10 Must-Have Nigerian Ingredients Every Kitchen Should Have
If you love Nigerian cuisine—or you’re just getting into it—there are a few essential ingredients that no Nigerian kitchen is complete without. From traditional soups to beloved street snacks, these staples form the backbone of our rich, diverse culinary culture. Whether you’re cooking in Port Harcourt or abroad, here are 10 must-have Nigerian ingredients every home cook should stock up on.
- Garri (Cassava Flakes)
A true Nigerian classic! Garri is versatile—soaked with cold water, sugar, and grounduts for a quick snack or turned into smooth eba to accompany soups like egusi or ogbono. It stores well, is easy to prepare, and is packed with carbs for energy.
- Egusi (Melon Seeds)
Egusi is essential for thick, hearty soups. When ground and cooked, it creates a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with spinach, bitterleaf, or ugu. It's also rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Crayfish (Ground or Whole)
This is your shortcut to deep, savory flavor. Crayfish is added to everything—from jollof rice to ogbono soup—to enhance taste with a rich, smoky seafood kick. Keep a bag in your pantry at all times.
- Palm Oil (Unrefined Red Palm Oil)
No Nigerian kitchen is complete without palm oil. Its bright red color and earthy aroma are central to countless dishes like banga soup, ogbono, and even beans. Plus, it's rich in antioxidants.
- Stockfish (Okporoko)
This dried cod brings a unique umami depth to soups and stews. Soak before cooking, and it melts beautifully into your pot, releasing that signature taste of traditional home cooking.
Available in our store
Bottled Palm oil
₦700.00500ml
Peeled Egusi
₦300.00
Unblended Dried Crayfish
₦500.00500g
Yellow Garri
₦1,000.002kg- Maggi or Seasoning Cubes
Used daily across Nigeria, these cubes are packed with flavor and give your dish that finishing touch. They come in beef, chicken, and all-purpose varieties and are often combined with salt and pepper for quick seasoning.
- Ogbono Seeds (Wild Mango Seeds)
Ground ogbono is the key ingredient in draw soup—thick, hearty, and comforting. It’s loved for its texture and how well it holds up to long simmering with meats and greens.
- Bitterleaf or Ugu (Fluted Pumpkin Leaves)
No soup is complete without the right greens. Bitterleaf adds a mildly bitter, herbal note, while ugu is soft and sweet. These leafy vegetables are often used in soups like egusi.
- Beans (Brown or Honey Beans)
Used for akara, moi-moi, and porridge, brown beans are a protein-rich staple in Nigerian diets. They cook relatively fast and are delicious when paired with spices and palm oil.
- Dried Pepper (Ata Gungun)
Every Nigerian kitchen needs dried ground pepper for that familiar spicy kick. Use it in stews, soups, jollof, or even sprinkled over soaked garri. It’s heat, flavor, and tradition in one.
Final Thoughts
Stocking your kitchen with these 10 essentials means you’re always ready to whip up something delicious, comforting, and deeply Nigerian. Whether you’re in Nigeria or abroad, Drason Foods makes it easy to shop authentic staples online and have them delivered right to your doorstep.
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