Spicy ube rice

I’m not a fan of ube, but AI probably knows something we don’t. 

How to make it:

Use mashed ube (African pear) to flavour rice with a creamy, slightly smoky taste. Add pepper sauce and diced beef for an earthy, rich dish.

Okazi rice stir-fry

I might faint if I eat any variation of suya, chicken or beef stir-fry rice this holiday. But okazi stir-fry? I’m up like mad for the culinary adventure.

How to make it:

Incorporate shredded okazi leaves, diced smoked chicken, and peppery seasoning into a stir-fry for a crunchy, spicy twist.

Cashew rice

Not gonna lie, I’ve been messing around with the idea of nuts in rice for a while, but it appears GPT has beat me to it.

How to make it:

Toast cashew nuts with onions and pepper, then stir into rice with shredded chicken or dried fish for a nutty, savoury flavour.

Egusi rice

Please, this isn’t your regular white rice with a generous splash of egusi soup.

How to make it:

Mix egusi paste with spiced tomato sauce, smoked fish, and ugu leaves to create a rich, creamy rice dish that’s completely new.

Jollof okro rice

This is the only jollof rice twist my mouth will be tolerating this December. 

How to make it:

Combine jollof rice flavours with sautéed okro and seafood like shrimp or crayfish for a fresh, crunchy bite.

Ugba (Oil Bean) rice salad

Rice salad? Wake me TF up. I bet it’s better than the different variations of pasta salads that do little to excite the Nigerian palette.

How to make it:

Create a cold rice salad using ugba, diced cucumber, carrots, and pepper sauce for a light yet earthy dish perfect for Nigerian weather.

Groundnut rice with dried fish

Is it me, or is this recipe lowkey giving sapa-vibes? Anyway, GPT says it’s better than the regular-degular fried and jollof rice.

How to make it:

Use groundnut paste, onions, and pepper to create a creamy rice dish topped with shredded dried fish for extra umami.

Oha leaf rice

If oha soup is as good as they say, what’s not to love if you whip that leafy goodness into rice?

How to make it:

Infuse rice with the distinct flavour of oha leaves, combining it with stock, spicy goat meat, and a hint of uziza for a uniquely aromatic meal.

Plantain and curry fried rice

I know any variation of fried rice shouldn’t make this list, but hey, the diced plantain twist is worth trying.

How to make it:

Fry ripe plantain cubes and mix them into rice spiced with curry, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savoury twist.

Bitterleaf rice

Don’t know what AI is on about because I’ve experienced enough bitterness in 2024, but if you’re up for some bitter action, give it a go. 

How to make it: 

Cook rice with a light bitterleaf sauce, adding diced smoked turkey or fish for a balance of bitterness and savoury flavours.

Read this next: What Your Next Birthday Cake Should Look Like, According to Meta’s AI

Don’t be like me. Whether you’re paying for the cake or someone’s offering to send you one, you should know what you want. If you don’t, these birthday cake designs from Meta’s AI should inspire you.

January

There’s a colour riot going on here, and I can’t say AI ate with this design. But at least no one will mistake it for a wedding cake.

February

Is it just me, or is a two-tier cake too much for a birthday celebration, especially in this Tinubu economy?

March

This birthday cake design isn’t bad. The strawberries and blueberries are definitely a nice touch.

April

Looking at this cake, my only question is: Will Nigerian bakers come through with that lion head design?

May

This cake looks basic AF, but it’s also a decent design for anyone who doesn’t give a shit about birthdays.

June

I can’t pinpoint exactly what makes this cake pleasing to look at, but yes to it.

July

I’ll laugh my ass off for 30 minutes straight if anyone shows up with a cake that has my head on it. But yeah, a lot is going on with this cake.

August

August-borns, y’all heard AI. Your birthday cake should have a hyper-realistic carving of your face on it.

September

Okay, remember the birthday cake that made my friend say, “It’s giving low-budget traditional wedding cake”? This cake has a strong resemblance to it.

October

AI, please now. Why does anyone need a four-tier multicolour cake for their birthday? This only makes sense if they’re celebrating an age above 100.

November

This is the perfect cake for bougie November-borns.

December

I think this might be the cutest cake on this list. Nigerian bakers, over to you.

Read this next: What If Your Birthday Isn’t Your Birthday: A Case For Not Celebrating It

Didn’t you think to add a cute note to the cake? Design it in their favourite colours? Spell out their oriki on the cake? Anyway, if you want to impress your female friends at their next birthday celebration, here are a few options to guide you.

Minimalist cake

Image source: Instagram/@Bakeshop

This is perfect for your bougie friends who pretend not to care about birthdays. They secretly love them. Throw in a cute message or drawing to get a reaction from them.

