10 Local Dishes Every Tourist Should Try in Nigeria

When you think about traveling to Nigeria, chances are your mind first drifts to its bustling cities, vibrant culture, and rich history. The heart of Nigeria lies on the dining table with local dishes. Nigerian cuisine is as bold, diverse, and colorful as its people. From the peppery soups that test your spice tolerance to the smoky jollof that sparks eternal debates with Ghanaians, food in Nigeria is more than sustenance.

If you’re a tourist planning your first visit or even if you’re returning for the second or third time, you’ll want to know the local dishes every tourist should try in Nigeria. And trust me, once you’ve tasted them, your trip will be incomplete without going back for seconds.

So, grab your cutlery (or in many cases, prepare your fingers—because finger-licking is part of the fun) and let’s dig in.

Why Nigerian Food Deserves Your Attention

Before diving into the top 10 dishes, let’s clear up a few things. Nigerian food isn’t shy. It’s bold, spicy, flavorful, and unapologetically rich. Nigerian meals are also tied to culture, storytelling, and community. Sharing a plate of food isn’t just hospitality—it’s a way of saying, “You are welcome in my world.”

Now, onto the stars of the table.

1. Jollof Rice – The King of Nigerian Parties

You can’t talk about local dishes every tourist should try in Nigeria without crowning jollof rice as number one. It’s not just a dish—it’s a national treasure and a source of friendly rivalry with Ghana. Nigerians will swear their jollof is smokier, richer, and tastier—and honestly, they’re not wrong.

• Jollof rice is made with rice simmered in a blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices.
• It’s often paired with fried plantain, grilled chicken, or beef, and always shows up at weddings, birthdays, and Sunday dinners.

When you attend a Nigerian party, don’t be shy. March straight to the jollof rice pot before it finishes—it has a way of disappearing fast.

2. Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

This dish is the closest thing Nigeria has to a national comfort food. Pounded yam is soft, stretchy, and dough-like, made by pounding boiled yam until it is smooth. Pair it with egusi soup—a thick, savory soup made from ground melon seeds, vegetables, and meat—and you’ve got a dish that fills not just your belly, but also your soul.

Eating pounded yam isn’t done with cutlery. You pinch a small ball with your fingers, dip it into the soup, and savor the flavors. Warning: egusi is highly addictive. One bowl may turn into two before you even realize it.

3. Suya – Nigeria’s Answer to Street Food Royalty

If you ever find yourself in a Nigerian city at night, follow the smoky aroma wafting through the streets—you’ll likely end up at a suya stand. Suya is grilled beef skewers coated with a fiery peanut-spice mix, roasted over open flames, and served with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes cabbage.

It’s affordable, delicious, and one of the best introductions to Nigerian street food culture. Every tourist should try suya at least once (though, let’s be honest—you’ll try it ten times).

4. Akara – The Perfect Breakfast Snack

Breakfast in Nigeria isn’t all about bread and eggs. Sometimes, it’s about akara—deep-fried bean cakes made from ground beans, onions, and spices. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, akara is usually served with pap (a cornmeal porridge) or bread.

Tourists who love trying new breakfast foods will find akara an absolute delight. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile snack for everyone.

5. Moi-Moi – The Steamed Bean Cake

If akara is the fried sibling, then moi moi is the steamed cousin. Moi-moi is a savory pudding made from beans, peppers, and onions, often cooked in banana leaves or small tins. Sometimes, it’s stuffed with extras like boiled eggs, fish, or corned beef for a surprise bite.

It’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish to rice or as a standalone meal. Think of it as Nigeria’s answer to a protein-rich snack that’s both tasty and filling.

6. Pepper Soup – For the Brave and the Bold

Nigerian pepper soup is not for the faint-hearted. Made with goat meat, fish, or chicken and spiced with fiery peppers, it’s light, broth-like, and aromatic. Nigerians often say pepper soup can cure anything—hangovers, heartbreaks, and even the common cold.

As a tourist, this dish will test your spice limits. But if you’re bold enough, pepper soup will reward you with unforgettable flavor. It’s best enjoyed in the evening, with chilled drinks to balance the heat.

7. Ofada Rice and Ayamase Sauce – A Yoruba Delight

Ofada rice is Nigeria’s indigenous rice variety, served with ayamase (also called designer stew). Unlike regular rice, ofada has a distinct aroma and slightly nutty flavor. Pair it with ayamase—a green pepper sauce cooked with palm oil and assorted meats—and you’ve got a dish that’s both unique and deeply satisfying.

For tourists seeking a local, less-commercialized dish, ofada rice is a must-try. Just be ready for some serious heat—the peppers don’t play.

Recommended: Breakfast Ideas for Families in Nigeria – A Delicious Start

8. Efo Riro – The Veggie Lover’s Dream

Vegetarians often worry they won’t have much to eat in Nigeria, but efo riro will prove them wrong. This spinach-based vegetable soup is cooked with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and can be made with or without meat.

It’s hearty, nutritious, and pairs perfectly with rice, pounded yam, or even plain boiled yam. If you’re a tourist trying to eat healthy while still indulging in Nigerian flavors, efo riro is the way to go.

Recommended: Lunch Ideas for Families in Nigeria – Eat Like a True Naija!

9. Nkwobi – The Adventurous Choice

If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, nkwobi is waiting for you. A delicacy from the southeastern part of Nigeria, nkwobi is made with cow feet cooked in a rich, spicy palm oil sauce. It’s usually served in a small wooden bowl, garnished with ugba (oil bean seeds).

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a food explorer, this dish will earn you bragging rights. Tourists who try nkwobi often leave with a story worth telling.

10. Boli – The Street Food Star

Boli is simple but oh-so-delicious. It’s roasted plantain sold by street vendors, often paired with groundnut (peanuts) or spicy pepper sauce. It’s smoky, sweet, and spicy all at once—a perfect snack to munch on while exploring Nigerian markets or roadsides.

As one of the most affordable and accessible Nigerian foods, boli ensures that every tourist, no matter their budget, gets to enjoy the country’s food culture.

Recommended: Dinner Ideas for Nigerian Families: Your Best Choice

Tips for Tourists Trying Nigerian Dishes

• Start slow with the spice: Nigerian food is known for its heat, so pace yourself.
• Don’t skip street food: Some of the best dishes are found outside fancy restaurants.
• Eat with your hands where appropriate: In Nigeria, it’s not rude—it’s tradition.
• Ask locals for recommendations: Every city has its food gems.

Beyond the Plate – What Nigerian Food Teaches You

Food in Nigeria isn’t just about taste. It teaches you about unity (everyone fights for the last piece of meat in the soup), about resilience (when you realize pepper soup won’t kill you after all), and about joy (the kind you feel when you finally master the art of eating pounded yam without making a mess).

For tourists, tasting these dishes is the quickest way to connect with Nigerians. It breaks barriers, sparks conversations, and gives you a story to tell when you return home.

Final Thoughts on Nigerian Local Dishes

Exploring Nigeria without trying its food is like visiting Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower—it just doesn’t make sense. From smoky jollof rice to sizzling suya, these 10 local dishes every tourist should try in Nigeria are your passport to understanding the country’s spirit.

So next time you’re in Nigeria, loosen your belt, keep some water handy for the spice, and prepare for a culinary adventure you’ll never forget.