35 Popular Nigerian Lunch Ideas for the Bold and the Brave!

From hearty protein-rich soups and stews to scrumptious desserts and snacks, these Nigerian lunch ideas will take your taste buds on a thrilling roller coaster ride. It’s a celebration of culture and culinary delight right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Nigerian cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to its remarkable native ingredients. Let’s explore Nigeria’s vibrant flavors together—no passport and airline ticket required.

Cooking delicious Nigerian home-cooked meals is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the country’s rich history, traditions, and the stories behind each recipe. 

Explore the flavors dish by dish, lunchtime after lunchtime. You’ll also gain incredible cooking tips and techniques that you can apply to many more international dishes in the future. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, dessert enthusiast, or meat lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Oha Soup (Ofe Oha)

I tried Nigerian food for the first time a few months ago, and now I’m hooked on preparing Nigerian-inspired lunches. Oha soup is my latest delicious discovery for making beef dishes. The great thing about it is its versatility. To prepare this flavorful soup, I can use different cuts of beef and even mix in other types of meat.

Get the Recipe: Oha Soup (Ofe Oha)

The Best Nigerian Fish Stew (Obe Eja Tutu)

This delectable stew is one of the best Nigerian lunch ideas ever. I only have time to try new nutritious meals during lunch, so it’s the perfect opportunity for exploration. The pepper mixture in this recipe is a real winner, with its bold flavors that you’ll enjoy on both ordinary days and special occasions.

Get the Recipe: The Best Nigerian Fish Stew (Obe Eja Tutu)

Authentic Nigerian Fried Rice Recipe

Need help with what to have for lunch? Explore Nigerian lunch ideas for truly satisfying comfort foods. Nigerian fried rice stands out as one of West Africa’s most beloved dishes. Once you try this mouthwatering African meal, you’ll want to make it again and again, due to its rich taste and nutritious blend of fresh vegetables.

Get the Recipe: Authentic Nigerian Fried Rice Recipe

Nigerian Bitter Leaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu)

What I love about African foods is that they are satisfying without being overly indulgent. They always include a generous portion of cooked vegetables. This bitter leaf soup may not look colorful but don’t judge it by its appearance. It’s incredibly delicious! This hearty soup is a staple in Nigerian homes, and it also deserves a place in your home.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Bitter Leaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu)

Ghanaian Meat Pie

In addition to discovering more Nigerian lunch ideas, check out mouthwatering African snacks. This Ghanian meat pie is incredibly easy to prepare, although it takes about an hour to make. It’s filled with flavorful tomato puree and ground beef! A meaty snack that even children will love.

Get the Recipe: Ghanaian Meat Pie

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The Tastiest Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect dish for picnics? Try these protein-rich fish rolls that will boost your energy levels with a few bites. When it comes to snacks for outdoor activities, I used to go for chips and nuts, but I’m glad I discovered these. Nigerian dishes take versatility to a whole new level.

Get the Recipe: The Tastiest Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe

Nigerian Buns

When I’m hungry and busy, I’ll eat anything, anywhere. That’s why I adore Nigerian lunch ideas—they always have something tasty (and convenient!) to offer. These buns take only five minutes to prepare but have a distinct flavor, even with simple ingredients. They’re perfect for my hungry lunchtime cravings and make a good comfort snack as well.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Buns

The Best Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

My mom’s favorite lunch used to be Thai food until I introduced her to this chicken stew. She loves the smoky and spicy chicken flavor and how the curry takes it to the next level. She mentioned that using a food processor to blend the vegetables is helpful in preventing a runny stew.

Get the Recipe: The Best Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

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Black Soup (Nigerian Efirin Soup)

Give black soup a try today, and your taste buds will thank you. This delightful soup is packed with rich flavor and various types of meat, making it one of the best Nigerian lunch ideas. This protein-rich meal will boost your energy levels if you’re facing a long day.

Get the Recipe: Black Soup (Nigerian Efirin Soup)

World’s Best Nigerian Jollof Spaghetti Recipe

Nigerian lunch ideas consist of simple recipes that can be prepared in under an hour. Among them is Jollof spaghetti, a classic dish with a spicy and flavorful twist. It has become my go-to pasta instead of the usual Italian options. It’s also a part of my breakfast meal plan!

Get the Recipe: World’s Best Nigerian Jollof Spaghetti Recipe

Edikaikong Soup (Edikang Ikong Soup Recipe)

Nigerian soups are truly remarkable, so let’s add them all to your collection of Nigerian lunch ideas! Here’s another one: Edikaikong Soup. It typically uses goat meat, but you can easily make substitutions. You can even include tripe in the mix if you’re feeling adventurous. This one-pot meal is perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Get the Recipe: Edikaikong Soup (Edikang Ikong Soup Recipe)

Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe With Tips For Perfection

Can’t resist Ghanaian meat pie? Give this Nigerian snack a try and savor a similarly delightful dish, perfect as a quick snack or for lunch on the go. Trust me, I can’t stop myself from devouring multiple in one sitting—they’re simply irresistible! Despite their small size, the distinct texture and flavorful filling of these Nigerian meat pies are truly magical.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe With Tips For Perfection