Minimalist floral cake

Image source: Instagram/@Saltlagos

This is ideal for your plant-parent friends, who care for everything but the new plants they adopt every market day. 

Glam-inspired cake

Image source: Instagram/@Glazesandganache

This cake is a must for the friend who takes her glam as seriously as life itself or the MUA friend.

Kiddies-themed cake

Image source: Instagram/@Sweetrelishbakery

This cake is for friends who’ve turned 25 five years in a row, those who insist they look nothing like their age, and those who say things like “I’m forever young at heart.” 

Calendar cake

Image source: Instagram/@Nectar.confectionary

This design went viral earlier this year; everyone wanted one even when they weren’t celebrating. It’s the perfect cake for friends who are always up-to-date with social media trends.

Pizza cake

Image source: Instagram/@Nectar.confectionary

It’s the best choice for your foodie friend who is also a pizza lover. They always love variety. 

Metallic gold cake

Image source: Instagram/@Cakebybless

You can do no wrong in the eyes of your owambe and paranra-loving friends if you give them this birthday cake. 

Photo cake

Image source: Instagram/@Sweetrelishbakery

An absolute favourite for friends who cherish creating and keeping memories, from clubbing to trips abroad.

Retro cake

Image source: Instagram/@Glazesandganache

Ideal for that one friend with a unique sense of style and approach to everything.

Money cake

Probably the most important cake on this list, especially given the current state of the economy. Make sure the money is in hard currency to avoid EFCC’s wahala.

Enjoyed this piece about birthday cakes? Read this next: Leap Year Birthday: “I Have Two Official Birth Dates”

Raisin bread

Raisin bread is rich and filling, but not everyone likes the too-sweet raisins.

Wheat bread

Whole wheat bread might be a healthier alternative due to its higher fibre content, but let’s all just admit we find it less palatable compared to the sweeter and softer white bread.

Brioche bread

Is it bread or is it a pastry? Buttery and sweet, this one gives luxury or special-occasion bread because it simply always costs more — or maybe it just looks like it does? Either way, Nibbles Bread is about to introduce its version, and we guarantee it’ll be easy on the pocket.

Tea buns

Tea buns are enjoyed as a treat, especially with tea or coffee, but like brioche, they tend to be considered more of a snack than a staple.

Sliced bread

It’s convenient, good for sandwiches and widely available. But beyond being the perfect plain base for peanut butter and anything else you might like, it’s simply not that tasty on its own like the bread types above it.

Sardine bread

Great for when you want something savoury without having to spend on a spread or filling after buying your bread. The only reason why it’s not top of the list is because if it’s not fresh, it’s nasty.

Coconut bread

It’s like biting into a sweet, nutty hug from the one Grandma who always brings you Gurundi and Shuku Shuku when she visits. Whether you enjoy this soft, moist bread plain or slathered in your favourite spread, it’s always a win. Throw in the health benefits of the coconut’s fibre and healthy fats, and what’s not to love? The only downside is how scarce it is.

White loaf

Are you really surprised this is at the top of the ranking? Soft, fluffy and sweet, this is the go-to that defines what a “bread” should be. The OG, Agege bread, is low-yeast, and all other types and brands model themselves after it. But Nibbles family loaf is fluffy and sweet with a good price and longevity.

Nicknamed the “bread of life”, Nibbles is one of the best bread brands in Nigeria today. People, especially those who like their bread fluffy, love it for its quality and variety of options. Today, it has family loaves and tea buns, with many new variants on the way. Available on a quick stop at any Kilimanjaro restaurant or any store or supermarket nationwide.

AND NOW: We Ranked Nigerian Bread Pairings From Worst To Best

In this interview with Mariam “Mory Coco” Bakre, the popular creative and influencer, she explores her passion for cooking and her best recipes, detailing the best methods that guarantee great results. She also touches on her role as a Knorr Eativist and how that influences her dietary decisions. Join us as we peek into her mind as a Knorr Eativist. 

Can you share a creative and healthy recipe that your family loves, and how did you come up with it?

Mory Coco: I wouldn’t call it a sweet treat, but I definitely love a good bowl of spicy tomato-based spaghetti! This dish was born from my desire to find a satisfying and healthy way to indulge my cravings.  It hits all the right notes—fresh tomatoes cooked into a rich sauce with just the right amount of heat and perfectly cooked spaghetti, waiting to be topped with my favourite mix of veggies—bell peppers, carrots, and sometimes even spinach adds essential nutrients and a satisfying crunch.  This meal is a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland!

Can you share a creative and healthy recipe your family loves?

