Nigeria having over 250 ethnic groups, the country also stands as one of the most culturally diverse in Africa.
Naturally, with such varieties comes a wide range of differences in lifestyle, including cooking.
Here are some of the dishes that are indigenous to the various tribes in Nigeria.
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1. Ofe Onugbu: As pasta is to Italy, so is Onugbu (bitterleaf soup) to Anambra state. No get-together in the state is complete without this soup and it is usually eaten with either eba or fufu.
2. Afang soup: Though indigenous to the Efik tribe in Akwa Ibom, it is equally popular among neighboring tribes (Ibibio, Anang) and even Cross River state. So if you ever find yourself in Akwa Ibom or Cross River, be sure to enjoy this soup in its truly native form.
3. Ofe Akwu: Though widely popular in Anambra, this delicacy is eaten across the Eastern states Nigeria, and a variety of it (banga) is eaten by Delta state indigenes. Ofe akwu is eaten with rice.
4. Pounded Yam & Egusi: this is a highly collective dish, but Ondo state indigenes are known to be particularly fond of their pounded yam.
5. Black soup: A popular Edo state delicacy, this soup is made using bitter leaf and efirin (scent leaf). It can be eaten with any swallow of choice.
6. Tuwo masara/Tuwo shinkafa and miyan kuka: This is a popular delicacy in Northern Nigeria. Tuwo mara is made from ground corn while tuwo (shinkafa is made from ground rice. Both are swallows which are used in eating soups like miyan kuka which is made using baobab leaves and grinded okra.
7. Okazi soup: Widely popular amongst Abia state indigenes, egusi lumps and achara leaves can be used in garnishing this soup.
8. Amala and ewedu soup: This is very popular amongst the Yorubas in South Western Nigeria, especially the Ibadan indigenes.
9. Banga soup and starch: A variation of ofe akwu, banga soup is made with scent leaves (nchu anwu) which ofe akwu uses. It is eaten by the Urhobos of Delta state alongside starch (usi).
10. Onunu and fish stew: Onunu is a swallow dish made from a combination of yam and plantain. Accompanied with fish stew, this is a popular delicacy of the Kalabari people in Rivers state.
Fish Stew
So, if you ever find yourself in any of the listed areas, be sure to try out their dish