The Trend of the Nigerian Foodie: Exploring Hidden Culinary Gems in the Nigerian City

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram at 11 PM, mesmerized by someone’s jollof rice video, suddenly overcome with hunger pangs? Yeah, me too. More times than I care to admit.

The Nigerian food scene has gone overboard in recent years, and I’m not just talking about your aunt’s Sunday rice and stew (though that remains undefeated). There’s been a shift in how we approach, consume, and celebrate our local cuisine. From hidden bukas serving the most authentic soups to upscale restaurants reimagining traditional dishes, the Nigerian foodie culture is having its well-deserved moment.

From Necessity to Passion: The Evolution of Nigerian Food Culture

Growing up, food was simply what you ate to survive. My mother cooked what she knew, what her mother taught her, and meals were functional rather than experiences. Fast forward to 2025, and food has become a focal point of our social lives, digital presence, and even personal identity. I didn’t even realize I was a ‘foodie’ until my camera roll became 80% food pictures. That’s how bad it has gotten. This transformation didn’t happen overnight. The rise of social media, increased global exposure, and a generation eager to rediscover their cultural roots have all contributed to Nigeria’s blossoming food scene.

Almost every city in Nigeria has chow spots and treasures that don’t make it to the glossy pages of travel magazines. Here’s how to find them:

Follow the Locals, Not the Tourists

The best food spots are often where you see office workers during lunch breaks or families gathering on weekends. In Port Harcourt, I discovered the most incredible fish pepper soup at a nondescript joint where oil workers queue up every evening. No signboard, no fancy decor—just plastic chairs and flavors that would put five-star hotels to shame. I also discovered that Edu makes the best shawarma in his kiosk around choba/Aluu. I also discovered that you can get some of the best local spot rice at Choba Junction from 6 pm. Again…try the locals.

Ask the Right Questions

Taxi drivers, market vendors, and security guards often know the best local spots. A simple question like “Where do you eat when you want to enjoy yourself without spending too much?” can lead to discoveries you won’t find on review sites.

The New Nigerian Cuisine: Tradition Meets Innovation

While hunting for hidden gems, I’ve noticed an exciting trend: young Nigerian chefs reimagining traditional dishes with contemporary techniques and presentations.

At Roots in Lekki, Lagos, Chef Adeola serves amala (traditional yam flour swallow) with smoked ewedu foam and deconstructed gbegiri—traditional ingredients transformed through modern culinary approaches. In Abuja, Savanna Kitchen offers small plates of Nigerian street food elevated with unexpected flavor combinations: suya skewers with pineapple chutney and plantain fritters with zobo reduction. These chefs insists they’re not abandoning tradition, but instead, honoring it by showing how versatile and sophisticated our food can be. Our grandmothers were innovative with what they had—we’re just continuing that legacy with different tools.

The beauty of Nigeria’s food scene is its diversity—both in cuisine and price point. One day you might be enjoying boli (roasted plantain) and groundnuts from a roadside vendor, and the next, sampling a seven-course tasting menu at a boutique restaurant. Some of my most memorable food experiences have happened on the street. Street food isn’t just delicious—it’s an authentic window into local culture and daily life.

Middle-Ground Marvels

Casual restaurants serving high-quality, affordable food represent the heart of Nigerian dining. These establishments maintain authenticity while offering comfortable seating, consistent quality, and sometimes, the blessed gift of air conditioning.

The Fine Dining Revolution

Nigerian fine dining has evolved beyond imported cuisines to celebrate our own. Restaurants like Nok by Alara in Lagos and Cravings in Abuja have proven that Nigerian food can be elevated to the highest culinary standards without losing its soul.

Beyond the Plate: Food as Cultural Preservation

As we hunt for new food experiences, we’re actually participating in something deeper—the preservation and evolution of our cultural heritage. By exploring our diverse cuisines, we strengthen connections to our roots while creating space for innovation. That suya joint you discovered might be using recipes passed down through five generations—a living museum of flavor.

Your Turn to Explore

This weekend, challenge yourself to find a hidden food gem in your city. Skip the popular spots, ask around, and follow your senses. Maybe it’s the woman selling akara at dawn near your local market, or the small buka serving the most velvety oha soup you’ve ever tasted. Share your discoveries in the comments below! Remember, every meal is an opportunity for adventure—and Nigeria offers a lifetime of culinary explorations just waiting for your eager palate.