The world has many unconventional meals but none comes close to the weird foods Nigerians eat. While you imagine that bushmeat is the only freaky thing that Naija people eat, you will be shocked by their appetite for reptiles. It’s a customary trait that civilization in the 21st century can’t wash away.
Forget Jollof rice and fufu. Rural Nigeria considers most moving (including crawling) animals as a meal. So, brace yourself for a culinary tour like no other in this article.
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What are the Weird Foods Nigerians Eat?
Meat is a delicacy many people love but it starts and ends with beef, pork, mutton, chicken, fish and lamb. Some game animals such as buffalos, deer and antelopes also find a place on the plate in some countries where game hunting is allowed. However, Nigeria goes a little too far. Below are weird foods Nigerians eat.
Larvae from Palm Weevils
As disgusting as it sounds, larvae have a special place in the hearts of Niger Delta and Southern Nigeria. The edible larvae locally known as Akokono is a rich source of protein easy to get due to plenty of palm trees in these regions. Palm weevil larvae also contain healthy fats, zinc, magnesium and iron. Feeding on these maggots is a tradition passed down to generations from a young age.
A Cow’s Brain
A cow’s brain is a delicacy in Nigeria. Photo/BuzzFeed
What’s more horrifying than eating a cow’s brain? In Nigeria, the brain of a cow prepares a special stew called Kwanya. Beef brain is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and vitamin B12. These macronutrients promote a healthy kidney and the formation of healthy bones.
Snakes
Southwestern Nigeria feasts on snakes over their belief that their meat can cure skin-related diseases. Still, snake-eating isn’t a widespread practice in Nigeria except for those people who live in the southwest.
Dog Meat
Eating dog meat is outlandish and on top of the weird food Nigerians eat. As controversial as it is, communities such as Efik, Ibibio in the eastern and southern regions make a feast out of dogs. Additional reports also indicate that some Igbo tribes also enjoy canine meat.
Bats
Bat meat is a delicacy across Nigeria despite warnings by The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that these mammals are Ebola virus carriers.
Grasshopper/Locusts
Yobe and Borno state in the north are heavy locust consumers. They deep fry these insects until they are crisp and have them as snacks.
Grasscutters (Cane Rats)
An African giant rat. [Photo: YouTube]
Frogs
Niger Delta communities such as Itsekiri and Urhobo love frogs as a stew or deep-fried. Although frog-eating isn’t widespread, those who have tasted it describe its meat as tender and having a chicken-like taste. All in all, frogs are many of the weird foods Nigerians eat.
Agama Lizard
Residents in the remote parts of northern and central Nigeria consume Agama Lizards, a tradition that started during the Civil War when there was so little to eat. The lizards have lean and tender meat.
Crocodiles
Wetlands areas such as the Niger Delta and some other parts of northern parts of the country have lots of crocodiles. They are hunted and sold for their meat and skin. Culturally, communities that consume crocodile meat believe that it has mystical powers and increases the urge for men and women to be intimate. Nigerian game meat markets have lots of dried crocodiles ready to make your next stew.
What Do Nigerians Eat a Lot of?
Rice is the most consumed food in Nigeria. Remember this is home to the world’s finest Jollof rice. Besides Jollof, fried white rice served with meat and vegetable stews is also common in Nigerian households. Rice farming is big in Nigeria and its simplicity in cooking and storage contributes largely to its popularity and national dish status.
Other meals that Nigerians eat more include the following:
- Fufu
- Beans
- Yams
- Cassava
- Plantain
- Fish
- Chicken
- Bread
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Peanuts
- Eggs
What are Some Special Foods in Nigeria?
Nigeria has some special foods such as Jollof rice and Egusi soup over and weird foods Nigerians eat. Jollof is a staple food across this country and it holds a lot of national respect. This dish is often paired with a hearty bowl of Egusi soup made from grounded melon seeds to supply protein to the body.
Other special foods include:
- Fufu
- Garri
- Ogbono soup
- Amala and Ewedu soup
- Akara
- Suya
- Tuwo Shinkafa
