Top 5 Igbo soups in Nigeria

Many people believe travelling is part of living. But what’s in travelling without tasting different delicacies? If you’re a lover of good food and considering travelling to the Eastern part of Nigeria, you can prepare your mind after reading this article.

Igbo is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, and it is unique for its rich and tasty soups. The Igbos, predominantly in the Southeastern part, have soups mostly made with natural flavours, including herbs and vegetables. These dishes have transcended beyond the Igbo land; people from other tribes love and enjoy them most especially for their nutritional benefits. Below are the top Igbo soups in Nigeria you should try: 

1. Oha Soup

Oha soup is arguably the most prominent of all the Igbo dishes. It is very delicious; you will definitely crave or look forward to preparing it. Actually, you have to get the cooking right in order to enjoy it. Its main ingredients are Oha leaf and cocoyam, prepared alongside crayfish, palm oil, meat, salt, achi, and uziza. 

2. Banga soup

Banga soup is also a trendy Igbo soup. Traditionally, it is called “Ofe Akwu.” It is made from palm fruit or palm nuts mixed with marinated meats, crayfish, chili pepper, salt, smoked fish or catfish, and local spices. Banga is also prominent in Cameroon, Congo, and Ghana. It is usually eaten with starch, rice, and fufu.

3. Nsala Soup

Nsala soup, popularly known as “Ofe Nsala” or ” white soup,” is one of Nigeria’s top Igbo soups. The soup is unique in its taste and colour; no addition of palm oil, which is why it is called white soup. Catfish, cocoyam or yam, crayfish, utazi and ogiri are the ingredients that makeup Nsala. You can add chicken or goat for a distinctive taste.

4. Afang Soup

Afang is a rich and nutritious vegetable soup served at parties and at home. Afang is not complex to make; all you need is the right recipe and process. It usually consists of these ingredients; pomo, tripe, onion, periwinkle, water leaf, crayfish, beef, palm oil, stock fish, seasoning cubes and salt.

5. Ofe Onugbu

Ofe Onugbu, also known as the bitter leaf, is a very healthy and tasty soup, but slightly bitter. The soup usually consists of washed bitter leaf, ogiri, uziza, broth, okra, cocoyam, local spices and dried fish. Ofe Onugbu is prepared for special occasions such as weddings, festivals and family gatherings. You can eat Ofe Onugbu with any swallow of your choice.

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