Nigerian Pepper Soup

Nigerian lunch ideas have opened my taste buds to goat meat and various cooking techniques. Pepper soup is one of the quickest and most flavorful Nigerian soups. Don’t worry if you can’t find bay leaves. You can easily substitute them with lime leaf, lemon grass leaf, or other minty-flavored herbs. Trust me, exploring Nigerian soups will never disappoint.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Pepper Soup

Easy Asaro Recipe (Nigerian Yam Porridge)

Nigerian lunch ideas will tantalize your taste buds with unique and mouthwatering flavors. Every bite is a delicious discovery! Asaro yam is bursting with native flavors and essential nutrients. The combination of tomatoes, meat, and yam really results in an amazing taste you wouldn’t experience in any other dish.

Get the Recipe: Easy Asaro Recipe (Nigerian Yam Porridge)

Nigerian Chapman Cocktail: Nigeria’s National Drink

My drink of choice after indulging in those delicious Nigerian lunch ideas? The Nigerian Chapman Cocktail—a refreshing soda-syrup blend with a vibrant red color. You don’t even need a special occasion to savor this drink. After relishing delicious dishes, you deserve a bubbly beverage! Treat yourself each time you explore a classic recipe.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Chapman Cocktail: Nigeria’s National Drink

Nigerian Coconut Candy

After enjoying Nigerian lunch ideas, it’s time for a well-deserved sweet and crunchy snack! I’m very fond of using coconut milk and coconut flakes in desserts, so trying this coconut candy was an exciting experience for me. The best part? I got to work with a whole, fresh coconut instead of the pre-packaged options.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Coconut Candy

Nigerian Egg Stew

Are vegetables a staple in all Nigerian lunch ideas? I’m still new to this, but the most common lunch ideas I’ve come across include them! One of the most delicious foods I tried was this egg stew featuring tomatoes, which I usually enjoy with rice or low-fat bread for a balanced meal.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Egg Stew

Authentic Nigerian Afang Soup

This African soup is a popular choice for restaurants, ceremonies, and home-cooked meals in Southern Nigeria. The key ingredients include palm oil, onions, dried fish, crayfish, beef, and water leaves. When I made this recipe, I couldn’t find water leaves, so I substituted spinach instead! It still turned out nutritious and exquisite, just as expected.

Get the Recipe: Authentic Nigerian Afang Soup

Easy Nigerian Salad

Nigerian lunch ideas are perfect for our parents and grandparents! Recently, my parents returned from an overseas vacation where they indulged in popular street food. I wanted to treat them to a healthy lunch and watch their cholesterol levels, so I made this delicious Nigerian salad. We loved it so much that the following day, I made a serving for myself as a nutritious breakfast.

Get the Recipe: Easy Nigerian Salad

Nigerian Ofada Stew (Red Pepper Stew)

Discover a variety of Nigerian lunch ideas that you can enjoy any time of the day. I’ve chosen to include this flavorful red pepper stew in our upcoming family dinner, and I’m currently gathering all the ingredients. With no kids around, it’s the perfect opportunity to prepare a spicy stew that everyone can savor! White rice will be an amazing side dish for this.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Ofada Stew (Red Pepper Stew)

Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

These Nigerian lunch ideas offer hearty stews packed with nutritious leafy vegetables. At first, I thought Efo Riro was just an ordinary beef stew. To my surprise, the highlight of this amazing meal is actually the spinach! I’m now determined to incorporate this healthy lunch into my weight loss journey once I adjust my meal plan.

Get the Recipe: Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Nigerian Chin Chin

No comprehensive list of Nigerian lunch ideas is complete without chin chin. You’ll adore this dessert’s crunchy texture and delightful sweetness after a wholesome, balanced lunch. It’s incredibly simple to make, and I’m excited to prepare it soon with my younger cousins!

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Chin Chin

Easy Black-Eyed Peas Akara Recipe

Switch things up and surprise your loved ones with Akara instead of a bowl of salad for appetizers! This common street food in Nigeria is made from black-eyed peas and a blend of flavorful spices. Enjoy the native flavors of Nigeria with this snack that can be ready in just one hour.

Get the Recipe: Easy Black-Eyed Peas Akara Recipe

Nigerian Jollof Rice

I love how Filipino food shares similarities with African dishes, especially in their pairing with rice and the ability to bring the whole family together. That’s why Nigerian lunch ideas are always a top choice for me. Take Jollof Rice, for example, a classic rice dish that pairs perfectly with your choice of protein. I enjoy it with grilled chicken, but the possibilities are endless.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Jollof Rice

Nigerian Okra Soup

Nigerian lunch ideas pack all the essential nutrients you need to fuel your day. And let me tell you, this okra soup did wonders for me! Even though I’m not usually a fan of okra, something about this recipe’s spiciness hooked me. Exploring more African dishes might help you develop a liking for veggies you didn’t enjoy before.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Okra Soup

Nigerian Nkwobi Recipe (Spicy Cow Foot Delicacy)

Of all Nigerian lunch ideas, Nkwobi is the most intriguing for me! Even though I’ve never tried cow foot before, the combination of ingredients and flavors is so tempting. It’s at the top of my must-try list and should be on yours too. Let’s spice up our family dinners with exciting and delicious meals!

