How people from other cultures and ethnicities Enjoy Nigerian foods

By Happiness Daniel, O.T
21st August, 2018

Nigerian foods and food customs are unique and pose some interesting insights no matter what angle you look at it from. With over three hundred ethnic groups, each having its own different set of dishes, it’s a little wonder why our foods aren’t transcending so much across borders. Apart from “Jollof rice” that’s is quite popular in Nigeria (and also west Africa), a lot of our Nigerian foods sadly sounds like a strange omen to a lot of international localities. The much talked about Jollof rice isn’t even exclusive to Nigerians. Its origin has been traced to a particular “Jolof Empire”, a former West African state that was said to have ruled parts of Senegal and The Gambia from the 13th to 15th century. The discovery apparently happened when a cook from Saint Louis, Senegal in the 19th century substituted barely for rice due to a shortage at that time.
Not trying to take the “Jollof rice” proprietorship from Nigerians, but there are other great foods that are deep rooted in the Nigerians culture that should transcend international borders more.

With a short film, we try to document the reactions, comments, overview and final thoughts of some wonderful Americans for different ethnicities. Using “Poundo Yam & Egusi soup”, “Jollof rice & Plantain” and “Zobo” drink as test subjects, we were able to get some appreciation from other cultures and a few resentments. A great start in pushing the culture food. Hope you enjoy the video!

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