Mory Coco: A staple in our household is turkey pepper soup with boiled plantains. It’s incredibly easy to make, undeniably healthy, and bursting with flavour that everyone enjoys. You begin by sautéing aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and ginger. Chopped turkey is added and allowed to release its natural juices, further deepening the flavor profile.  Next, add fresh habanero peppers and herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme.  Add enough water to create a satisfying broth, followed by pepper soup spice mix, a Knorr seasoning cube, and a sprinkle of salt for balance.  It’s ready to be enjoyed after simmering until the turkey reaches your desired tenderness!  Then serve with a side of boiled plantains. 

As a Knorr Eativist, what’s your favourite healthy ingredient swap in traditional recipes to make it fun and enticing?

Mory Coco:  As a Knorr Eativist, I’m passionate about finding healthy swaps that don’t compromise taste! There’s a terrible misconception that healthy meals can’t taste good, and that’s definitely not true.  For instance, when making jollof rice, I ditch the regular vegetable oil and swap it for olive oil. I sometimes go even further by using herb-infused olive oil with notes of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and chillies. This simple switch adds complexity and a delightful nutritional boost, making every bite delicious and good for you!  It’s a perfect example of how small changes can impact healthy and flavorful cooking.

Of course, as the Explorer that I am, I explored Lagos alone at first which I immediately regretted. For a home buddy, you would almost think you are self-sufficient, too much consumption of lifestyle Instagram content made me feel like one of those creators, and so I took my phone stand, airpods and decided to venture into Lagos, totally forgetting how Lagosians took advantage of IJGBs (I just got back from the diaspora, usually for the holidays) and generally people who are new in places and embarked on a Lagos adventure. 

As if being mugged wasn’t enough, my meals didn’t taste like they looked. Great ambiance but terrible food! But if you know me by now, I don’t give up; visions of bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food danced in my head. The best meal I had will only get 4/10 in my books. But the resilient person in me doesn’t give up, so, we movee. 

I went on Google and did a bunch of searches on the best restaurants in Lagos and the best reservation apps similar to opentable in Lagos (Opentable is a reservation application I use to book tables in the US) to ensure I had more than enough options. Of course, I saw a couple but something about Reisty lulled me in. I’ve always been a sucker for good-looking stuff and Reisty stood out for me. Installing the app was a breeze, I set up an account and my Reisty login was simple. Guess who saw a whole 2000 naira in their wallet? Meee! Thumbs up to Reisty for whoever came up with that genius idea.

Perusing the restaurants was something I enjoyed doing because each restaurant profile had all the answers I needed, from menus to clear photos of the restaurant to the location and even genuine reviews from people who had visited the restaurant. The creativity of the Reisty app is one I love to experience over and over again. Lagosians, you really don’t know what this online dining reservation app has done for you until you try it.

I tried the first restaurant with about 50% enthusiasm, because once bitten twice shy, and I’ll give them 100/100. The first restaurant I decided to try out was Mantra Lagos. I have heard a lot about this restaurant especially since I had a hidden interest in Indian culture and it looked like the perfect spot. It was so good, the ambiance, the food, and just everything was top-notch! 

By the second restaurant, my excitement level had risen to 70% because I didn’t want to serve myself breakfast before the real breakfast. The expectation was surpassed, and now, I have 100% confidence in any restaurant on the Reisty app. 

One thing I particularly love about Reisty is, it has no bad restaurants. Reisty had the right restaurants with great ambiance and even more fantastic food. Because of the shege I had seen, my first intention was to drag Reisty and the restaurants they had on blogs for their inconsistency, but I couldn’t because of the excellence at which everything went. The seamless location of restaurants made identifying restaurants, viewing menus, booking seats, and ordering food a breeze. 

Restaurants are segmented based on categories, making it easy to explore restaurants that suited my vibes, from rooftops to restaurants with ocean views to Indian and many other categories

The foodie in me has been upgraded because this adventure was top-notch. At this point, Reisty needs to employ me as their US-Nigerian ambassador because all my friends and family have downloaded the app. 

To be very honest, whoever created the Reisty app had me in mind because my Lagos adventure went from potentially stressful to absolutely fantastic. I also got a free 2k in my Reisty wallet, so it was a win-win for me. I explored hidden corners of the city, experienced authentic Lagos culture, and, most importantly, had a blast doing it.

To my fellow IJGBs, listen up! If you’re planning a Lagos adventure, just download the Reisty app from your app store, or playstore. You’ll definitely thank me later. Lagosians, I would also advice that you don’t sleep on this because it takes your outside game from zero to 100. Take this from a US resident. 

