Five Local Foods You Should Try in Anambra State, Nigeria

Anambra State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, is not only rich in history, culture, and tradition but also offers a diverse array of mouthwatering local dishes that showcase the heart of Igbo cuisine. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are certain Anambra delicacies you must try to get a taste of the state’s food culture.

From hearty soups to spicy snacks, here are five local foods you should try in Anambra State.

1. Nkwobi

Nkwobi is one of the most famous delicacies in Anambra, especially in Nnewi. This dish is made from cow feet, which are slow-cooked until tender and mixed with a special seasoning blend. The sauce is made with palm oil, ground pepper, crayfish, and a variety of local spices that give Nkwobi its distinct, rich flavor.

Traditionally, Nkwobi is served in a wooden bowl, with a generous amount of sauce. It is often eaten as a snack or appetizer, paired with chilled palm wine or beer. The combination of tender cow foot, spicy sauce, and rich palm oil makes Nkwobi a must-try dish for anyone visiting Anambra.

2. Isi Ewu

Isi Ewu is another local delicacy that’s popular in Anambra State, particularly in Nnewi and surrounding towns. This dish is made from a goat’s head, which is cooked until tender and mixed with a flavorful spicy sauce. The sauce contains palm oil, ground pepper, seasoning cubes, and other secret spices that give it an irresistible taste.

Isi Ewu is often enjoyed during social gatherings, celebrations, and communal feasts. It is typically served with a cold drink and garnished with onions, pepper, and other fresh vegetables. For anyone seeking an authentic Igbo experience, Isi Ewu should definitely be on your food bucket list.

3. Abacha

Abacha, also known as African Salad, is a famous snack in Anambra and the entire southeastern region of Nigeria. Made from dried and shredded cassava, Abacha is mixed with palm oil, ground pepper, crayfish, and sometimes smoked fish or meat. It is often garnished with garden eggs (a local vegetable) and eaten as a light meal or snack.

Abacha is especially popular for its unique blend of textures and flavors. The crunchiness of the cassava combined with the richness of the palm oil and the heat from the pepper creates a satisfying and delicious experience. Whether served at parties or as a street food snack, Abacha is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Igbo cuisine.

4. Ofe Oha

Ofe Oha is a beloved dish in Anambra. The soup is made with Oha leaves, which are native to the region and have a unique, savory flavor that is distinct but not bitter.

What makes Ofe Oha stand out is the use of Uziza leaves or seeds, which are added to the soup to give it a peppery kick and further enhance the dish’s depth of flavor. The soup is often prepared with various meats, such as goat meat, beef, offals or fish, and thickened with ingredients like ashi, ofo or cocoyam.

Ofe Oha is rich and hearty, with a unique combination of flavors from the Oha leaves, Uziza, and the meats. It is traditionally enjoyed with fufu, garri or any other starchy foods of choice.

5. Ofe Onugbu

Ofe Onugbu is a popular soup made from bitter leaf (known as Onugbu in Igbo) and cocoyam, and it is widely enjoyed in Anambra and other southeastern Nigerian states. While the soup is made with bitter leaves, the bitterness is washed out during preparation, leaving behind a savory, rich flavor that is distinctive and deeply satisfying.

The soup is typically prepared with a variety of meats such as goat meat, beef, intestines or fish. It is seasoned with local spices, pepper which helps to enhance the flavor. Cocoyam is used to thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture. Ofe Onugbu is rich and hearty, perfect when served with starchy sides like fufu or garri making it a perfect dish for family gatherings and celebrations.

Anambra State is home to a rich culinary culture, with local dishes that are deeply tied to the history and traditions of the Igbo people. From the spicy and tender Nkwobi to the rich and hearty Ofe Oha, these dishes offer a glimpse into the vibrant flavors of the state. Whether you’re a food lover or someone looking to explore new culinary experiences, trying these five local foods in Anambra is a must. Each dish tells a unique story, giving you a true taste of Anambra’s rich heritage.