The African continent is not just a cluster of several countries but a confluence of many cultures that highlight the continent all over the globe. Whether we talk about wildlife or natural wonders, the continent has so much to offer. Due to the ever-increasing globalisation, the popularity of Nigerian food culture is increasing all over the globe. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Nigerian food culture, cuisines and the best restaurants in London that offer Nigerian food.
What does Nigerian Food Culture consist of?
Traditional Nigerian food usually consists of meals that are made from local produce as well as meats of beef, goat and chicken. Some of the dishes, soups and stews contain fresh seafood. If you look closely, the Nigerian food culture actually doesn’t comprise several courses. The highlight of the meal is usually the main dish. The dish can depend on the time of day; it can range from akara to rice or cooked vegetables along with stew.
Most famous Nigerian Dishes
We have listed the top 10 dishes from Nigerian food culture. However, the menu has so much to offer! Here are some of the best Nigerian dishes which are served by several Nigerian restaurants in London. You can try several dishes like:
- Fufu
- Eba
- Jollof Rice
- Egusi Soup
- Moi Moi
- Asun
- Ewa Agoyin
- Pepper Soup
- Ponmo
- Suya
Top 10 Nigerian Restaurants in London
Wish we could travel to Nigeria and taste all the amazing delicacies, but sadly we cannot teleport just for food. However, if you’re in London and wish to try authentic Nigerian food, we have listed the top 10 Nigerian Restaurants in London you could pay a visit to!
1. 805 Restaurant
Location: 24 Kendal Street, Connaught Square, London, W2 2AW
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 11 PM
Approximate Cost: £14 -£43
Apart from Kendal Street, this restaurant in London is also located at Hyde Park; the 805 restaurant is one of the best Nigerian restaurants in London. The Nigerian food culture is a confluence of several dishes and stews that tell a tale. This chain of restaurants commenced in 2001 and has remained constant since then. You can book a table from 805 Restaurants. You just have to choose the location and the number of guests attending and request to book a table. This is one of the restaurants in London where one can book private dining halls for events.
Must-try dish: Monika Fish
Review: “The food, customer service and atmosphere was exemplary. Highly recommend for those looking for the finest West African cuisine in London.”
2. Lolak Afrique
Location: 184 Tulse Hill, London, SW2 3BU
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 10 PM
Approximate Cost: - £12 -£40
Lolak Afrique is one of the most famous Nigerian restaurants in London that serves authentic Nigerian food. This restaurant was introduced in 1996 in London to a different delicacy from Nigeria and has been famous since then. The restaurant now operates in three different areas - Peckham, Foresthill and Tulsehill. The restaurants inculcate a special blend of tomatoes and African Scotch Bonnet, which is the base for most of their sauces. The restaurants offer mouth-watering delicacies which are made with ingredients imported specially from Nigeria and other African countries.
Must-try dish: Ewa Agoyin
Top Review: The food was simply amazing. Their assorted meat variety is a lot, and I promise that you'd be full leaving. We would recommend it.
3. Eko
Location: 160 Homerton High St, London E9 6JA, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 4 PM
Approximate Cost: £30 - £40
Eko ranks amongst the best Nigerian restaurants in London that not only serve Nigerian delicacies but also serve some amazing collections of wines and other drinks. The restaurant offers some amazing appetisers, main courses and main course specials. For some meals, you can customise it and pair it with any meat you like. You can also place orders online and get food delivered to your place!
Must-try dish: Edikang Ikong
Top Review: “A cool and peaceful environment. Excellent customer service and delicious meals. They sometimes have DJs and or live bands to entertain their customers.”
4. Ikoyi
Location: 180 Strand, London
Opening Hours: 6 PM - 7 PM
Approximate Cost: £180-£300
Ikoki ranks among the top 50 restaurants in the world and not just in London. This is one of the Nigerian restaurants in London that offers a tasting menu which is served for dinner from Monday to Friday and also for lunch on Fridays. The restaurant also offers a shorter lunch menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The menu is worth paying a visit, and you’ll walk out of the restaurant with a full stomach and a content heart.
Must-try dish: Spinach Stew in Eggplant
Top Review: Very cool, chic, fine-dining restaurant with a very interesting tasting menu. Fine dining in West Africa makes for an unusual and interesting eating experience.
