How to Make Classic Nigerian Meals with Local Substitutes Abroad

Living abroad as a Nigerian can make you miss the taste of home—especially our beloved dishes like jollof rice, egusi soup, and puff-puff. But guess what? You don’t have to wait till your next trip to Nigeria or spend a fortune at African stores. With a few clever swaps, you can still enjoy your favorite Nigerian meals using ingredients available in your local supermarket.

Here’s how to bring that Naija flavor to your kitchen, no matter where you live.

Jollof Rice

Local Substitutes:

• Long grain parboiled rice → Basmati or Jasmine rice

• Nigerian stew base (tatashe, tomatoes, onions) → Canned plum tomatoes + bell peppers + tomato paste

Seasoning cubes → Chicken/vegetable bouillon powder or stock cubes

Extra Tip: Add a bit of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky party jollof vibe.

Egusi Soup

Local Substitutes:

• Egusi (melon seeds) → Ground pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (unsalted)

• Ugu/Waterleaf → Spinach or kale

• Stockfish → Dried cod or smoked mackerel

Extra Tip: Roast the seeds before blending to get a deeper, nutty flavor.

Puff-Puff

Local Substitutes:

• Nigerian flour → All-purpose flour (works just fine)

• Nigerian yeast → Instant yeast

• Spices → Nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a dash of vanilla

Extra Tip: For a twist, try filling your puff-puff with jam or chocolate like doughnuts.

Moi Moi

Local Substitutes:

• Brown Nigerian beans → Black-eyed peas or pinto beans

• Moi Moi leaves → Foil cups, ramekins, or baking paper

• Pepper mix → Bell peppers + Scotch bonnet + tomato paste

Extra Tip: Add mackerel, boiled egg, or corned beef for that extra richness.

Suya

Local Substitutes

• Suya spice → DIY mix (ground peanuts, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon)

• Beef cuts → Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak

Extra Tip: Grill in the oven or use an air fryer for a healthier version.

Okra Soup

Local Substitutes:

• Okra → Fresh or frozen (available in many stores)

• Locust beans (iru) → Miso paste or fermented black beans (mild substitutes)

• Ponmo → Try mushrooms for a chewy texture alternative

Efo Riro

Local Substitutes:

• Ugu/Green amaranth → Spinach or collard greens

• Crayfish → Dried shrimp powder (Asian stores)

• Palm oil → Red palm oil or substitute with coconut oil if unavailable

Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to let go of your culinary roots. With a little creativity and substitution, you can recreate that rich, homemade Nigerian flavor in any kitchen around the world.