Igbo meals are very popular across the nation, as the region has been the birthplace of some of the country’s best known street food and snacks, including Akpa, Abacha and more which are now eaten accross various regions in Nigeria.
Whether you are visiting the eastern region on vacation, attending a wedding or on business, here are some of the notable delicacies to try out during your visit!
Okpa
Fondly referred to as “the Lion’s food” or “the king’s meal”, Okpa is a traditional Igbo dish made with flour from Bambara beans. A treasured delicacy, the cooking process is almost the same with moi-moi, however, the taste is unique as the paste is most times combined with vegetables like pumpkin leaves for added flavor before cooking.
Aki na ukwa
A mixture of coconut or palm nut (aki) and roasted or fried breadfruit seeds (ukwa), Aki na ukwa is one of the most balanced food combinations on the streets of eastern Nigeria. The snack is usually packed in conical-shaped transparent polythene packs and can easily be bought on the streets.
Garden egg and groundnut sauce
Garden egg is one of the favourite fibre fruits enjoyed by the people as the plant thrives greatly in the region. More abundant during the rainy seasons, the garden egg, paired with a spicy groundnut sauce is a staple on the streets of igbo communities.
The groundnut sauce is usually made from a combination of calabash nutmeg, ashanti and dry pepper, making it a very hot and spicy dip.
Abacha Mmiri
Abacha Mmiri, now popularly referred to as ‘Bobozee’ around the country, is one the best snack for a sunny day, hence the other nickname “Air Condition”.
Made of cooked cassava strips soaked in cold water and paired with coconut, the snack is not just filling, it is also very tasty and soothing in hot conditions.
Ugba/Abacha (African salad)
Popularly referred to as African salad. This dish is a mix of vegetables prepared with either Ugba (oil bean), Abacha (shredded cassava) or a combination of both, and other ingredient including afang(spinach), onions, meats, fish and palm oil.
The best food adventure is one without boundaries! If you have ever tried out any of these, feel free to share your taste experience or rate your favorite out of the lot.
Have a lovely weekend…
