If you are new to vegan food or you’re simply exploring healthier, meat-free Nigerian dishes, this guide is for you.
Many traditional Nigerian meals are already plant-based or can easily be made vegan with just a few changes.
In this post, we will explore top Nigerian vegan dishes for beginners.
What is Vegan Food?
Vegan food is any meal that does not contain animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
This means no beef, no chicken, no milk, no cheese, and no eggs. Instead, vegan dishes focus on plant-based ingredients like vegetables, beans, fruits, grains, and plant oils.
Why Try Nigerian Vegan Dishes?
Nigerian food is known for being rich in flavor, spice, and cultural variety. Many everyday meals already use ingredients like:
- Beans
- Plantain
- Yam
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Palm oil
- Vegetables
These are naturally vegan, which makes Nigerian cuisine a great fit for a plant-based lifestyle, without sacrificing taste or tradition.
Top 15 Nigerian Vegan Dishes for Beginners
Here’s a list of popular Nigerian vegan meals that are easy to cook or find. Each one is simple, delicious, and great for someone who’s just starting out.
1. Moi Moi
Moi Moi is made from blended peeled beans mixed with peppers, onions, oil, and seasoning. It’s usually steamed in leaves, foil, or containers.
- Why it’s beginner-friendly: Easy to blend and steam. No meat needed.
- Vegan tip: Avoid adding eggs, fish, or crayfish.
2. Beans and Plantain (Ewa and Dodo)
A simple combo of soft-cooked beans and fried ripe plantain (dodo). Common in Nigerian homes and very satisfying.
- Vegan tip: Cook the beans with palm oil or vegetable oil only.
3. Jollof Rice (Vegan Version)
Jollof rice is a party favorite, made with tomato and pepper stew cooked into rice. Simply skip meat stock or animal seasoning to keep it vegan.
- Ingredients: Rice, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, oil, and spices.
- Serve with: Fried plantain or steamed vegetables.
4. Yam Porridge (Asaro)
Asaro is made with diced yam, cooked in palm oil with pepper, onion, and seasoning. It becomes soft and flavorful.
- Vegan tip: Don’t add fish or meat. Add spinach or scent leaf for a boost.
5. Akara (Fried Bean Balls)
Made from blended black-eyed beans and spices, akara is deep-fried and usually eaten for breakfast.
- Pro tip: Use only beans, pepper, onion, and salt. No eggs needed.
6. Sweet Potato Porridge
Just like yam porridge, but made with sweet potatoes. It’s naturally sweet and needs only a few ingredients.
- Add-ins: Tomatoes, pepper, onions, palm oil, and greens.
7. Okra Soup (Without Meat)
Okra soup is a slimy, tasty soup served with swallow (like eba or amala). It’s very easy to make vegan.
- Vegan tip: Remove meat, fish, crayfish. Add mushrooms or tofu if you want more texture.
8. Vegetable Soup (Edikang Ikong or Afang – Vegan Style)
Both soups are traditionally filled with meat and fish, but you can make them vegan by using just the vegetables, oil, and plant-based seasoning.
- Main ingredients: Ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaves), waterleaf or spinach, palm oil, pepper, onions.
9. Boiled Yam and Pepper Sauce
Boiled yam with spicy tomato-onion-pepper sauce is simple and filling.
- Why it works: Only basic ingredients needed; no animal products.
10. Abacha (African Salad – Vegan Style)
Abacha is made from shredded cassava, palm oil, and vegetables. It’s a popular southeastern Nigerian dish.
- Vegan version: Remove fish, crayfish, and kpomo.
11. Boli (Roasted Plantain)
Roasted plantain sold by street vendors or made at home. It can be served with groundnut or pepper sauce.
- Totally vegan and ready to eat!
12. Puff Puff (Plain, No Milk or Eggs)
Deep-fried dough balls, often sold as snacks. Some recipes add eggs or milk, but the original street-style version is usually vegan.
- Check ingredients or make at home to be sure.
13. Tigernut Milk (Kunun Aya)
A dairy-free, nutritious drink made from blended tigernuts.
- Why it’s great: Sweet, creamy, and plant-based.
14. Plantain Pottage
Ripe or unripe plantains cooked in palm oil sauce with vegetables and spices.
- Tweak it: Remove any animal seasoning or crayfish.
15. Ofada Rice with Vegan Sauce
Ofada rice is served with a peppery palm oil sauce. To make it vegan, use mushrooms instead of meat.
Staple Vegan Ingredients in Nigeria
If you want to start cooking vegan meals in Nigeria, these are the common plant-based ingredients you’ll use:
- Beans
- Yam
- Rice
- Sweet potato
- Ripe/unripe plantain
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Palm oil
- Groundnut oil
- Ugwu (pumpkin leaves)
- Spinach
- Waterleaf
- Tofu or mushrooms
Beginner-Friendly Tips for Nigerian Vegan Cooking
- Cook in batches: Make extra beans or soup and store for later.
- Use fresh local vegetables: They’re cheaper and tastier.
- Watch your seasoning cubes: Some may contain animal extracts, check for “vegetarian” or “plant-based.”
- Palm oil is okay: It’s plant-based but use it in moderation.
- Avoid crayfish and stockfish: They’re animal products and not vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Nigerian food good for vegans?
Yes! Many Nigerian dishes are naturally vegan or can be made vegan without losing flavor.
2. Can I still eat swallow foods like eba or amala?
Absolutely. Swallows are usually made from cassava or yam, 100% plant-based. Just pair them with vegan soups.
3. What do I use instead of meat in Nigerian dishes?
You can use mushrooms, tofu, or extra vegetables to replace meat.
4. Can I eat out as a vegan in Nigeria?
Yes, but ask questions. Stick to simple meals like beans, rice, or plantain, and avoid meat-based soups unless you’re sure they’re vegan.
Nigerian Vegan Street Foods to Try
- Akara
- Puff Puff (plain)
- Boli (roasted plantain)
- Kunu or tigernut milk
- Fried yam with pepper sauce