A Culinary Road Trip Through Nigerian Traditional Dishes

Meta Description: Are you visiting Nigeria for the first time? Here are 19 must-try traditional Nigerian dishes and street food you should taste on your trip.

Alt Text: A picture of a lady selling Nigerian street food

Before your plane even touches down in Nigeria, chances are you’re already familiar with the legendary Jollof Wars. You know the one: Nigerian Jollof vs. Ghanaian Jollof. This dish is packed with flavor, spiced just right, and absolutely delicious. But here’s the real scoop: that tasty red rice is just one of the must-try traditional Nigerian dishes and street food that make the country’s cuisine so exciting.

Nigeria is full of traditional meals that come from different parts of the country. Each region has something special to offer. Whether it’s a soup that warms your belly or a spicy dish that wakes up your taste buds, there’s always something exciting cooking.

If you really want to enjoy Nigerian food the way it’s meant to be, the HeritageTrailsNigeria Traditional Dishes Mini-Series is just what you need.Think of this as your first food map of Nigeria; a journey where every dish has a story to tell about the people, the culture, and the everyday life across the country.

19 Delicious Traditional Nigerian Dishes and Street Food for First-time Travelers

Every Nigerian meal captures the heart of its culture. They reflect local traditions, family values, and the rich history behind every region. So, if it's your first time in Nigeria, here are traditional Nigerian dishes and street food you should try atleast once:

1. Masa

2. Ukwa

3. Okpa

4. Ukado

5. Fio Fio

6. Yam balls

7. Black Soup

8. Plantain Burger

9. Fisherman Soup

10. Ekpang nkukwo

11. Party Jollof Rice

12. Abacha and Fish

13. Amala and Ewedu

14. Afang soup and fufu

15. Agidi and pepper soup

16. Ewa Agoyin and Bread

17. Banga soup and Starch

18. Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan Kuka

19. Ofada Rice and Ayamase Sauce

1. Masa – Northern Nigeria Traditional Food

Alt Text: A picture showing Masa, a Traditional Nigerian Dish and Street Food

Masa, also known as Waina, is a traditional Nigerian cuisine and street food that is common in the North. It's a soft, round, and slightly sweet rice cake made from fermented rice batter. The fermentation gives it a tangy taste that pairs perfectly with a side like spicy stew or suya, grilled meat. Masa is popular at weddings and during Ramadan, but you can also find it on street corners. It’s a great option if you want something light but filling. However, for a full experience, you can try it with Miyan Taushe.

2. Ukwa(African Breadfruit) – South-East Nigeria

Ukwa, also known as African breadfruit, is a beloved delicacy in southeastern Nigeria, particularly among the Igbo people. It has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, which makes it both comforting and satisfying. Ukwa is often enjoyed as a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s both nutritious and filling.

It’s high in protein and fiber, which makes it a healthy option for travelers looking to try out Nigerian traditional dishes without going too heavy. This dish is more than just food, it’s a cultural staple often served during festive occasions and family gatherings.

3. Okpa – Southeastern Nigeria

Alt Text: A picture showing a Nigerian street food, okpa

This Nigerian street food is usually said to be best made by the Enugu people, and for good reason. Okpa is made from Bambara nut flour, which gives it a smooth, pudding-like texture and a slightly nutty taste. What makes Okpa so special is the fact that it's filling, protein-rich, and doesn’t need any fancy ingredients to taste amazing.

It’s often eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack on the go, especially by travelers and commuters. In Enugu and any other eastern state, you’ll find vendors selling hot okpa in the mornings and late at night. So, if you’re visiting southeastern Nigeria, trying freshly made Okpa is a delicious way to experience local flavor and hospitality.

4. Ukodo (Yam Pepper Soup) – Delta & Edo States

Ukodo is a comforting pepper soup made with tender goat meat or fish and chunky slices of yam. It’s a favorite in the Delta and Edo areas, especially during cold weather or after ceremonies. The rich broth is flavored with hot pepper, scent leaves, and sometimes lemongrass, which gives it a warm and inviting aroma.

According to locals, this meal clears your head and warms your belly like magic. You’ll often find it served during weddings, naming ceremonies, or as a get-well meal. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to sit back and savor every bite.

