Christmas in Nigeria is incomplete without a spread of richly prepared meals that announce the season long before guests arrive. From smoky rice to steaming soups, these dishes define festive indulgence and keep households gathered around the kitchen.
Jollof rice (party style)
Smoky, richly spiced and deep red, party jollof rice remains the undisputed king of Nigerian celebrations.
Prepared with a well-seasoned pepper base and cooked until it develops a slightly burnt layer at the bottom, it fills the air with an aroma that signals Christmas has truly arrived.
Fried rice with chicken or turkey
Colourful and fragrant, Nigerian fried rice is packed with vegetables, liver and a carefully balanced mix of curry and thyme. When paired with juicy fried chicken or well-seasoned turkey, it becomes a festive staple that rarely lasts long on the table.
Ofada rice with ayamase (designer stew)
This local delicacy features aromatic Ofada rice served with green pepper stew loaded with assorted meats and boiled eggs. Bold and unapologetically Nigerian, it is a favourite for those who enjoy intense flavours during the holidays.
Pepper soup (goat meat or catfish)
Hot, spicy and deeply comforting, pepper soup is a Christmas essential. Whether served as a starter or enjoyed late at night, it offers a soothing balance to the heavy meals that define the season.
Pounded yam with egusi or
Ogbonna
Soft, stretchy pounded yam paired with thick, oil-glossed soup bursting with meat, fish and crayfish remains a classic festive dish. It is a meal that commands attention and silence, fitting for a celebration as special as Christmas.
