Nigerian food will ruin every other cuisine for you

Nigeria's national dish — and the source of the West African 'Jollof Wars'. Tomato-based, smoky (the legendary 'party jollof' from huge pots), and deeply flavored. Nigerian jollof is spicier and smokier than the Ghanaian version. Yes, we're picking a side.

Spiced, grilled skewered meat — the greatest street food on earth. Coated in yaji (a ground peanut and spice mix), grilled over charcoal, and served with sliced onions and tomatoes. Available on every street corner from dusk. The 3am suya after a night out is a Nigerian ritual.

The quintessential Nigerian meal. Pounded yam is smooth, stretchy, and dipped into egusi (melon seed) soup packed with spinach, stockfish, and assorted meats. It's heavy, satisfying, and impossible to eat in small quantities. Order it at any traditional restaurant.

A spicy, aromatic broth made with goat, catfish, or assorted meats. The spice blend (uziza, calabash nutmeg, alligator pepper) is unique to Nigeria. It's the ultimate hangover cure and the perfect 3am dish. Goat pepper soup is the classic; catfish is the Lagos favorite.

Nigerian party finger food — spring rolls, puff-puff (fried dough), samosa, chicken strips, and peppered gizzard. Served at every event, party, and celebration. 'How were the small chops?' is a legitimate way to judge any Nigerian event.

Locally grown short-grain rice served with a fiery green pepper stew (ayamase) loaded with assorted meats and locust beans. The stew is intensely flavored — earthy, spicy, and rich. A true Nigerian original that you can't get anywhere else.

Smoked and grilled goat meat, coated in a spicy pepper sauce. Chewy, smoky, and addictively hot. It's a party staple and pairs perfectly with cold beer. Once you try asun, you'll understand why Nigerians are passionate about goat meat.

A Yoruba specialty — smooth, dark yam flour paste (amala) served with ewedu (jute leaf soup) and gbegiri (bean soup), topped with assorted meat stew. The texture trio is uniquely Nigerian. It's messy to eat (use your right hand) and absolutely delicious.

Deep-fried dough balls — Nigeria's answer to beignets or doughnuts. Sweet, fluffy, and addictive. Sold by street vendors everywhere, especially in the morning. The perfect snack between meals or as a street food dessert.

Nigeria's signature cocktail — a mix of Fanta, Sprite, grenadine, Angostura bitters, and cucumber. Sweet, refreshing, and served at every restaurant and party. The non-alcoholic version is equally popular. No trip to Nigeria is complete without one.