (peanut), pepper sauce, or a side of fish.
The combination you get with your Boli depends on the region of Nigeria you are visiting. If you are in the west, you will probably get it with groundnuts. However, it slaps harder when you pair it with pepper sauce and fish which is common in the south.
The combination of the plantain’s natural sweetness with the smoky, grilled flavor makes it irresistible. You’ll find it sold by vendors on the roadside.
Fufu and Okra Soup
I remember back when I didn’t eat fufu. There wasn’t any specific reason why I wasn’t eating it. I just didn’t grow up eating fufu, and my first time having it was when I had entered university. From the moment I had it, there was no turning back!
In case you are wondering, fufu is a dough-like staple made from fermented cassava, and is a perfect pairing for Okra Soup. For the soup, okra is chopped and cooked until slimy, mixed with palm oil, seasonings, and assorted meats. The sticky consistency might be an acquired texture for some, but the vibrant flavors will keep you hooked. Be prepared to enjoy this dish the traditional way—by breaking off pieces of fufu and dipping them into the soup with your fingers.
Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
Still on the soups, you cannot be in Nigeria and not try Egusi soup! This soup is made from melon seeds. It is usually thick and goes perfectly with pounded yam.
In preparing this soup, egusi seeds are ground and cooked with spinach, bitter leaf, or pumpkin leaves alongside spicy seasonings and chunks of meat or fish. The soft, smooth texture of pounded yam makes it an ideal match for scooping up the rich soup. Forget cutlery, your hands are your tools here!
Efo Riro
For veggie lovers, Efo Riro is a fantastic spinach-based stew. This vibrant dish is made with spinach (or similar greens like waterleaf), and cooked in a tomato and pepper sauce spiced with iru (locust beans), palm oil, and assorted meats or fish.
The burst of earthy flavors and the richness of palm oil make it one of the most satisfying Nigerian dishes, whether you’re vegetarian or not! It also goes perfectly with any swallow. It is one of my favorite soups and can even be eaten with white rice!
Pepper Soup
Have you had Nigerian pepper soup before?
This isn’t your average soup! Nigerian Pepper Soup is a broth-based dish packed with layers of flavor and plenty of heat. It is made with various types of meat or fish, seasoned with indigenous spices.
Whether you opt for goat meat, catfish, or even chicken, this dish will warm you up in the best way possible. It is especially popular at Nigerian parties and is said to have healing properties! It can be taken alone or with rice or yam.
Cat Fish Pepper soup
Top 10 Nigerian dishes every tourist needs to try out: Akara
Is it even weekend in a typical Nigerian home if you don’t have Akara?
I like to describe it as a breakfast meal and also as street food. Akara is simply deep-fried bean cakes made from blended beans, onions and spices. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Akara is often eaten with pap (a fermented corn pudding) or bread. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a filling meal, Akara hits all the right notes with its warm, savory flavor.
Ofada Rice and Ayamase Stew
If you’re a rice lover, Ofada Rice with Ayamase is a must! Ofada rice is a locally grown variety, often served with a green pepper-based sauce known as Ayamase.
The stew is rich with spicy flavors and often contains cow skin (kpomo) and boiled eggs. It is a meal that offers a unique blend of textures and flavors that will challenge and delight your palate.
What to eat in Nigeria as a tourist: Suya
For a quick snack or street food experience, Suya is the go-to dish. These spicy, skewered, and flame-grilled meats (typically beef, chicken, or ram) are marinated with a special blend of ground peanuts and hot spices, known as yaji.
Suya is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a fiery kick in every bite. It is usually served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, making it the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh.
Moi-moi
This is another typical breakfast meal in Nigeria and can be eaten as a tasty side dish or standalone meal. Moi-moi has a similar preparation process as akara. However, it is cooked instead of fried as with akara.
It is often enriched with boiled eggs, fish, or even corned beef. Moi Moi is perfect for breakfast or lunch, often paired with Jollof rice, fried rice, or bread.
Which of these Nigerian dishes have you tried out? Also, let me know which dish should be added to these top 10 Nigerian dishes every tourist needs to try out. Feel free to share your thoughts. Also, check out these street foods in Nigeria that you need to try while sight-seeing in Nigeria.