Even if you are a food lover, or someone exploring new recipes, getting to know the top Igbo dishes is a delicious way to experience Nigeria’s beautiful culture.
In this post, we at Naijafoody will explore the top 10 Igbo Nigerian dishes you must try, complete with descriptions and cultural context.
1. Ofe Nsala (White Soup)
Ofe Nsala, or white soup, is a unique Igbo soup made without palm oil, giving it a light appearance and a slightly creamy texture.
It is traditionally prepared with fresh catfish, yam (used as a thickener), and local spices like uziza and utazi leaves.
This dish is especially popular in Eastern Nigeria and is often served to visitors as a sign of hospitality. It is best enjoyed with pounded yam or semovita.
Ofe Nsala is known for its rich, peppery taste and healthful ingredients. It’s considered a luxurious dish and often reserved for special occasions.
2. Ofe Akwu (Palm Nut Soup)
Ofe Akwu is a deeply flavored soup made from palm nuts, often mistaken for Banga soup (which is more common in the Niger Delta).
This Igbo version typically includes goat meat, dried fish, and local seasonings like scent leaf and ogiri (fermented locust beans).
It is traditionally served with white rice, not swallow, setting it apart from many other Igbo soups.
Its deep red color and nutty flavor make Ofe Akwu a standout dish. It is comforting, filling, and packed with traditional flavor.
3. Bitterleaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu)
Ofe Onugbu is made using washed bitterleaf (onugbu), cocoyam paste (as a thickener), palm oil, assorted meats, and traditional spices.
The bitterness of the leaf is balanced by other rich ingredients to create a bold, earthy flavor.
It is typically eaten with fufu or pounded yam and is considered a staple in many Igbo homes.
Bitterleaf soup is often associated with health benefits in Igbo culture, including digestion aid and detoxification.
4. Oha Soup (Ofe Oha)
Ofe Oha, also known as Ofe Ora, is a seasonal soup made from oha leaves, which are soft and tender, even after cooking. This soup is usually cooked with cocoyam, palm oil, meats, and a variety of native spices.
Due to the delicate nature of the leaves, it is best prepared fresh and eaten shortly after cooking.
Its subtle, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture make it appealing to all palates. Ofe Oha is a delicacy during family gatherings and festive seasons.
5. Abacha and Ugba
Abacha, popularly called African Salad, is a cold dish made from dried shredded cassava, mixed with ugba (fermented oil bean), palm oil, garden egg, onions, and a mix of seasonings like potash, crayfish, and pepper.
This dish is mostly served as a snack or light meal and is common at parties and village meetings.
To enjoy Abacha the traditional way, serve it with fried fish and a chilled drink; it is refreshing and filling at the same time.
6. Nkwobi
Nkwobi is a popular evening dish made from cow foot cooked in a spicy, creamy sauce of palm oil, potash, and traditional seasonings.
It is often served in local bars and restaurants, garnished with onions and utazi leaves.
Though it looks simple, it packs a punch with flavor and texture.
Nkwobi is typically enjoyed with a cold drink and shared among friends. It is a social dish that brings people together.
7. Isi Ewu (Goat Head)
Isi Ewu is a delicacy made from goat head meat, prepared almost the same way as Nkwobi but with a deeper, richer flavor.
It is typically seasoned with spices, palm oil, and crushed pepper, and served in traditional wooden bowls.
This dish is a must-try for adventurous eaters who enjoy spicy and savory meals.
Isi Ewu is a common highlight at Igbo celebrations, especially among the elders, and is considered a “men’s dish” in many settings.
8. Okpa
Okpa, made from bambara nut flour, is a steamed pudding that’s very popular in Enugu State and nearby areas.
It is often described as the “fast food” of the East because of how quickly it’s prepared and sold by roadside vendors.
It is usually wrapped in banana leaves or nylon and enjoyed as a breakfast or midday snack.
Okpa is highly nutritious, rich in protein and fiber and gluten-free, making it a healthy meal choice.
9. Fufu and Egusi Soup
While Egusi soup is eaten across many Nigerian ethnic groups, the Igbo version often includes bitterleaf or ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves), giving it a distinct taste.
It is made with ground melon seeds, red palm oil, and assorted meats.
Fufu is a general name for soft dough-like food made from yam, cassava, or plantain is the perfect companion.
10. Yam Porridge (Asaro)
Although more commonly associated with the Yoruba people, Yam porridge, or Ji Agworo Agwo in Igbo, is also a favorite in southeastern Nigeria. It’s made with soft-boiled yam chunks, palm oil, onions, and vegetables.
This one-pot dish is comforting and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or informal gatherings.
Yam porridge is quick to make, and you can customize it with your choice of fish, crayfish, or vegetables.
Where to Try Authentic Igbo Dishes in Nigeria
If you are visiting Nigeria or living in a city like Lagos, Abuja, or Enugu, there are plenty of local restaurants and food vendors offering authentic Igbo meals. From high-end Igbo kitchens to street-side bukas, you’ll find these top dishes readily available.
You can also find ingredients in African food markets if you’d like to recreate the meals at home.