Top 10 Favorite Food in Nigeria
Nigeria boasts a rich and diverse culinary heritage, with dishes that are not only flavorful but also deeply rooted in tradition. From the vibrant Jollof Rice to hearty soups, the favorite food in Nigeria reflects the country’s cultural identity and culinary diversity.
Top 10 Favorite Food in Nigeria
Based on a recent survey in the SagaPoll app, here are the most loved local dishes in Nigeria:
- Jollof Rice
- Egusi Soup
- Iyan (Pounded Yam)
- Amala
- Banga Soup
- Abacha
- Moi Moi
- Eba
- Fufu
- Ekuru
At SagaPoll, a platform dedicated to showcasing African culture and consumer insights, we conducted a survey to determine the most popular dishes in Nigeria. In this article, we explore the top 10 list of best food in Nigeria as chosen by our SagaPoll community.
Most Popular Food in Nigeria: A Staple in Every Home
1. Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice is Nigeria’s favorite local dish! This iconic meal, known for its rich tomato base and aromatic spices, is loved across the country. It’s a staple at parties, weddings, and everyday meals. With 21% of Nigerians selecting it as their top dish, Jollof Rice remains a symbol of West African pride and it is the number one in the top five Nigerian foods
.
2. Egusi Soup
Egusi Soup is a thick, hearty dish made from ground melon seeds, vegetables, and spices. It pairs well with pounded yam or eba, making it one of the favorite food examples in Nigerian households. 14% of Nigerians favor this delicious soup.
3. Iyan (Pounded Yam)
A smooth, stretchy dough-like dish made by pounding boiled yams, Iyan is often enjoyed with various Nigerian soups like egusi and ogbono. It shares second place with Egusi Soup, receiving 14% of votes in our survey.
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4. Amala
Popular in the southwestern region, Amala is made from yam or plantain flour and is known for its slightly bitter taste. It is best enjoyed with ewedu soup, making it a top choice for 9% of Nigerians.
5. Banga Soup
Banga Soup, native to the Niger Delta region, is made from palm nut extract and flavored with local spices. This richly aromatic dish is loved by 8% of Nigerians.
6. Abacha
Also known as African Salad, Abacha is a cassava-based dish widely consumed in the southeastern parts of Nigeria. This refreshing and nutritious dish was selected by 6% of Nigerians as their favorite meal.
7. Moi Moi
Moi Moi is a steamed bean pudding made from blended black-eyed peas, peppers, and spices. It is high in protein and often served with Jollof Rice or Garri. Another 6% of Nigerians favor this delicious meal.
8. Eba
Eba is a staple made from cassava flour and is commonly paired with soups like Egusi, Okra, and Ogbono. Despite its simplicity, it remains a favorite for 4% of Nigerians.
9. Fufu
Fufu is another starchy staple made from fermented cassava. Its smooth and elastic texture makes it a popular accompaniment for Nigerian soups. It ties with Eba at 4%.
10. Ekuru
Finally, Ekuru, also called white Moi Moi, is similar to Moi Moi but without palm oil, giving it a distinct flavor. It is a traditional Yoruba dish loved by 3% of Nigerians.
Is food in Nigeria cheap?
The cost of eating out in Nigeria varies significantly depending on the meal. How much does food cost in Nigeria? Breakfast prices show a wide range: 28% of respondents spend between 1,540 and 4,620 NGN, while 16% spend less than 110 NGN. Lunch, however, has the highest percentage of low-cost meals, with 39% of people spending less than 385 NGN.