Watermelon

Photo source: Nairaland

Watermelons are 90% liquid and a great choice for anyone who’s been dehydrated for hours. A small to medium-sized watermelon should set you back about ₦3000 – 3500. Watermelon slices sell for ₦150 – 200.

Pineapples

Photo source: Next Cash and Carry

If your Muslim friend or relative has a sweet tooth, you can replace the watermelon with a pineapple. A small to medium-sized one costs about ₦1200 – 2500. Pineapples contain vitamins A and C, and are great options for rehydrating a fasting Muslim.

Apples

Photo source: BO Farms

Apples have great water content and are rich in vitamins A and C, which help reduce skin issues. A medium-sized apple costs about ₦200 – 250, which means a dozen will cost no more than ₦3000.

Oranges

Photo source: KitchenButterfly

Oranges are rich in vitamin C and water, and are probably the cheapest option on this list. A dozen medium-sized oranges cost between ₦1000 – 1500. Go for the vibrant yellow, slightly heavy ones if you want them juicy.

Grapefruit 

Photo source: Mile12Market

Grapefruit isn’t as sweet as an orange, but it’s another vitamin C-rich fruit with high water content. A dozen in your fruit basket should cost about ₦1500 – 3000.

Plums

Photo source: Fairway Market

If your friends and relatives find apples boring, add some plums in that fruit basket. They’re rich in water content and are good for bone health. A medium-sized plum sells for as high as ₦300 – 500. You can do half a dozen for your fruit basket.

Mango

Mangoes contain vitamins A, C and E, which are all effective in hydration. A dozen should cost about ₦1000 – 1500.

Ready to build a Ramadan fruit basket? Take this quiz first: Can You Unscramble These Fruits In 2 Minutes?

Michelin Stars are given by a collective of inspectors employed by the Michelin guide, who visit different restaurants in about 40 countries, as anonymous customers.

Photo source: Instagram/@chishuru

A brief history of Chef Bakare and Chishuru

Chef Bakare’s interest in the culinary world dates back to her years in Kaduna, where she grew up with a Yoruba mother and an Igbo father. As a child, she enjoyed watching her maternal grandmother cook, so she never considered cooking for her siblings as a chore. Her love for cooking continued even as a student of biological science at the university in Kaduna. “My culinary experience up to that point was running a fish and chips cart while I was studying,” Bakare revealed in a Guardian UK interview.

She eventually moved to the United Kingdom in the 1990s and worked in the care and property management industries before friends encouraged her to start a supper club in 2017. Fast forward to 2019, she participated in a Brixton Village competition that rewarded the winner with an opportunity to operate a three-month pop-up restaurant.  

“When I won, it was almost like a sign to go, “OK, you can now do those things that you want to do. There is an avenue for me to get on doing food more professionally.”

In September 2020, months after the triumphant win, Chishuru was born as a pop-up serving contemporary West African dishes. The restaurant’s West African cuisine quickly gained popularity among the Brits, especially customers who grew up in West Africa and were familiar with the region’s culinary offerings, earning her a feature on Great British Chefs in 2023 and a recognition in the top 100 restaurants in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards.

Photo source: Instagram/@chishuru

By 2023, Chishuru had outgrown Brixton Village, prompting a move to Fitzrovia, London.

“With a mixture of great relief and excitement we can finally announce that reservations are now OPEN for our restaurant in Fitzrovia!” read a post shared on the restaurant’s official Instagram page in August 2023.

A Michelin-starred restaurant

Photo source: Instagram/@chishuru

On Monday, February 6, news broke that Chishuru achieved the Michelin milestone, less than six months after setting up a permanent place in Fitzrovia in September 2023.

“Until this morning I was just focused on enjoying the accolade itself, which I’m hugely honoured by. But seeing reactions on social media today, I’m starting to feel a weight of responsibility on my shoulders too. It’s lovely,” she said in an interview.

Nigerians have also taken to social media to celebrate chef Adejoke Bakare for the inspiring and record-breaking feat.

What does Chishuru serve?

Chef Adejoke Bakare told the Guardian that Chishuru’s menu is not restricted to Nigeria food.

“You can’t describe our food as “Nigerian” though, because there’s no one food tradition… much of the culinary history predates the lines on a map. My parents are Yoruba and Igbo, and I grew up in Hausa territory, so my food is informed by all three of those culinary styles.”

The restaurant offers a set menu only, priced at £75pp for dinner and £35pp for lunch. Chishuru’s lunch menu features fermented crispy rice cake with smoky, meaty mushrooms, creamy and light corn cake with fragrant coconut, date and tamarind sauce and grilled breadfruit. For dinner, the restaurant serves moi-moi (bean cake, bone marrow, omelette, red pepper, scallop roe), peppersoup (seasonal shellfish, radish, apple), asun (roasted cull goat belly, glaze, pepper relish) and imoyo (Newlyn cod fillet, fermented tomato sauce, Scotch bonnet, okra).

