When you think of food protein sources for Nigerians, your mind probably jumps straight to beef, chicken, or fish, maybe turkey or goat meat if you’re feeling fancy.
But, the reality is Nigeria is a land of variety, and you’ll be shocked at the various choices of food protein some Nigerians love to eat.
From animals you’ve been seeing every day, to parts of animals you thought had no purpose in a pot, here are 10 unusual Nigerian food proteins that might surprise you.
Winged Termites
Remember those insects that flood your light bulbs whenever it rains heavily? Yes, those ones that leave their wings all over the place. They’re called winged termites.
In most parts of the country, many Nigerians who love eating this insect gather them after a good rainfall and fry them to eat. Some people even eat them raw by just removing the wings and chewing the insect. It serves as an organic source of food protein, which comes free from nature.
Grasshopper
Some Nigerians call it Locust, those in the South call it Abaka, while in Northern Nigeria, it’s called Fara.
Grasshoppers are a popular protein source for food in the Northern part of Nigeria, where they’re mostly consumed as a snack or side dish. They’re gathered at night and prepared by deep-frying until crispy to be sold.
ALSO READ: 6 Popular Northern Nigerian Snacks You Must Try
Edible Worms
I know what you’re thinking, who eats worms, right? Well, some Nigerians love it.
Palm weevil larvae or palm grubs, popularly known as edible worms/maggots, are an indigenous food protein source in the South-South part of Nigeria. They can be boiled, fried, or even eaten raw. Edible worms are usually sold as street food and are also household favorites in many homes around the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.
Frog
Also known as jumping chicken for its lean white meat. Frogs are widely eaten in the middle belt part of Nigeria. They’re usually cooked in soup or stew, or can be served as a side dish when spiced and deep-fried. They serve as the main food protein source for some households.
Lizard
You won’t believe this, but some Nigerians genuinely enjoy eating lizard meat. For some, they consider the monitor lizard a proteinous bush meat and the only lizard that should be eaten, while for others, they eat all lizards, even the agama lizards and those little ones that keeps running all around your neighborhood.
ALSO READ: 5 Worst Foods Nigerians Love To Eat
Snake meat
I saw this one with my own eyes. During my Uni days, I went to visit a friend, and his Mom served us this nice swallow and soup, only for my friend to say, “That meat you’ve been looking at is snake meat o, you’ll love it. “ Love what? Please
In Lagos, Badagry, there is a snake market you can visit to see a variety of smoke-dried, ready-to-cook snake meats for sale.
Dog meat
Popular across Nigeria from Cross River, Calabar, to Taraba and Jos Plateau. Dog meat has become a household favourite in some of these states in Nigeria.
In this part of Nigeria, Dog meat is used as a source of food protein instead of Beef, chicken, or fish. It is even argued that it’s sweeter than any other meat. It is usually served in soup, stew, or as a side dish of pepper soup.
Cow Intestines
Also known as assorted meat or shaki and roundabout. This is the intestines of cows that are collected and prepared as meat. They’re mostly served as pepper soup or roasted meat. These intestines are usually collected alongside the blood and brain of the cow at abattoirs for the people who eat them.
ALSO READ: 5 Undeniable Signs That Prove You’re A Foodie
Cow brain
Imagine this, a nice hot, red, pot of stew, sitting in the kitchen after marinating the entire house with its aroma. You were told to “go serve yourself,” and you opened the pot, but instead of seeing the chicken or turkey you were expecting, you saw brains, cow brains right at the centre of the pot. What would you do?
Blood meal
This is enjoyed as a nutritious delicacy in some parts of Nigeria. Blood meal is made from boiling an animal’s blood to a point where it coagulates. It can be eaten in that coagulated form, or can be used to make pepper soup instead of the various meats you know.
ALSO READ: 5 Types Of Meat Most Nigerians Would Never Eat
By now, you’re either completely fascinated, weirdly hungry, or slightly horrified that some Nigerians have unusual choices of meats.
Now that you know, the next time you’re offered soup with a funny-looking meat, make sure to ask and confirm. Also remember, while some of these might seem weird to you, they’re beloved in their local regions and often come with stories and traditions.
Join us in the Food & Drink Community on Fusion, where we celebrate the good, the bad, and the gloriously unconventional types of Nigerian Dishes.
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