So, is food in Nigeria expensive? It depends. For lunch, 35% of respondents spend between 770 and 1,540 NGN, while only 1% pay more than 15,400 NGN. Dinner follows a similar pattern, with 36% spending between 770 and 1,540 NGN, while 28% manage to eat for less than 385 NGN. These numbers show that while affordable options are widely available, a significant portion of Nigerians also spend more on meals, particularly lunch and dinner.
| 💰 Meal Price (NGN) | 🍽 Breakfast | 🍛 Lunch | 🍲 Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 110 NGN 🥖 | 16% | – | – |
| Less than 385 NGN 🍌 | – | 39% | 28% |
| 770 – 1,540 NGN 🍛 | 28% | 35% | 36% |
| 1,540 – 2,310 NGN 🍜 | 5% | 13% | 13% |
| 2,310 – 3,850 NGN 🍕 | 5% | 8% | 10% |
| 3,850 – 7,700 NGN 🥩 | 3% | 4% | 9% |
| More than 15,400 NGN 🍷 | 1% | 1% | 1% |
Most Consumed Food in Nigeria
While Jollof Rice is one of the main dishes in Nigeria, it also holds the title of the most frequently consumed, with 39% of Nigerians enjoying it regularly.
If you’re wondering, “What is the most popular food in Nigeria?”—Jollof Rice is the clear winner!
Other widely consumed dishes include:
– Garri (10%) – A versatile cassava-based meal, enjoyed as a drink or solid food.
– Eba (9%) – A staple swallow dish often paired with various soups.
– Egusi Soup (9%) – A rich and flavorful soup beloved across the country.
– Amala (8%) – A cherished delicacy, especially in southwestern Nigeria.
These dishes are more than just meals—they are a reflection of Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage!
What is the Most Eaten Food in Nigeria?
According to our survey, Jollof Rice is the most popular dish in Nigeria, with 39% of Nigerians consuming it regularly. If you’re wondering, “What is the most famous food in Nigeria?”—Jollof Rice takes the crown! Other widely enjoyed dishes include Garri (10%), Eba (9%), Egusi Soup (9%), Amala (8%), and Fufu (6%). These staple foods are deeply embedded in Nigerian cuisine and cherished across different regions. Whether served at home or during celebrations, they represent the heart and soul of Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.
Discover Nigeria’s Culinary Heritage with SagaPoll
Nigeria’s food culture is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Whether it’s the spicy and aromatic Jollof Rice, the hearty Egusi Soup, or the comforting Amala, these dishes represent the heart of Nigerian cuisine.
Do you want to share your food preferences while earning rewards? And find out what is Nigeria’s most popular food? Join the SagaPoll community! By participating in paid surveys, you can express your opinions and get paid for your views.
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Methodology
This survey was conducted through the SagaPoll app, where Nigerian users shared their favorite local dishes. The results reflect authentic opinions from the Nigerian community, ensuring a true representation of the country’s culinary landscape.
Please select your favourite local dish from the options below.
Please select the dish you eat MOST OFTEN from the options below.
You mentioned that you ate out for breakfast in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought BREAKFAST outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
You mentioned that you ate out for lunch in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought LUNCH outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
You mentioned that you ate out for dinner in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought DINNER outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
Base: Respondents in Nigeria.
Population: adults above 18 years old.
Period: January 2025
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FAQ
What is the most popular food from Nigeria?
Here is a list of the most popular food in Nigeria :
- Jollof Rice
- Egusi Soup
- Iyan (Pounded Yam)
- Amala
- Banga Soup
- Abacha
- Moi Moi
- Eba
- Fufu
- Ekuru
What is a main dish in Nigeria?
Jollof Rice is the most eaten food in Nigeria, with 39% of Nigerians consuming it regularly. This iconic meal, known for its rich tomato base and aromatic spices, is loved across the country. It’s a staple at parties, weddings, and everyday meals. With 21% of Nigerians selecting it as their top dish, Jollof Rice remains a symbol of West African pride.
What is the most popular street food in Nigeria?
Although debatable, boli/bole might be Nigeria’s most popular street food. Bole or ‘Boli’ is a simple plantain dish that’s indigenous to southwestern Nigeria. This savoury dish features roasted plantain, which could be ripe or unripe, served with grilled or roasted fish, pepper sauce, or even groundnuts.
