When it comes to food, Nigeria is a nation blessed with rich flavors, diverse cultures, and an unbeatable culinary heritage. From the smoky taste of suya in the north to the spicy sweetness of Banga soup in the south, there’s something to satisfy every craving. This Friday Food Fiesta, we’re taking a flavorful journey across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to uncover the best local food spots that define each region’s unique taste.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for your next adventure or a local wanting to rediscover hidden gems, this guide is your passport to Nigeria’s tastiest destinations.
North Central: Heart of Traditional Delights
1. Abuja (FCT) – The Capital’s Culinary Crown
- Spot: The Charcoal Grill, Wuse II
- Must-Try: Grilled catfish, spicy jollof, and chilled zobo.
Abuja’s cosmopolitan flair blends perfectly with local flavors, making it a foodie paradise.
2. Kwara – Home of Amala and Gbegiri
- Spot: University Amala Spot, Ilorin
- Must-Try: Amala with gbegiri and ewedu, served with steaming hot stew.
3. Benue – The Food Basket of the Nation
- Spot: Tito Gate Eatery, Makurdi
- Must-Try: Pounded yam and spicy egusi soup loaded with assorted meats.
North East: Savory, Spicy & Satisfying
4. Borno – Bold Flavors, Big Bowls
- Spot: Maiduguri Food House, Maiduguri
- Must-Try: Tuwo shinkafa with miyan kuka – rich, green and unforgettable.
5. Adamawa
- Spot: Yola Kitchen, Yola
- Must-Try: Fura da nono and kilishi for a true northern experience.
6. Gombe
- Spot: Mama Hauwa’s Canteen, Gombe
- Must-Try: Dan wake (bean dumplings) and miyan taushe.
North West: Meat Lovers’ Paradise
7. Kano – The Suya Capital
- Spot: Gidan Suya, Sabon Gari
- Must-Try: Spicy beef suya with onions, tomatoes, and masa.
8. Kaduna
- Spot: Koko Lounge, Barnawa
- Must-Try: Zobo cocktails and goat meat pepper soup.
9. Zamfara
- Spot: Gusau Local Dishes Spot
- Must-Try: Tuwon dawa with miyan kuka.
South West: Yoruba Culinary Powerhouse
10. Lagos – The Melting Pot
- Spot: Amala Sky, Ogudu
- Must-Try: Amala with ewedu, gbegiri, and roundabout.
11. Oyo – The Amala Nation
- Spot: Inan Restaurant, Ibadan
- Must-Try: Straight-up amala experience with abula.
12. Osun
- Spot: Mama Ope’s Eatery, Osogbo
- Must-Try: Ofada rice with ayamase (designer stew).
13. Ogun
- Spot: Iya Meta Local Food, Abeokuta
- Must-Try: Ofada rice served on leaves – the traditional way.
South East: Rich, Soulful Soups
14. Anambra
- Spot: Ogene Local Kitchen, Awka
- Must-Try: Ofe onugbu (bitter leaf soup) with fufu.
15. Enugu
- Spot: Okpa Junction, Enugu
- Must-Try: Steaming hot okpa with chilled minerals.
16. Abia
- Spot: Bende Delight, Umuahia
- Must-Try: Ukazi soup and akpu combo.
South South: Seafood Sensations
17. Rivers – Port Harcourt Pepper Soup
- Spot: Blue Elephant Lounge, PH
- Must-Try: Catfish pepper soup and Bole with sauce.
18. Cross River
- Spot: Calabar Kitchen, Calabar
- Must-Try: Afang soup and Ekpang Nkukwo.
19. Akwa Ibom
- Spot: Uyo Street Kitchen
- Must-Try: Edikang Ikong with periwinkles and goat meat.
South East (continued)
20. Imo
- Spot: Ofe Owerri Central, Owerri
- Must-Try: Ofe Owerri soup packed with snails and dried fish.
21. Ebonyi
- Spot: Abakaliki Rice Spot
- Must-Try: Abakaliki rice with goat meat stew.
North Central (continued)
22. Niger
- Spot: Minna Local Pot
- Must-Try: Tuwon masara and miyan taushe.
23. Nassarawa
- Spot: Lafia Spicy Bowl
- Must-Try: Tuwon acha with spicy groundnut soup.
24. Kogi
- Spot: Lokoja Banga House
- Must-Try: Banga soup with starch.
North West (continued)
25. Katsina
- Spot: Tuwon Dafa Spot, Katsina
- Must-Try: Tuwon masara with vegetable soup.
26. Jigawa
- Spot: Dutse Delights
- Must-Try: Miyan kuka and tuwo.
27. Sokoto
- Spot: Sokoto Cuisine Corner
- Must-Try: Fura da nono, kilishi and tuwon alkama.
South West (continued)
28. Ekiti
- Spot: Iya Sade’s Kitchen, Ado Ekiti
- Must-Try: Pounded yam and egusi with bushmeat.
29. Ondo
- Spot: Akure Mama Put
- Must-Try: Ofada rice with peppered goat meat.
South South (continued)
30. Bayelsa
- Spot: Yenagoa Food Bay
- Must-Try: Banga soup with fresh fish.
31. Edo
- Spot: Benin Buka, Benin City
- Must-Try: Owo soup and starch.
32. Delta
- Spot: Warri Jollof House
- Must-Try: Banga soup and starch.
Wrapping Up the Fiesta
33. Taraba
- Spot: Jalingo Treats
- Must-Try: Masa with miyan taushe.
34. Bauchi
- Spot: Bauchi Bowl
- Must-Try: Waina and suya.
35. Yobe
- Spot: Damaturu Delight
- Must-Try: Tuwo and soup combo with lamb.
36. Plateau
- Spot: Jos Kitchenette
- Must-Try: Jollof rice with beef kebabs and locally grown veggies.
37. Kebbi
- Spot: Birnin Kebbi Dishes
- Must-Try: Tuwo rice and local stew.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s food culture is not just about eating; it’s a celebration of identity, community, and love. Every Friday is a chance to explore a new taste, support a local eatery, and connect with the people who make our culinary landscape so rich. So this weekend, why not go on a Friday Food Fiesta of your own?
Which state’s delicacy are you trying first? Let us know in the comments below!
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