Everyone has their preferences when it comes to food. Some eat as though there’s no future meal guaranteed—almost as if they’ve got extra lives hidden somewhere. With Nigerian meals, the options and combinations seem boundless. The variety of textures and robust flavours invite all sorts of culinary creativity. Some Nigerians have discovered unusual ways to enjoy certain dishes, and it’s up to you to decide which ones you’ve already tried or might be tempted to explore. Here’s a list of uncommon food pairings that may sound odd but are surprisingly enjoyable.

Beans with Garri and Sugar Toppings

Let’s start with something simple. Beans and Garri is a Nigerian staple, but what if, instead of soaking the Garri, you sprinkled it and sugar directly onto your beans? This method skips the traditional soaking, giving your dish a crunchy edge with a hint of sweetness. It elevates the familiar taste to a new level.

White Rice and Okra Soup

White rice paired with Okra soup sounds like an unusual mix, but it’s a surprisingly well-balanced dish. The tender rice grains contrast with the smooth, rich texture of the okra, creating a  different feel with every mouthful. Typically, okra is enjoyed with swallows like eba, but the rice brings a subtle flavour that allows the soup’s taste to shine through. 

Bread and Noodles

This is one of those combinations that makes you question what inspired the person who thought of it. It’s uncustomary but surprisingly moreish. For some, noodles alone are too light, so they combine them with bread to make a heartier meal. Some opt to turn it into a sandwich, stuffing the noodles between slices, while others prefer the dishes side by side. Whether it’s sliced or Agege bread, the trick is making the noodles soft and peppery to pair well with the bread.

Jollof Spaghetti and Palm Oil Beans

Of all the entries on this list, this combination isn’t particularly shocking. If you’ve never tried it, though, you’re missing out on a richly flavoured meal. The pairing is similar to the classic rice and beans mix, with spaghetti taking the place of rice. Since spaghetti is often seen as a close cousin to rice, it makes sense to enjoy it with beans for a well-rounded experience.

Beans and Eba

This one is something else entirely. It’s far better than you’d think, especially when it’s ewa agoyin paired with cold eba. Enthusiasts of this claim it’s an absolute must-try, while those who haven’t tasted it are missing something special. The real question is whether the beans replace soup, or if eba is standing in for bread. It’s curious how, with all the soups available, people have decided to enjoy their eba with beans instead.