Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria

Enugu, Nigeria, Enugu, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria

1. Bushmeat (Ofe Owerri)

Traditional Igbo dish made from wild game, served with bitter leaf soup and yam. Try it at Uwani Market, a bustling hub of local delicacies.
  • Authenticity: Prepared using traditional methods by skilled Igbo cooks
  • Unique Ingredients: Incorporates local bushmeat, such as antelope or monkey
  • Taste Experience: A rich, flavorful dish that showcases the diversity of Enugu cuisine

2. Isi-Ewu (Goat Head Soup)

Spicy soup made from goat head and served with pounded yam. Experience it at New Artisan Market, known for its variety of authentic dishes.
  • Bold Flavor: A spicy and rich soup that offers a unique taste experience
  • Cultural Significance: Traditionally considered a delicacy in Igbo culture
  • Preparation Skill: Requires expert knowledge and preparation to create the perfect consistency

3. Ugba (Ori-Inirika Salad)

A popular Igbo salad made from processed oil beans, served with stockfish and crayfish. Visit Zik's Garden Restaurant to try it.
  • Taste Combination: Combines the unique flavors of oil beans, stockfish, and crayfish
  • Health Benefits: Rich in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious meal option
  • Local Cooking Technique: Processed using traditional methods, giving it a distinct texture and flavor

4. Akpu (Fried Cassava Balls)

Crispy, fried cassava balls served with soups or stews. Taste them at Udobi Village Restaurant in Oji River.
  • Texture: Crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside
  • Versatility: Can be enjoyed with various local dishes, such as soups or stews
  • Cultural Connection: A staple food in Enugu State, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage

5. Oha Soup (Bitterleaf Soup)

Traditional soup made from bitter leaves and served with yam or cocoyams. Enjoy it at Orie Emene Market's food stalls.
  • Flavor Profile: Offers a unique blend of bitterness, spiciness, and richness
  • Health Benefits: Bitter leaves are packed with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that plays a significant role in Igbo cuisine

6. Nkwo (Bean Cake)

Steamed bean cake made from fermented beans and cornmeal. Taste it at a local market such as New Artisan Market.
  • Taste Experience: A rich, earthy flavor that complements various local dishes
  • Nutritional Value: High in protein and fiber, making it a filling meal option
  • Preparation Technique: Involves fermenting the beans for flavor development and improved digestibility

7. Oha Nchu (Bitter Colocasia Leaves)

A dish made from boiled bitter colocasia leaves, served with palm oil and condiments. Try it at Zik's Garden Restaurant.
  • Taste Profile: A unique combination of bitterness, spiciness, and the richness of palm oil
  • Health Benefits: Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin A and Iron
  • Local Cooking Technique: Prepared using traditional methods, such as wrapping the leaves in banana leaves to cook

8. Igbo Nsala (Nsala Soup)

Light soup made from pumpkin leaves and served with yam or cocoyams. Taste it at Uwani Market's food stalls.
  • Flavor Profile: A light, refreshing soup that is perfect for a warm Enugu day
  • Health Benefits: Pumpkin leaves are packed with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Versatility: Can be enjoyed at any meal of the day, making it a versatile dish

9. Ofe Owerri (Bitterleaf Stew)

Stew made from bitter leaves and cooked with palm oil and spices. Try it at Orie Emene Market's food stalls.
  • Taste Experience: A rich, flavorful dish that showcases the diversity of Enugu cuisine
  • Health Benefits: Bitter leaves are packed with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that plays a significant role in Igbo cuisine

10. Nkwele (Roasted Plantain)

Sweet and savory roasted plantains, available at street food vendors across Enugu.
  • Taste Experience: A sweet, caramelized flavor that complements various local dishes
  • Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a snack or accompaniment to other dishes
  • Accessibility: Easily found at street food vendors throughout Enugu

11. Akwu Oha (Bitterleaf Porridge)

Porridge made from fermented cornmeal and bitter leaves. Try it at Uwani Market's food stalls.
  • Taste Profile: A unique combination of bitterness, sourness, and the richness of cornmeal
  • Nutritional Value: Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin B12 and Iron
  • Preparation Technique: Involves fermenting the cornmeal for flavor development and improved digestibility

12. Ugba (Ori-Inirika Stew)

Stew made from processed oil beans, served with rice. Visit Zik's Garden Restaurant to try it.
  • Taste Experience: A rich, flavorful dish that showcases the diversity of Enugu cuisine
  • Unique Ingredients: Incorporates local oil beans, giving it a distinct texture and flavor
  • Versatility: Can be enjoyed at any meal of the day, making it a versatile dish

13. Igbo Nsala (Nsala Stick)

Stick-shaped snack made from fermented beans and cornmeal. Find it at street food vendors across Enugu.
  • Taste Experience: A rich, earthy flavor that complements various local dishes
  • Portability: Easy to carry and eat on-the-go, making it a convenient snack option
  • Accessibility: Easily found at street food vendors throughout Enugu

14. Oha Nchu (Bitter Colocasia Leaves Pie)

Pie made from boiled bitter colocasia leaves and filled with palm oil and spices. Taste it at Zik's Garden Restaurant.
  • Taste Profile: A unique combination of bitterness, spiciness, and the richness of palm oil
  • Portability: Convenient to carry and eat on-the-go, making it a practical meal option
  • Cultural Connection: A traditional dish that reflects the culinary heritage of Enugu State

15. Egusi (Melon Seed Soup)

Spicy soup made from ground melon seeds and served with pounded yam or rice. Enjoy it at Uwani Market's food stalls.
  • Bold Flavor: A spicy and rich soup that offers a unique taste experience
  • Unique Ingredients: Incorporates local melon seeds, giving it a distinct texture and flavor
  • Versatility: Can be enjoyed at any meal of the day, making it a versatile dish