Want to start your culinary journey? This article offers insights: How to Become a Chef in Nigeria

You’ll spend a lot less if you enter the kitchen, and we know just the right meals to cook.

Red pancakes

Ditch the natural brownish pancake colour for something that speaks to the theme of the day. Exactly, colour RED. If red cake is a thing, who says you cannot serve red pancakes on Valentine’s Day? Find a simple recipe here.

Akara

Most Nigerians would rather buy from the roadside than make this meal in their house because making it is mad stressful. So when you take the trouble upon yourself and serve the LOYL that plate of hot akara, they’ll only think, “You went through all that stress for me?” Find a simple recipe here.

Pounded yam and egusi

Emphasis on “pounded” because no Nigerian meal screams “Labour of love” louder than pounded yam. Think about it, you’ll have to slice the yam, cook it and then pound it afterwards. You also have to make egusi because regular soup can’t work for this special day. Listen, there’s no way they’ll doubt your true love for them after this meal. Find a simple recipe here.

Homemade pizza

Another meal Nigerians love but hardly ever make themselves. So, when you take up the challenge and serve them flaming hot pizza from your own oven, they’ll know you rate them AF. We suggest you start practicing ahead with this straightforward recipe.

Where are our Zikoko Ships now?

Find out how three of our Ships are doing five years later: 

Spoiler alert: it’s lovey-dovey 

Jollof spaghetti

Pasta is a main character in every Nigerian love story, and restaurants know this. That’s why it’s always on the menu, and ridiculously priced too. So, enter the kitchen and cook the wickedest jollof pasta ever. Remember, we’re sticking to the red theme of the day, so avoid anything creamy, please. Find a simple recipe here.

Small chops

This one will show them you understand that variety is the spice of a happy relationship. A basket of puff-puff, spring rolls, samosa, gizzard and mosa all home-cooked by you?  They will know you have no intention of boring them to death in the relationship. Find a recipe here.

Red Velvet cake

What’s more perfect than treating your boo to a dessert that comes in the colour of the day? Just make sure you do all the baking yourself. That’s the only way they’ll know you went through it just to tease their tastebuds. If you don’t know how to bake, practise with this recipe today.

READ ALSO: 9 Nigerian Meals We Love to Eat but Never Cook Ourselves

On Sunday, January 24, 2024, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos, Tokunbo Wahab, announced on X that plastics and styrofoam packs have become a menace in the city. 

“Following the menace which single-use plastics, especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect.”

Following the ban, some food retail companies have made swift adjustments to their takeout orders. Food Concept Plc. — Chicken Republic, Pie Express and The Chopbox — in a statement encouraged customers to visit their outlets with their own reusable takeaway containers.

A Case for green leaf packaging

Leaves are an age-long alternative for packaging food, but most restaurants restrict leaf packaging to local recipes such as ofada rice and moi-moi, when there’s nothing stopping them from extending it to other meals on the menu. 

Why are they better than plastics? 

• Leaves degrade quickly after use
• They are organic, so they contain no artificial chemicals that can pollute the environment
• Leaves are raw materials that do not need production processes that pollute the environment, unlike synthetic packaging

Also, the leaf packaging options for food service providers are endless. We checked and found seven.

Moi-moi leaves

Originally used to serve the eponymous meal, moi-moi AKA bean pudding, it’s since been embraced as a packaging option for meals like ofada rice, fufu and pounded yam.

Banana leaves 

They’re large and flexible. Besides wrapping and packaging food, they can also be used to serve food on the go. No need for plates.

Plantain leaves

Similar to banana leaves, plantain leaves are surprisingly smaller and often rounder. However, they offer the same use. 

Coco yam leaves

Another broad-sized leaf that’ll make a good option for both packaging and serving meals. They’re already commonly used to wrap swallows like fufu and pounded yam, so why not creamy pasta or jollof?

Teak leaves

They’re from the iconic African teak tree AKA Iroko. They come in rounded shapes that make them a great option for food packaging. 

Cabbage leaves

Forget that it’s one of the key salad ingredients, cabbage leaves offer some use for food packaging. The leaves have a flexible texture that makes folding and wrapping easy.

Lettuce leaves

As Nigerians, cabbage and lettuce are pretty much one and the same. If we can use cabbage leaves to pack our food, we can use lettuce. It’s that simple.

If you love trenches food, you should read this article: Which Trenches Food is the GOAT? We Ranked Them All