5. Enish Nigerian Restaurant
Location: 228 LewishAMHigh St, SE13 6JU
Opening Hours: 1 PM - 12 AM
Approximate Cost: £8 - £19
The English Nigerian restaurant is one of the chicest and best restaurants in London. This Nigerian restaurant in London is not just located in one area but operates in 11 different areas like Oxford Street, Finchley Road and many others. One can visit the famous event Paint & Chop, where you can paint, chop and vibe. They have resident DJs that play some amazing music for you to vibe around. Additionally, you can book the place for private events. May it be a wedding reception or a corporate event, their location fits your view.
Must-try dish: Isi Ewu
Top Review: The food is divine! The staff was very friendly and attentive. We waited quite a long time for the food. The portion was big and definitely worth the price.
6. K’s Spice
Location: 13 Pier Rd, Erith DA8 1TA, UK
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 9 PM
Approximate Cost: £5 - £12
K’s Spice also ranks amongst the best Nigerian restaurants in London that offer amazing African delicacies that are cooked with the finest ingredients and will leave you content. The meals served at this restaurant range from several appetisers to main dishes, along with some K’s Spice specials that will make you drool. The specials usually include fish as their main ingredients and are then served with other ingredients or dishes like YAMor soup. You also see gizzards and goat meat, which are some of the best meals from Nigerian cuisine. You can also book a table online from K’s Spice. This restaurant also offers delicious African desserts.
Must-try dish: Pepper Fish Soup
Top Review: “food is alright good flavour”
7. Presidential Suya
Location: 160 - 164 Old Kent Road, London, SE1, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 1 PM - 12:30 AM
Approximate Cost: £7 - £19
Presidential Suya is located at a 12-minute walk from the London Tower Bridge and offers amazing and authentic Nigerian Food. The restaurant guarantees no recipe books and no timing devices in their kitchen. The meals are prepared with excellent ingredients that take you straight to Africa. This restaurant offers famous dishes like Lamb Suya, Beef Suya, Goat meat pepper soup, and so many more! The restaurant also offers a bar and a lounge where you can relax. The Presidential Suya also offers private function rooms and dining rooms where you can host your events, making this one of the best Nigerian restaurants in London.
Must-try dish: Pepper Soup
Top Review: Great Nigerian food in London at and very reasonable price. The suya was good.
8. Chuku’s
Location: 274 High Road, Tottenham, London N15 4RR
Opening Hours: Tue to Fri - 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Sat - 12 pm to 10:30pm, Sun - 12 - 8:30 pm, Closed on monday
Approximate Cost: £15-£30
Ever heard of Nigerian tapas? At Chuku's, you can 'Chop, Chat & Chill' while grooving to Nigerian tunes in a laid-back setting. Chuku focuses on both socialising and food, serving up a variety of mini dishes for you to enjoy while you relax. Whether you prefer hot, cold, meat, or vegetarian options, tapas at Chuku's is a great way to explore Nigerian cuisine, especially if it's your first time trying it.
Must-try: Meatballs & chicken wings
Review: “If you want some good food with great flavour that's a tiny introduction to Nigerian cuisine, this is it.”
9. Mamma Africa
Location: 25-27, Watford Way, Hendon NW4 3JH
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri-6 to 10 pm, Sat to Sun - 12 pm to 3 am
Approximate Cost: £15-£20
If you happen to be in North-West London and craving some delicious Nigerian food, Mama Africa is the place to be. This restaurant serves up traditional chargrilled and seafood dishes, along with beloved Nigerian classics. You can enjoy evening meals here from Monday to Friday, and on the weekends, they're open all day, often hosting live music events.
Must-try: Fried croaker, goat and meat stews
Review: “Nice place to chill out. The food and service were great.”
10. Tasty
Location: 221 Rye Lane, Peckham, London, SE15 4TP
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat - 12 - 9 pm, Sun - 11 am to 7 pm
Approximate Cost: £15-£20
Tasty is quickly becoming one of the largest Nigerian takeaway chains in the UK, offering customers a consistent and high-quality culinary experience. Their goal is to lead the way in delivering top-notch, affordable, and authentic African cuisine while promoting the rich culture of Africa. You can locate Tasty in various areas across London, Kent, and Essex, with some branches providing dining options and others focusing on takeout. If you're in the mood for hassle-free, delectable Nigerian cuisine, Tasty is the place to visit.
Must-try: Meat pie and puff puff
Review: “The food here is tasty as per the name and fairly priced. I recommend it if you like tasty Nigerian dishes.”
May it be the pounded yam or the Jollof rice, Nigerian cuisine is filled with several delicacies that will make your heart and stomach full. If you’re in London, you can visit these 7 restaurants and explore authentic Nigerian cuisine, which is famous for being aromatic and spicy. The stews and rice made from fine herbs and spices are worth giving a try! Abeg, come chop food!