For many Nigerians living abroad, no matter how far or how long they’ve been away, the longing for the familiar flavors of home remains strong.
These beloved dishes are more than meals — they carry deep emotional connections, evoking memories of family, community, and cultural heritage.
Below are nine local dishes that many Nigerians in the diaspora deeply miss:
1. Abacha (African Salad)
Abacha is a cherished delicacy prepared from shredded cassava, often garnished with garden eggs, ponmo (cow skin), palm oil, and a mix of local spices. Though it’s a popular street food in Nigeria, it’s a rarity abroad, making it one of the most missed.
2. Amala, Gbegiri & Ewedu
This iconic Yoruba combination is a staple that many abroad struggle to replicate. While Amala and bean flour can be found in some international stores, the authentic taste and the special jute leaves used for Ewedu are hard to come by. It’s a comfort food that often brings back memories of home-cooked meals.
3. Ewa Agoyin
This dish — mashed beans served with a uniquely prepared pepper sauce — may seem simple, but the flavor is hard to imitate. The stew’s deep, smoky taste is difficult to replicate, even with all the right ingredients, leaving many longing for the original Nigerian street version.
4. Asun (Spicy Grilled Goat Meat)
Commonly served at parties and gatherings, Asun is goat meat chopped into pieces and tossed in spicy pepper sauce. For Nigerians abroad, it’s more than a dish — it represents celebration and family togetherness.
5. Agege Bread
Soft, stretchy, and delicious, Agege bread is a Lagos staple. While bread is available in every corner of the world, nothing quite compares to the fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste of a fresh loaf of Agege bread, especially when paired with beans or tea.
6. Boli and Groundnut (Roasted Plantain and Peanuts)
Though plantain and peanuts can be found in many countries, they rarely taste like the ones roasted by roadside vendors in Nigeria. The smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled boli, served with crunchy groundnuts, is a treat that many abroad miss dearly.
7. Suya
This spicy, flame-grilled meat on skewers is a Northern Nigerian classic and a nationwide favorite. Often served wrapped in old newspaper with spicy yaji (suya pepper), it’s a snack that’s both flavorful and nostalgic. Recreating its exact taste abroad is no easy feat.
8. Roasted Corn
Nothing beats the experience of eating hot, freshly roasted corn straight off a roadside grill. The combination of charred kernels and the distinct aroma of charcoal fire gives a satisfying taste that simply can’t be mimicked in an oven abroad.
9. Ofada Rice and Sauce
This locally grown rice is known for its unique aroma and chewy texture. Served with a spicy, rich pepper stew, Ofada rice is not just a dish — it’s an experience.
Its preparation requires effort, and it’s harder to find authentic versions overseas, making it one of the top meals Nigerians abroad yearn for.
For Nigerians living far from home, these dishes go beyond satisfying hunger.
They are a connection to culture, childhood, and cherished moments — tastes that no foreign cuisine can replace.