5. Fio Fio (Pigeon Peas Porridge) – Enugu & Eastern Nigeria

Fio Fio is a traditional porridge made from pigeon peas, popular in Enugu and parts of Eastern Nigeria. The peas are cooked until soft and then combined with ingredients like cocoyam paste or yam, palm oil, pepper, and local spices. Fio Fio is often served as a main meal, especially in rural areas, and it’s known for being both nutritious and budget-friendly.

Though it’s more commonly prepared in homes, some traditional food spots also serve it to locals and curious visitors. It’s a great way to explore indigenous ingredients and flavors you won’t find in typical tourist menus. For travelers seeking a home-style Nigerian traditional meal, Fio Fio is definitely worth trying.

6. Yam Balls – Across Nigeria

Alt Text: A picture showing one of the tastiest Nigerian street food, yam balls

Yam balls is a delicious Nigerian street food you can find across different states in Nigeria but mostly on the street of Lagos. This street food is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re made from boiled yam mashed with eggs, spices, and sometimes minced meat, then deep-fried.

You’ll often see them at parties or sold by roadside vendors. Kids love them, and adults can’t resist them either. Some yam balls are usually stuffed with cheese or pepper sauce for an extra kick. This Nigerian street food is great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or road trips.

7. Black Soup  – Edo State

Black soup is one of the traditional Nigerian dishes deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the Edo people. It's made using a blend of bitter leaf, scent leaf, and basil, which gives the soup its signature dark color and bold, earthy flavor. Black soup is usually served with pounded yam or starch. Beyond its taste, it’s also valued for its perceived health benefits, including aiding digestion and detoxification.

8. Plantain Burger

Plantain burger is a modern twist on traditional Nigerian dishes, and it's quickly gaining popularity in cities like Lagos. Unlike your typical burger, this street food swaps the usual bread buns for thick slices of fried ripe plantain.

The plantains are sliced and fried and then 

 sandwich fillings such as spiced grilled beef, shredded chicken, fried eggs, or even suya see used. Some vendors include pepper sauce, fresh onions, or lettuce for extra crunch and heat. To get a taste of this goodness, you'll have to check out food trucks, pop-up kitchens, and roadside stalls in urban centers.

9. Ekpang Nkukwo – Cross River and Akwa Ibom States

Alt Text: A picture showing one of the traditional Nigerian dishes, Ekpang Nkukwo

Ekpang Nkukwo is a labor-intensive dish made from grated cocoyam and water. It’s rolled in cocoyam leaves and cooked with palm oil, crayfish, fish, and meat. The wrapping and slow cooking take time, so it’s a labor of love. This traditional Nigerian cuisine is flavorful and it's mostly cooked for special occasions or when hosting guests. Every bite is chewy, smoky, and spicy. So, if you want to impress your taste buds with one of the must-try traditional Nigerian dishes, Ekpang Nkukwo won’t disappoint.

10. Fisherman Soup – Rivers and Bayelsa States

Fisherman soup is a bold and flavorful seafood dish that hails from the riverine communities of southern Nigeria, especially Rivers and Bayelsa States. This soup is packed with fresh, local catch like catfish, prawns, periwinkle, crab, and sometimes snail. Unlike heavier, oil-based soups, fisherman soup is light yet deeply satisfying.

Every spoonful gives you a burst of spice, ocean freshness, and cultural pride. Fisherman soup is commonly eaten with swallow options like fufu, garri, or semovita. To have a taste of this traditional Nigerian cuisine, you'll have to visit seafood restaurants.

11. Party Jollof Rice – Across Nigeria

Alt Text: A picture showing a plate of Nigerian Jollof Rice with beef

Jollof rice is arguably Nigeria’s most iconic dish, but with the meals you're about to try out, that might not be the same for you. This Nigerian cuisine is made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. It is often served with fried plantains, grilled chicken, or beef. Each state in Nigeria has their method of preparation, but the dish remains a beloved centerpiece for parties and holidays.

12. Abacha and Fish – South-East Nigeria

Abacha is also called African salad, but it’s nothing like what you expect. It’s made from shredded cassava, palm oil, and spicy peppers, often served cold. People add fried fish, ponmo, and garden eggs for more crunch and flavor. This is one of those Nigerian street foods that's a popular snack during gatherings, especially in the evenings. For an authentic Igbo taste, vendors serve it with a sprinkle of ugba, oil bean.  

