Living abroad as a Nigerian can be exciting but also challenging, especially when you start missing the flavors of home.
One of the strongest connections to culture is food, and for many Nigerians living in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or elsewhere, enjoying traditional Nigerian meals is not just about taste, it’s about comfort, identity, and nostalgia.
In this article, we will list the best Nigerian meals for Nigerians abroad, how to source ingredients, and tips for making these meals outside Nigeria.
Why Nigerian Food Matters Abroad
For most Nigerians abroad, food is more than just fuel. It’s:
- A link to home and culture
- A way to celebrate community
- Comfort during homesickness
- A source of pride in heritage
But finding Nigerian food abroad can be difficult due to limited access to local markets or African ingredients. That’s why knowing the right meals to prepare and how to adapt them; is key.
Top 15 Best Nigerian Meals Loved Abroad
Here are some of the most loved Nigerian meals that are perfect for cooking and enjoying abroad:
1. Jollof Rice
Arguably Nigeria’s most famous dish. It’s a one-pot tomato-based rice dish that’s spicy, flavorful, and festive. You can easily find the ingredients abroad like rice, tomatoes, onions, seasoning, and oil.
Best with: Fried plantains, chicken, beef, or moi moi.
2. Egusi Soup
Made with ground melon seeds, spinach or ugu leaves, and assorted meats. Egusi is thick, rich, and satisfying.
Best with: Pounded yam, eba (garri), or semo.
Tip: Spinach can be used as a substitute for ugu when unavailable.
3. Ogbono Soup
This draw soup made with wild mango seeds is a favorite for its slippery texture and rich flavor. It’s perfect for cold climates.
Best with: Amala or fufu.
4. Efo Riro
A rich spinach stew with peppers, tomatoes, locust beans (iru), and meat or fish. It’s colorful, spicy, and nutritious.
Best with: White rice or any swallow.
5. Suya
Nigerian-style spicy beef kebabs coated in yaji (dry pepper mix). It’s smoky, spicy, and usually eaten at night in Nigeria.
Best with: Sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and garri or soft drinks.
Abroad Tip: You can make suya at home with a grill or oven using store-bought yaji.
6. Moi Moi
A steamed bean pudding made from blended beans, peppers, and oil. It’s soft, protein-rich, and filling.
Best with: Jollof rice, pap, or garri.
7. Pepper Soup
This spicy broth made with goat meat, catfish, or chicken and native spices is comforting, especially in colder countries.
Best for: Sickness recovery or warming up during winter.
8. Fried Rice (Nigerian Style)
Not your typical fried rice: Nigerian fried rice includes vegetables, liver, prawns, and is often paired with jollof at events.
Best with: Grilled chicken or dodo.
9. Akara
Fried bean cakes that are crunchy outside and soft inside. Commonly eaten for breakfast or as snacks.
Best with: Pap or bread.
10. Pounded Yam and Egusi
A classic Nigerian combo. While pounding yam might be hard abroad, yam flour (poundo) or food processors make it easier.
Best for: Sundays or special occasions.
11. Amala and Gbegiri
Loved mostly by Yoruba people, this meal combo includes brown amala, bean soup (gbegiri), and ewedu.
Tip: You can substitute with oat flour if amala is hard to find.
12. Okra Soup
This is another draw soup that’s easy to prepare. It’s light, healthy, and loved by many.
Best with: Eba or semo.
13. Beans and Plantain (Ewa Agoyin Style)
Ewa Agoyin is mashed beans with spicy sauce, often eaten with soft fried plantains or bread.
Tip: Canned beans can speed up cooking time.
14. Ofada Rice and Ayamase Sauce
This traditional brown rice paired with green “designer” stew is an oily, spicy delicacy.
Best for: Foodies craving something intensely flavorful.
15. Nkwobi
A spicy cow foot dish often served in bars or restaurants. It’s great for weekends or celebrations.
Tip: Can be made at home with the right spices.
How to Get Nigerian Ingredients Abroad
Finding authentic ingredients can be tough, but here’s how Nigerians abroad source them:
1. African/Caribbean Grocery Stores
Most major cities have African food stores. Popular ones in the U.S., U.K., and Canada stock Nigerian items like egusi, ogbono, palm oil, crayfish, and more.
2. Online Stores
Websites like:
- My African Food Store (USA)
- Niyis.co.uk (UK)
- Afrimash (Global Delivery)
- Amazon (Palm oil, Garri, etc.)
Let you buy Nigerian food ingredients and ship them to your doorstep.
3. Local Substitutes
- Use spinach or kale in place of ugu
- Use cornmeal if you can’t find garri
- Use turkey instead of goat meat
Tips for Cooking Nigerian Meals Abroad
- Batch cook and freeze: Make soups or stews in bulk and store them in containers to save time.
- Join Nigerian communities: Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, or churches often share food tips and sell ingredients.
- Buy cookware: A strong blender, mortar & pestle, or pressure cooker helps a lot.
- Be flexible: Not all ingredients may be available. Learn to adapt and substitute where necessary.
Easy Weekly Nigerian Meal Plan Abroad
Here’s a simple meal schedule for Nigerian food lovers abroad:
| Day | Meal |
|---|---|
| Monday | Jollof rice & chicken |
| Tuesday | Ogbono soup & eba |
| Wednesday | Fried rice & moi moi |
| Thursday | Beans & plantain |
| Friday | Suya & fried yam |
| Saturday | Efo riro & rice |
| Sunday | Pounded yam & egusi |
FAQs About Nigerian Meals Abroad
1. Can I find Nigerian meals in restaurants abroad?
Yes! Cities like London, Houston, New York, and Toronto have great Nigerian restaurants.
2. Are Nigerian ingredients expensive abroad?
Some are pricier, but shopping in bulk or from online African stores helps reduce cost.
3. Can I eat Nigerian food on a budget abroad?
Absolutely! Meals like beans, plantain, and rice-based dishes are affordable and filling.
4. How do I introduce my non-Nigerian friends to Nigerian food?
Start with jollof rice, suya, or puff puff. They’re usually well received.