Patrick Oconnell
Nigerian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant spices, with dishes like Jollof rice, pepper soup, and beef stew. But what about cheese? Do Nigerians enjoy this dairy product, and is it a part of their culinary traditions? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, some Nigerians do consume cheese, especially in modern times with the influence of globalization. However, traditional Nigerian dishes do not heavily feature cheese, and there are some cultural and dietary factors that shape how Nigerians perceive and consume cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of cheese | Some Nigerians like cheese, but many dislike it due to lactose intolerance. |
| Cheese in Nigerian cuisine | Wara, a milk curd, is a traditional Nigerian food that is similar to tofu. |
| Cheese in fast food | Nigerians generally dislike fast food, including mac and cheese. |
| Cheese in Nigerian culture | Nigerians view food as a communal event, not just a means of survival or convenience. |
| Cheese in international cuisine | Some Nigerians find cheese in international dishes, such as British food, unappealing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Many Nigerians are lactose intolerant, which can cause breakouts and digestive issues
- Wara is a Nigerian milk curd, similar to tofu, but it is not cheese
- Nigerians generally prefer to sit down over convenient twists on traditional classics
- Nigerians associate food with hospitality, so fast food is unpopular
- Nigerian palate abroad: British food can be underwhelming for Nigerians
Many Nigerians are lactose intolerant, which can cause breakouts and digestive issues
While cheese is not a staple food in Nigeria, it is consumed by some Nigerians, especially those who have lived abroad. For example, one Nigerian student in the UK learned to love Gruyère cheese quiches and blue Stilton. Another Nigerian living outside of the country eats cheese regularly, especially in sandwiches, quesadillas, and pizza.
However, many Nigerians are lactose intolerant, which can cause breakouts and digestive issues. One Nigerian Reddit user explains that they avoid cheese because lactose makes them break out. Another user says that they developed lactose intolerance and can only consume small quantities of milk. This is a common issue for West Africans due to genetics and historical dietary adaptations.
Despite the presence of lactose intolerance, the cheese market in Nigeria is growing, especially for spreadable processed cheese, which was introduced to the Nigerian market in 2015. This growth may be due to the increasing popularity of cheese among Nigerians who live abroad or have been exposed to foreign cultures.
In addition, Nigerians have a unique food culture that values communal dining and hospitality. Fast food, which is often associated with convenience and efficiency, goes against these cultural values, and Nigerians have largely rejected common North American fast-food staples like mac and cheese.
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Wara is a Nigerian milk curd, similar to tofu, but it is not cheese
Nigerian food culture values hospitality and community, with food preparation and consumption being a communal event that brings people together. However, some Nigerian palates find certain foreign dishes, including those with cheese, underwhelming or bland. For instance, mac and cheese is almost universally disliked by Nigerians.
Wara, a traditional Nigerian milk curd, is often mistakenly referred to as cheese. It is made by adding a coagulant, such as an extract from the Sodom apple or bomubomu plant, to fresh cow's milk to curdle it. The resulting coagulated milk protein, or casein, is then skimmed off from the whey and sold as wara. Wara has a soft, jiggly, and delicate texture and a bland taste that can be enhanced with salt, pepper, and other seasonings. It is commonly used in soups and stews, where it absorbs the surrounding flavours.
Wara is not a product of fermentation and does not have the sour taste associated with cheese. Instead, it is created by increasing the acidity of milk, causing the milk proteins to tangle into solid masses. This process is distinct from cheesemaking, which involves ageing pressed milk curd. Wara is typically consumed fresh or further processed by boiling or frying to firm it up before being added to stews and soups.
Wara is a nutritious food, containing high levels of protein and the amino acid methionine, which is essential for liver health. It can be made with cow's milk or plant-based milk, such as soyabean milk (soya wara or tofu). The soya-based version is lactose-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance. It is also a good source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
In summary, while Nigerians may have varying tastes for cheese, Wara is a unique Nigerian milk curd with a delicate texture and versatile flavour. It is a nutritious and healthy food that can be consumed in various ways, reflecting the communal and inclusive nature of Nigerian food culture.
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Nigerians generally prefer to sit down over convenient twists on traditional classics
Nigerian food culture is steeped in tradition and hospitality. Food is not just eaten to survive, but as a communal event that brings people together. The preparation, cooking, and eating of food is a social activity that strengthens bonds between family and friends. This is reflected in the saying, "In Nigeria, you do not cook for yourself only; you cook for the friend who might stop by to catch up."
One example of a dish that Nigerians prefer to make themselves is mac and cheese, which is almost universally disliked in Nigeria. Instead of opting for fast food, Nigerians prefer to gather and prepare food together, with each member of the family playing a specific role in the process. This communal activity is an integral part of Nigerian culture and hospitality.
In addition to cultural factors, there are also health considerations that may influence Nigerians' preferences for traditional, home-cooked meals over fast food. Many Nigerians experience lactose intolerance, which can make dairy products like cheese difficult to digest. This may contribute to the preference for traditional classics that may be easier to adapt to individual dietary needs.
