Nigerian food isn’t just food—it’s an outstanding main character, and if you eat Nigerian food regularly, you’ll agree with me. Bold, flavourful, spicy, sweet – you name it, and Nigerian meals would deliver every time. Now, what really contributes to the mouthwatering meals? The spices. Nigerian spices keep cultures preserved and connect generations beyond, adding taste to food. 

Let’s dive into 10 Nigerian spices you need to know and have in your spice cupboard and how to use them like a true Nigerian cook!

1. Uziza Seeds 

Uziza, also known as West African pepper, is a small, black seed with a slightly bitter, peppery flavour. It's known for adding a signature "kick" to traditional soups.

How to Use Uziza in Cooking

Grind the seeds or use them whole. A little goes a long way! You can also use the leaves for an extra herbal twist.

Best Dishes for Uziza

• Pepper soup
  

• Ofe Nsala (White Soup)
  

• Egusi soup

2. Ehuru (Calabash Nutmeg)

Ehuru looks like regular nutmeg but tastes smoky and earthy. It's a dried seed with a hard shell you need to crack open before use. Roast it briefly, grind it, and add it towards the end of cooking for that deep, nutty aroma.

Common Recipes with Ehuru

• Banga Soup
  

• Pepper Soup
  

• Ogbono Soup
  
  

3. Ground dried crayfish 

Dried crayfish creates a seamless and distinct traditional taste in your soups and stews. Some Nigerians even take it up a notch by adding powdered dried crayfish to their jollof rice. You can buy them either whole dried crayfish or in ground form. It is perfect for traditional soups like ogbono, okro, egusi, and many more. 

4. Dawadawa, Iru (Locust Beans)

Don’t let the pungent smell of locust beans throw you off. Hear me out first. To create the perfect traditional soup, like egusi, ewedu, okra soup, and efo-riro, you need locust beans as one of your spices. They add depth to many soups and are often sold in dried form. Soften by soaking or pounding before adding it to the pot. Use sparingly.

Traditional Soups

• Ewedu Soup
  

• Ogbono Soup
  

• Gbegiri Soup

5. Garlic and ginger 

Garlic, a part of the onion family, is known for its strong scent and flavour and has health benefits. You can buy them in bulbs or powdered form. Add them to other ingredients to make your meals. 

Ginger is a culinary tuber and has lots of nutritional benefits. Many Nigerians use these spices for their vibrant taste and flavour. You can get them in fresh or dried powdered form and use them in your meals and drinks like ginger tea or zobo. 

6. Cameroon Pepper

What Makes it Different from Regular Pepper?

Cameroon pepper is a dried, smoked chilli with a deep, smoky heat. It’s spicy but not just hot—there’s flavour in every bite. Use sparingly! Blend with other spices for a complex heat profile.

Great Pairings for Cameroon Pepper

• Jollof Rice
  

• Grilled Chicken

• Asun (spicy goat meat)
  
  

7. Suya Spice (Yaji)

You can never go wrong with suya spice. If you’ve had suya before, you’ll understand how unique the taste of yaji spice is. It is a blend of ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, pepper, and other local spices—Yaji is what gives Suya (Nigerian BBQ) its addictive flavour. 

How to make your own

Mix crushed kuli kuli (peanut snack), ground ginger, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and some paprika or chilli powder. Or click here to purchase.

Best foods to season with yaji

• Suya (of course!)
  

• Roasted corn
  

• Fries or grilled fish
  
  

8. Scent Leaf 

Scent leaf is technically an herb, but many Nigerians use it like a spice for its intense aroma and health benefits. Add fresh scent leaf towards the end of your cooking to preserve flavour, and it is great for digestion and boosting immunity.

Dishes that use scent leaf

• Nkwobi
  

• Pepper Soup
  

• Banga Soup
  
  

9. Uda 

This spice has long, black pods and is known for its medicinal and culinary uses. Roast lightly, crush, and simmer in soups or stews. Remove pods before serving. Uda spices are common in postpartum meals due to their detoxifying qualities and are also great in pepper soups.

10. Curry Powder (Nigerian Blend)

Unlike Indian or Thai curry, the Nigerian version is milder and has hints of thyme, turmeric, and ginger. You can use Nigerian blend curry to marinate your proteins and add to your stews for a warm aroma.

Popular dishes to use it in

• Nigerian Fried Rice
  

• Chicken Stew
  

• Curry Chicken
  
  

Tips for combining Nigerian spices

1. Understanding Balance and Layers

Don’t throw in everything at once. Nigerian cooking is about building layers—start with your aromatics, add the base spices, then finish with flavour enhancers.

2. Don’t overdo the hot spices.

3. Don’t mix too many fermented spices at once.

4. Don’t forget salt. It brings out the spice flavours.

Where to buy Nigerian spices

• Local Markets: The best place for fresh, affordable spices.
  Online Stores: Try African food stores like Niyis or specialty spice shops.
  
  

Conclusion

Nigerian spices are more than ingredients—they're storytellers. Each one carries centuries of tradition, culture, and mouthwatering flavours. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just curious, experimenting with these 10 spices will elevate your cooking and bring a taste of Nigeria to your kitchen.