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Nkwobi Recipe (Spicy Cow Foot Delicacy)

How To Make Egusi Soup

If you think trying Nigerian lunch ideas and other international dishes will break the bank, think again. Even though delicious soups like this one may look complicated, they’re actually quite simple to make! Instead of cow skin, you can use beef tripe or any protein of your choice. Just keep in mind that Nigerians love their protein, so the more meat, the better.

Get the Recipe: How To Make Egusi Soup

Traditional Banga Soup Recipe

Is there any Nigerian delicacy more flavorful than banga soup? I finally found something I know my best friend will love! I suggested this to her while searching for Nigerian lunch ideas and folate-rich foods. Not only is this dish bursting with flavor and nutrition, but it also helps lower cholesterol levels.

Get the Recipe: Traditional Banga Soup Recipe

Nigerian Tomato Stew Recipe

Opt for Nigerian lunch ideas loaded with essential nutrients and beneficial for your overall health, especially if you have critical health conditions. This tomato stew recipe is one of those healthy lunch ideas, featuring a flavorful combination of tomatoes, peppers, and onion. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to eat it every day.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Tomato Stew Recipe

Easy Nigerian Ewedu Soup

Thanks to Nigerian lunch ideas, going out is no longer an option if I want to try something new and healthy. This ewedu soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Ewedu leaf is a fiber-rich ingredient that can support digestive health. It’s incredible how staying healthy is becoming easier and more delicious.

Get the Recipe: Easy Nigerian Ewedu Soup

Nigerian Gizdodo (Peppered Gizzard And Plantain)

A colorful bowl of Nigerian Gizdodo with rice isn’t just a healthy lunch option but also a fantastic choice for weeknights. The only thing is, this meal takes about an hour to cook because gizzard is tough and chewy and requires over 30 minutes of cooking. Here’s a helpful tip: use a pressure cooker to reduce the meal prep time.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Gizdodo (Peppered Gizzard And Plantain)

Nigerian Puff Puff

Nigerian lunch ideas must always come with decadent yet easy-to-make desserts. Puff puff is a unique dough-based dish that’s simply irresistible. These addictive balls will satisfy your sweet tooth, making you want to whip up a batch whenever you crave something sweet.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Puff Puff

Ogbono Soup (Draw Soup)

Nigerian lunch ideas always add an exciting challenge to my kitchen adventures, making mealtime more enjoyable. Like other Nigerian soups, Ogbono soup is a comforting dish that provides beneficial nutrients. Both Ogbono and Okra soups have slimy textures, but they are still flavorful, healthy, and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Ogbono Soup (Draw Soup)

Zobo Drink (Hibiscus Drink)

The Zobo drink is anything but ordinary. It’s a refreshing beverage crafted from dried Zobo leaves, pineapple chunks, ginger, cinnamon stick, and a touch of sugar. This delightful concoction has become my go-to summer drink, and I’m thrilled to make this beloved Nigerian favorite right in my kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Zobo Drink (Hibiscus Drink)

Nigerian Moi Moi (Moin-Moin)

Whip up a delightful pudding using protein-packed black-eyed peas, eggs, and a medley of red peppers and onions. Nigerian Moi Moi is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or prepare for a family gathering. I love how I can get creative while working on Nigerian lunch ideas.

Get the Recipe: Nigerian Moi Moi (Moin-Moin)

FAQ About Nigerian Lunch Ideas

Conclusion

Trying international recipes is like traveling to distant lands without leaving your kitchen! As I curated this list of Nigerian lunch ideas, I realized that food could transport us to different cultures, allowing us to explore new flavors and traditions.

This is your sign to explore Nigerian cuisine, enjoy new flavors and expand your cultural understanding. But wait. I know what you’re thinking – seeing those ingredients can be intimidating, and you might need help finding them.

Don’t worry! There are substitutes and alternatives for everything to make cooking easier.

30 Exotic Dinner Ideas for the Curious Foodie!

These exotic dinner ideas showcase mouthwatering meals that span from Africa to Asia. Whether you’re craving the delicious flavors of Jollof Rice or the irresistible appeal of chicken adobo, this collection has something to satisfy every craving.

Read it here: 30 Exotic Dinner Ideas for the Curious Foodie!

25 Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas to Try Now

Sundays call for delicious, comforting meals! These lazy Sunday dinner ideas require minimal effort and ingredients, perfect for laid-back weekends.

Read it here: 25 Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas to Try Now

25 Beach Snacks for Adults That Are Too Good to Ignore

Planning a beach day? Enjoy the sun and sand with these beach snacks for adults. They include tasty chips, dips, pretzels, and other bite-sized treats.

Read it here: 25 Beach Snacks for Adults That Are Too Good to Ignore

Tired of meal planning stress? Save time, savor variety, and explore culinary creativity with our top 3 meal kit picks! 🍽️ Why not try Hello Fresh for diverse, exciting recipes, Blue Apron for gourmet cooking made easy, or Green Chef for eco-conscious dining?