While Nigerians may not be big fans of fast food mac and cheese, that doesn't mean they don't enjoy cheese at all. Some Nigerians have expressed their love for cheese, especially in dishes like pizza, sandwiches, and quesadillas. However, they may only discover this love after leaving Nigeria, as cheese is not a staple in the traditional Nigerian diet.
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Nigerians associate food with hospitality, so fast food is unpopular
In Nigeria, food is strongly associated with hospitality and community. This is reflected in the way that food is prepared, cooked, and eaten communally, with each family member playing a role in the process. The act of sharing food is seen as a way to build and strengthen relationships between family members and friends. As such, the concept of fast food, which is often associated with convenience and speed, does not align with Nigerian food culture and is generally unpopular in the country.
Nigerians view food as more than just a means of survival or fuel; it is an event that includes the entire family. Traditionally, men would gather food items by hunting, fishing, and farming, while women and children would assist in preparing the meal. The meal would then be eaten together, with family members serving themselves from one large central plate. This communal aspect of food preparation and consumption is deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and stands in stark contrast to the individualistic nature of fast food.
The idea of dashing in and out of a restaurant for a quick bite goes against the grain of Nigerian food values. In Nigerian culture, hospitality is always considered, and one might cook a large meal with the expectation that a friend might stop by to catch up. This sense of generosity and sharing is inherent in Nigerian food culture, and fast food, with its focus on efficiency and convenience, does not allow for this.
While fast food has made some inroads into Nigeria, with approximately 800 quick-service restaurants (QSRs) in the country as of 2015, it has not taken off to the same extent as in other parts of the world. Even in the face of globalisation and the influence of American food culture, Nigerians have largely rejected common North American fast-food staples. For example, Mac and Cheese, a dish that is popular in many parts of the world, is generally disliked by Nigerians, who view it as a poor twist on traditional classics.
Instead of embracing fast food, Nigerians tend to prioritise traditional foods such as iyan (pounded yam), egusi (melon soup), gbegiri (bean soup), and jollof rice. These dishes are often prepared and consumed in a communal setting, reinforcing the sense of hospitality and community that is integral to Nigerian food culture. While issues such as electricity supply problems, the high cost of living, and low purchasing power may also play a role in the relatively low number of QSRs in Nigeria, it is clear that the country's food culture, with its emphasis on hospitality and communal dining, is a significant factor in the unpopularity of fast food.
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Nigerian palate abroad: British food can be underwhelming for Nigerians
Nigerian food culture is steeped in hospitality and community. Meals are communal events that bring family and friends together. Food is not just eaten to survive or as a convenient way to fuel oneself; it is an experience to be savoured and shared.
When Nigerians travel abroad, they often miss the familiarity of their native cuisine. Many Nigerian foods are difficult to find outside of the country, and the process of sourcing ingredients and preparing traditional dishes can be challenging and expensive. Some of the foods Nigerians miss the most when living abroad include Ewa Agoyin, Asun, Abacha, Akara with pap, Gala sausage rolls, garri and groundnuts, Indomie noodles, plantain, Suya, and Agege bread.
Upon encountering British food, Nigerians may find it underwhelming due to differences in taste preferences and culinary traditions. Nigerian cuisine tends to favour generous portions, well-cooked ingredients, and a variety of bold flavours, including spices and peppers. In contrast, British food may be perceived as bland and lacking in spice.
For example, a Nigerian student's first encounter with British food on a flight to London included a salad that felt incidental, a main course that was insufficient, and a dessert of rubbery cheddar cheese with crackers, falling short of their expectations. Another article describes a disappointing experience with a potato bake that lacked the browning, edge, and crunch familiar to Nigerian palates, as well as an unfamiliar pesto with a brawny taste of fresh grass.
While some Nigerians develop a taste for certain British dishes like Yorkshire pudding, blue Stilton cheese, and Gruyère quiches, others find British food underwhelming due to its lack of spice and smaller portion sizes.
In addition, Nigerians may find that British food does not always align with their cultural expectations. For instance, the concept of fast food, which prioritises speed and convenience, contradicts the Nigerian food culture that values communal dining and freshly prepared meals. Mac and Cheese, a common fast food item, is often disliked by Nigerians, who prefer to sit down and enjoy traditional classics.
Overall, while British food may offer new tastes and experiences, it can also be underwhelming for Nigerians who are accustomed to a different culinary landscape, reinforcing the importance of food in shaping cultural identities and experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
It seems that Nigerians do not generally like cheese, especially when it is included in fast food. For example, Mac and Cheese is almost universally disliked by Nigerians.
Nigerians tend to prefer traditional classics and spicy foods over cheese. They also view food as a communal event, so fast food goes against their culture.
Spreadable processed cheese has been growing in popularity in Nigeria since its introduction in 2015. Some Nigerians also like cheese on pizza.
Yorubas tend to like peppery or spicy food, as they believe that eating these improves one's quality of life. Therefore, they may not like cheese as much as other foods.
Yes, Nigerians eat dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and wara. Wara is made by adding a coagulant to fresh boiling cow's milk to curdle it. The milk protein is then skimmed off and sold as wara.
