The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Nigerien Foods. If you manage to be in an Nigerien restaurant or you are visiting Niger, I recommend the following
1. Salaat
It is simply a salad. Often starting a meal, colorful salads are made from seasonal vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes. In some establishments or homestays, a side dish, such as tuna, may be added.
2. Té
Tea in Nigeria is not what the rest of the world calls tea. Even those who know it is not tea want to be sure that the correct drink is served when they order, so they say “Tea”. In Nigeria it is a very popular breakfast combined with bread, biscuits and many other garnishes. Some add sugar, some add milo and some add a bit of both.
3. Brochettes
Popular in most African countries, these are pieces of beef or mutton placed on a skewer and cooked over an open fire. Most commonly found in the Hausa country and in the nomadic regions of the north.
4. Deguidegui
It is a stew or sauce made from tomato that is usually served with macaroni or spaghetti. It is also known as ‘Maka’.
5. Shinkafa
A Nigerian dish popular in the northern part of Niger. It is a thick pudding made from local rice. Nigeriens usually serve this soft and sticky food with different types of soups, such as Miyan kuka, Miyan Taushe, okra soup, etc. It also goes well with other Nigerian soups.
6. Tattabara
Tattabara is a grilled pigeon speciality, which you can get in restaurants or from any street food vendor.
7. Foura
A healthy product for women made with natural local ingredients and catering to traditional Nigerian tastes. This dish consists of small balls of ground millet that are lightly fermented and then mashed with milk, sugar and spices to taste.
8. Ogbono Soup
Ogbono soup is a type of Nigerian stew made with different types of vegetables, meat and fish cooked in a broth thickened with ground dried ogbono seeds (wild mango seeds). As with many Nigerian soups and stews, ogbono soup is usually eaten with swallowing foods such as fufu or pounded yam.
9. Palmnut Soup
Also know as Banga soup refers to a hearty Niger Delta-style soup made with palm nuts. Depending on where it comes from, banga soup can be prepared in different ways, but is generally made with fresh palm fruits and a variety of meats, fish and seafood seasoned with spices.
10. Dodo
Also known as fried plantains, this dish is a great accompaniment to numerous meals, although it can also be eaten on its own as a main course. They are easy to cook, as all you need to do is peel, slice and fry, and your meal is ready. The sweet and savory flavor makes them super tasty.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional African Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.