Nigerian dishes are rich with unique recipes and in the way the food is prepared. For example, it’s a well-known fact that Jollof rice tastes better as a leftover. Unfortunately, few people in the Western world have experienced authentic Nigerian food. Food in Nigeria is aromatic, delicious, and always made straight from the heart.

If you’re heading over to Nigeria, there are traditional dishes you have to try during your visit. Check out the local menus as you explore nearby bukas (casual Nigerian restaurants).

1. Iyan (Pounded Yam)

One of the world’s largest producers of yams is Nigeria, so it’s no surprise Iyan is one of those Nigerian foods that is loved so much. In fact, the saying, “yam is food and food is yam” is popular in many parts of the country.

A popular method of preparing yams in the country is by pounding them into a somewhat solid paste. Depending on the ethnic group preparing the dish, the yams may be pounded slightly differently. Once the yams are pounded out to create a smooth paste, they are then formed into balls. These pounded yam balls, Iyan, are part of a great group of foods called “swallows”.

It’s common to serve the pounded yam alongside some soup, such as a vegetable stew. Make it at home with this great recipe!

2. Ewa Riro (Beans Porridge)Tons of food in Nigeria features beans due to the abundance of beans in the country. Ewa Riro is a popular dish because it packs addicting flavors and is cheap to make.

The Yoruba-speaking area of Nigeria created and popularized this delicious dish. The beans are boiled until they’re soft and then they’re stewed with spices and palm oil.

Special ingredients added to the stew depend on who’s making the dish. Some people enjoy adding crayfish while others add smoked fish. If you’re making the dish at home, add what satisfies your tastebuds. Use this recipe to create your own at home.

Do you want to add a tasty side dish to your Ewa Riro? Many people eat it with fried plantains or fresh bread

3. Beef Suya (Thin Strips Of Seasoned, Grilled Beef)Visitors will notice this street food plenty of times while exploring casual dining in Nigeria. Thin slices of beef are marinated in an array of spices- a combination that’ll ignite your mouth. Typical spices used include roaster peanut powder, cayenne, and ginger.

Making the beef this way was popular with the Hausa and Fulani people. They were groups of nomads that had unique ways of preserving meats.

You won’t see this dish made much in a home, but you can get plenty from suya spots along many roads in the country. It’s often served with tomatoes and onions as well as pepper sauce.

4. Dodo (Fried Plantain)

No matter the problem, plantains are the answer in Nigerian cuisine. It doesn’t matter if they’re fried, grilled, or dried. Did you know that the cut of the plantain determines where and how the ingredient is served at the table? When you see thick, long slices of this delicious food, it’s served as part of the main dish.

Dodo features cubed pieces of plantains that are deep-fried and are commonly eaten all around the country. It is usually served as the appetizer of a meal or as a delicious snack. All that’s needed to make this dish is plantain and palm oil or vegetable oil if you want to cut the fat content down. It’s that simple.

5. Egusi Soup (Ground Melon Vegetable Soup)If you’re looking for something to warm your soul and fill your stomach, this soup is the dish for you.

It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and loved by all. When eating Egusi soup, you’ll typically eat it with popular swallows such as Fufu or Eba. Some people even serve it over rice. Instead of grounded melons, you may also notice Nigerians creating this soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. The seeds add a layer of warmth that’s perfect after a long day of exploring on your feet. It is commonly served with pounded yam. This is a great dish to try making at home.

6. Ogbono Soup (Mango Seed Soup)

Nigerian Foods Ogbono Soup Mango Seed SoupThis soup might surprise you with its texture, but we promise you’ll enjoy it. Ogbono soup is a slippery draw soup made with blended Ogbono seeds. Ogbono translates to mango!

This soup might surprise you with its texture, but we promise you’ll enjoy it. Ogbono soup is a slippery draw soup made with blended Ogbono seeds. Ogbono translates to mango!Southeastern Nigeria is popular for this type of soup, but you’ll also find it in the southwest region.

No matter where you eat it, you’ll be getting tons of nutrients such as proteins, fibers, healthy fats, and calcium. The maker of the soup will customize it to their liking by adding ingredients such as melon seeds and a variety of vegetables. It’s another vegetable soup you can eat several times and never have the same experience twice.

7. Akara (Fried Black-Eyed Peas Cake)

Are you a vegetarian traveling across Africa? Are you wanting something savory, crunchy, and filling?

Akara is the Nigerian dish for you. This dish is created by deep-frying a delicious black bean paste. Most people also add onions and a variety of spices.

The Yoruba tribe created this dish; but, because it’s so good, it’s spread to other West African countries. It’s often enjoyed with fresh bread or just as a warming snack.

8. Moi Moi (Bean Pudding)

When Americans think of pudding, we often think of a sweet, dense dessert. While Moi Moi isn’t a dessert pudding by any means, it’s an incredible dish you must try while in the country. This pudding is made with either black-eyed peas or brown beans. Steamed beans are combined with tomato paste, onions, garlic, an array of peppers, and spices to create a mouth-watering dish

9. Pepper Soup

If you’re craving more spicy dishes, give Nigerian pepper soup a try. But don’t complain if you can’t feel your tongue for a few hours!

This type of soup is often made with goat meat. Spices such as ginger and red chili flakes are used for a punch of flavor. African cuisine is packed with tons of soups and stews, but pepper soup is one recipe you’ll want for the rest of your life after trying it.

Are you stuck in the US for the winter? Make this soup during your winter vacation for a boost of warmth.

10. Okra Soup

Known as Ila Alasepo to the Yoruba people, this amazing Nigerian okra soup will lift your spirits even on the most exhausting of traveling daysDifferent chefs prefer different consistencies of okra soup, so you may have a bowl of a more crunchy okra edge or end up getting a bowl with pureed okra. If your chef adds fresh leafy vegetables, you’ll typically notice the addition of spinach, basil leaves, or pumpkin leaves.

Some people who make this soup leave out the palm oil or substitute vegetable oil if they’re watching their fat intake, but we suggest having this soup with palm oil!