13. Amala and Ewedu – South-West Nigeria

Alt Text: A picture showing one of Nigerian dishes, amala and ewedu

Amala and ewedu is one of the most loved traditional Nigerian dishes, especially if you're having a plate from a good amala spot. Amala is a soft, stretchy swallow made from yam flour, and Ewedu is a slimy green soup made from jute leaves. This combo is a Yoruba classic, often eaten with spicy stew and meat. It looks unusual at first, but the taste is unforgettable. Some locals even swear by it as the ultimate comfort food. If you’re feeling brave and want a true taste of the South-West, you should try out this iconic combo.

14. Afang Soup and Fufu – Akwa Ibom and Cross River States

Afang soup is a beloved traditional dish from Nigeria’s South-South region, especially popular in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. It’s a rich, green delicacy made from a blend of shredded Afang, also called okazi leaves and soft waterleaf, which give it a thick and hearty texture.

This flavorful soup is usually prepared with ingredients like crayfish, smoked fish, periwinkle, and assorted meats, to make it taste even better. Afang soup is very special to the Efik and Ibibio people and is often served during weddings, festivals, and big family events. Although it takes time to prepare, especially when cutting up the leaves, the taste makes all the hard work worth it. 

15. Agidi and Pepper Soup– South-West and South-East

Agidi, also known as cornmeal pudding, is a soft, jiggly side dish made from smooth cornflour and water. It has a mild taste, which makes it perfect for soaking up the bold flavors of Nigerian pepper soup. The pepper soup is light, spicy, and aromatic. It is made with goat meat, catfish, or chicken, along with traditional spices like uziza, ehuru, and scent leaves.

This combo is especially popular when you're craving something light but satisfying. If you're new to traditional Nigerian cuisines and want something spicy but not too heavy, agidi and pepper soup is a good place to start.

16. Ewa Agoyin and Bread – Lagos and South-West

Alt Text: A picture showing Ewa Agoyin and Bread

Ewa Agoyin is a simple dish that leaves a big impression. It’s made from mashed beans that are soft and almost creamy. What makes it special is the pepper sauce which is spicy, and rich with palm oil and onions. You can pair this meal with a slice of soft Agege bread, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Ewa Agoyin is a breakfast favorite in Lagos and nearby states because it's filling and affordable.

17. Banga Soup and Starch – Delta State

Banga is common in the Niger Delta and often enjoyed during lunch or dinner. It is made from palm fruit extract and is often cooked with catfish, dried shrimp, and local spices. This soup is traditionally eaten with starch, a stretchy swallow made from cassava. It has a deep, earthy taste that stays with you.

18. Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan Kuka – Northern Nigeria

Tuwo Shinkafa is a soft rice swallow made from mashed rice, and it’s best enjoyed with Miyan Kuka, baobab leaf soup. The soup is thick, dark green, and flavored with dried fish, meat, and spices. Tuwo Shinkafa and Minyan Kuka is popular in Hausa-speaking regions and is often served during festive occasions. This is a bold and hearty meal you’ll definitely remember.

19. Ofada Rice and Ayamase Sauce– Ogun and Lagos States

Ofada rice is a local rice variety with a nutty aroma and chewy texture. It’s usually served in banana leaves for that earthy, traditional feel. The real star, though, is the Ayamase sauce, a spicy green pepper sauce filled with assorted meats and boiled eggs. This Nigerian dish is a party favorite, especially among the Yoruba people. Some people say it’s addictive, and they’re not wrong. If you’re looking for something bold, spicy, and uniquely Nigerian, this is your go-to.  

Final Thoughts on Must-try Traditional Nigerian Dishes and Street Food for First-time Travelers

Trying traditional Nigerian dishes and street food is one of the best ways to truly experience the country. From spicy soups to sweet snacks, every bite tells a story about the people and the different regions. As a first-time traveler, don’t just stick to what you know, be bold and taste something new. Visit food stalls, ask locals what their favorites are, and enjoy the rich flavors that make Nigerian dishes and street food so unforgettable. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite meal.