Snacks are a big part of everyday life in Nigeria.
Even if you are hungry between meals, hanging out with friends, or just want something tasty, there’s always a snack to enjoy.
Nigerian snacks are full of flavor and loved by both kids and adults. In this guide, you will learn about 20 of the most popular snacks in Nigeria; what they are, what they taste like, and why people love them.
1. Puff Puff
Puff Puff is a beloved snack enjoyed across Nigeria. These deep-fried dough balls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
The dough is typically made from flour, sugar, yeast, and water, and then deep-fried until golden brown.
Even if it is served at parties, roadside stalls, or family gatherings, Puff Puff brings comfort and joy to all who partake.
2. Chin Chin
Chin Chin is a crunchy, fried snack made from flour, sugar, butter, and milk. It is often enjoyed as a quick bite and is perfect for snacking during gatherings or road trips.
The snack is popular for its satisfying crunch and versatility, as it can be flavored with various spices or ingredients to suit different tastes.
3. Akara
Akara is a savory snack made from deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters. Seasoned with onions, peppers, and spices, Akara is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delicious burst of flavor with every bite.
It is commonly enjoyed with pap (fermented corn pudding) or bread and is a popular breakfast item in many Nigerian households.
4. Suya
Suya is a spicy skewered meat, typically beef or chicken, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and grilled to perfection.
It is usually served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of yaji (suya spice). Suya is a popular street food enjoyed in the evenings at roadside vendors and suya spots, symbolizing Nigeria’s beautiful street food culture.
5. Plantain Chips
Plantain chips are thinly sliced plantains that are deep-fried until crispy.
They can be seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices for a savory flavor or left plain for a naturally sweet taste.
A popular snack across Nigeria, plantain chips are often enjoyed as a quick and convenient treat, making them a favorite for snacking at any time of day.
6. Kuli-Kuli
Kuli-Kuli is a crunchy snack made from groundnuts (peanuts) that are roasted, ground, and formed into small sticks or balls.
They are then fried until golden brown, offering a nutty and savory taste.
Kuli-Kuli is a popular snack in northern Nigeria and is often enjoyed with garri (cassava flakes) or as a protein-rich addition to meals.
7. Boli
Boli is a grilled plantain snack, often served with groundnut (peanut) paste or pepper sauce.
It’s a street food favorite that can easily be made on the grill or stovetop.
Boli is a healthy, fiber-packed snack that is both delicious and satisfying, making it a popular choice among Nigerians.
8. Moi Moi
Moi Moi is a steamed bean pudding made from blended black-eyed peas, onions, and peppers.
It can be made in small portions and served as finger food ideas.
Moi Moi can be enjoyed alone or paired with other dishes like Jollof rice.
It is a versatile and flavorful snack that is often served at parties and special occasions.
9. Samosa
A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced vegetables, meat, or chicken, samosas are crispy and savory, making them an excellent appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Samosas are popular at parties and gatherings, offering a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
10. Baba Dudu
Baba Dudu is a darkish brown candy made out of sugar and coconut milk.
The mixture is then transferred into a transparent nylon and made into strings. This bittersweet candy is addictive and was a treat for many children, often sold in rolls and enjoyed on the go.
11. Coconut Candy
Coconut candy is a snack common to many cultures worldwide, but specifically in Nigeria.
You must have had a taste of two variants: honey-coated coconut candy and sugar-coated coconut candy. Both are packed with lots of sweetness and are very addictive, often sold in transparent nylons and packaged in twos or threes.
12. Donkwa
Donkwa is a traditional snack of the northern Nigerian Hausa tribe, made from finely ground cornmeal and peanuts, seasoned with chili peppers, then mixed with small amounts of oil and water.
The mixture is molded into shapes and fried until golden brown.
Donkwa is a crunchy and flavorful snack that reflects the culinary traditions of northern Nigeria.
13. Kokoro
Kokoro is a crunchy cornmeal snack native to the western part of Nigeria.
It is made from specially prepared dough consisting of cornmeal, sugar, and boiling hot water, rolled into shapes and deep-fried.
Kokoro offers a delightful crunch and is a popular snack among Nigerians.
14. Meat Pie
Meat pie is a staple in Nigeria, known for its flavorful meat and vegetable filling encased in a flaky pastry crust.
It is commonly enjoyed as a snack during gatherings and celebrations.
Meat pies are versatile and can be customized with various fillings to suit different tastes.
15. Egg Roll
Egg roll is prepared by wrapping a boiled egg in dough and deep-frying it. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, protein-rich center.
Egg rolls are a popular snack in Nigeria, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
16. Fish Roll
Fish roll is a savory snack made by wrapping seasoned fish filling in dough and deep-frying until golden brown.
It is a popular snack in Nigeria, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Fish rolls are often enjoyed with spicy pepper sauce or as a standalone treat.
17. Scotch Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy, Scotch eggs are a filling and delicious snack.
They are easy to serve and eat, making them a popular choice for parties. Adding a little spice to the sausage mix gives this classic dish a Nigerian twist.
18. Sisi Pelebe
Sisi Pelebe is a sweet treat made from sugar and roasted groundnuts.
It is a favorite among children, despite how it can get stuck in the teeth as you chew into it. Sisi Pelebe is anostalgic candy that brings back fond childhood memories for many Nigerians.
It’s often sold in small, clear sachets by street vendors and in school canteens.
19. Kilishi
Kilishi is a spicy, dried meat snack similar to beef jerky, but with a unique Nigerian twist. Originating from the North, it is made by drying thin strips of beef or goat meat and marinating them in a mixture of ground peanuts, chili pepper, garlic, and other spices.
Kilishi is then sun-dried and sometimes lightly grilled. It’s high in protein, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
20. Fufu Balls
While fufu is traditionally eaten with soups as a main dish, small, rolled fufu balls are sometimes served as finger food at traditional events.
These starchy balls (made from yam, cassava, or plantain) are dipped into various sauces or soups and are a great way to introduce guests to Nigerian flavors in a bite-sized format.