Journal

Notes from the kitchen, the city, and the long table.

Stories on Nigerian food, culture, celebrations, and the Birmingham neighbourhood we call home.

Nigerian Food · 7 August 2026

What Is Ewa Agoyin? The Lagos Street Food Named After Its People

Mashed beans under a dark, deeply caramelised pepper sauce — and a dish named after the Agoyin people who brought it to Lagos. What it is, and how it differs from gbegiri.

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Nigerian Food · 30 July 2026

What Is Nigerian Fried Rice?

Cooked in meat stock, seasoned with curry powder and thyme, and nothing like the Chinese takeaway version. What Nigerian fried rice is — and whether to order it or jollof.

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Nigerian Food · 28 July 2026

What Is Nigerian Grilled Fish?

Whole tilapia, cut to the bone, marinated in pepper and spice, and grilled until the skin chars. Here's how Nigerian grilled fish is made, why it's served with yam and plantain, and how it differs from peppered fish.

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Nigerian Food · 27 July 2026

What Is Asun? Nigeria's Smoky, Spicy Grilled Goat

Asun is spiced, fire-roasted goat meat from southwestern Nigeria — smoky, genuinely hot, and made for sharing. Here's what it is, where it comes from, and how it differs from suya.

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Nigerian Food · 25 July 2026

What Is Efo Riro?

Efo riro is a rich Yoruba spinach stew built on palm oil, peppers, and iru — and unlike egusi, it's just as at home next to a plate of rice as it is with swallow. Here's what it is and how it's made.

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Nigerian Food · 23 July 2026

What Is Ayamase? Nigeria's Bold Green Pepper "Designer Stew"

Ayamase is Nigeria's "designer stew" — a bold green pepper sauce reserved for real occasions, not an everyday meal. Here's what it is, where the name comes from, and why it's earned its reputation.

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Culture · 22 July 2026

Where Does Jollof Rice Really Come From?

Jollof rice sits at the centre of West Africa's friendliest food rivalry. Here's where it actually started, why Nigeria and Ghana can't agree, and what makes the Nigerian version different.

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Local Guides · 13 June 2026

Nigerian Takeaway in Birmingham: Top Dishes to Try

Craving a Nigerian takeaway in Birmingham? These are the top dishes to order for delivery or collection from NaijaGrill in Handsworth — and how to get them.

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Events · 12 June 2026

Catering for Nigerian Parties, Weddings and Events in Birmingham

Planning a celebration? NaijaGrill offers Nigerian catering in Birmingham for parties, weddings, naming ceremonies, and corporate events — generous party food done properly.

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Nigerian Food · 11 June 2026

What to Order at a Nigerian Restaurant for the First Time

New to Nigerian food? Here are five dishes to order on your first visit — jollof rice, egusi soup, pounded yam, suya, and pepper soup — and what each one tastes like.

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Local Guides · 10 June 2026

Best Nigerian Food To Try In Birmingham

From smoky party jollof to charcoal suya, pepper soup, and small chops, here are the Nigerian dishes worth crossing Birmingham for — and where to eat them in Handsworth.

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Nigerian Food · 5 June 2026

What Is Jollof Rice? A Beginner's Guide

Jollof rice is West Africa's most famous dish — smoky, tomato-rich, and built for celebration. Here is what it is, where it comes from, and why everyone loves it.

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Nigerian Food · 28 May 2026

What Is Suya? Everything You Need To Know

Suya is Nigeria's iconic spiced, charcoal-grilled meat. Here is where it comes from, how it is made, what yaji spice is, and why it is so addictive.

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Local Guides · 1 February 2026

A Guide to Handsworth for the Curious Diner

Handsworth is one of Birmingham's most culturally rich neighbourhoods — and the perfect setting for Nigerian cuisine done properly.

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Nigerian Food · 15 January 2026

Why Party Jollof Belongs on a Premium Table

Jollof is not a side dish. At NaijaGrill, it is the ceremony — smoke, spice, and the patience of the pot.

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Journal · 6 July 2025

Nigerian Food for Beginners: What to Order at a Nigerian Restaurant

Never eaten Nigerian food? Here's where to start — five dishes to try, what to expect, how the eating works, and why a first visit to NaijaGrill in Birmingham is lower-risk than you think.

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Journal · 29 June 2025

What Are Small Chops? The Nigerian Party Finger Food Explained

Small chops are the Nigerian party starter — puff puff, samosas, spring rolls, chicken, and more. Here's what they are, why they matter, and how NaijaGrill serves them.

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Journal · 22 June 2025

What Is Nigerian Pepper Soup?

Pepper soup is a light, clear Nigerian broth with a distinctive spice blend and intense heat that builds as you eat. Here's what it is, what goes in it, and when Nigerians eat it.

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Journal · 15 June 2025

What Is Amala? A Guide to One of Yoruba Cooking's Great Staples

Amala is a Yoruba swallow made from dried yam flour — dark, earthy, and satisfying. Here's what it is, how it's made, and why it's best eaten with ewedu and gbegiri as Abula.

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Journal · 8 June 2025

What Is Egusi Soup?

Egusi soup is one of the most eaten dishes in Nigeria — made from ground melon seeds, palm oil, leafy greens, and protein. Here's what it is, where it comes from, and how it tastes.

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Journal · 1 June 2025

Is Nigerian Food Halal? What Muslim Diners Should Know Before Visiting a Nigerian Restaurant in Birmingham

A practical guide for Muslim diners in Birmingham — what Nigerian food typically contains, what to ask when you call, and how to approach a Nigerian restaurant if dietary requirements matter to you.

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