Top 29 Popular Nigerian Snacks You Need to Try

9jakitchenblog
August 26, 2025

Introducing Nigerian Snacks

Nigerian Snacks offer a delicious glimpse into the country’s vibrant and diverse culinary culture. Spanning sweet, savoury, baked, and fried varieties, these snacks are enjoyed by people of all ages and often feature prominently at social gatherings, school breaks, and street corners. From the crispy goodness of chin chin to the spicy kick of puff-puff and the nutty flavour of roasted groundnuts, Nigerian snacks reflect the rich traditions and local ingredients of the nation’s many regions. Whether as a quick bite on the go or a treat shared among friends, these snacks capture the essence of Nigerian hospitality and ingenuity.

Whether you’re searching for popular Nigerian street food or looking to try traditional Nigerian snacks at home, here are the top Nigerian snacks you must taste.

Nigerian Snacks and Others

Puff-Puff
Puff-Puff is one of the most popular Nigerian snacks, loved for its soft, doughnut-like texture and mildly sweet flavour. Made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and nutmeg, these deep-fried balls are a staple at parties and street corners. Puff-Puff is easy to prepare and is often served as a quick snack or dessert. Learn how to make Nigerian puff-puff.

Nigerian Puff-Puff
Buns
Nigerian buns are a popular West African snack with a golden, crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Made from flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, these deep-fried treats are enjoyed by all ages and commonly served at gatherings or as street food, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. Learn how to make Nigerian Buns.

Buns
Doughnut
A doughnut is a popular fried pastry with a ring shape and a sweet flavour. Made from leavened dough, they can be glazed, frosted, or filled and are enjoyed worldwide as a snack or dessert, often paired with coffee. Learn how to make a doughnut.

Doughnut
Sausage Roll
Sausage rolls are a popular pastry loved by many, featuring flaky pastry and savoury sausage filling. A staple at parties and gatherings, these versatile snacks can be customised with a variety of fillings. Enjoyed hot or cold, they offer a satisfying bite for anyone craving a tasty treat. Learn how to make a sausage roll.

Spring Rolls
Fish Roll

Nigerian Fish Roll is a popular West African snack made of seasoned fish filling encased in a lightly sweet, flaky dough and deep-fried to golden perfection. Known for its savoury taste and satisfying crunch, it is commonly enjoyed as a street food or homemade treat across Nigeria. Learn how to make Nigerian fish roll.

Nigerian Fish Roll
Egg Roll
Nigerian Egg Roll is a popular street snack made of a boiled egg wrapped in slightly sweet, deep-fried dough. With its crispy exterior and soft, savoury center, it’s a favourite quick breakfast or midday snack in Nigeria. Learn how to make Nigerian egg roll.

Nigerian Egg Roll
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a popular appetizer in Asian cuisines, featuring crisp wrappers and flavorful fillings of vegetables, meat, or seafood. They can be served fresh or fried, often with dipping sauces, and are appreciated for their light texture and vibrant taste. Learn how to make spring rolls.

Spring Rolls
Samosa
Samosa is a popular savoury snack from South Asia, featuring a crispy, golden pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and occasionally meat. It’s enjoyed worldwide, often served with chutneys, and is a staple at gatherings and street food stalls. Learn how to make a samosa.

Chicken Samosa
Meat Pie
Meat pies are a cherished comfort food enjoyed globally, featuring a savoury filling in flaky pastry. From British steak and ale pies to Australian varieties, these hearty dishes come in endless flavours, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether served hot or as a portable meal, meat pies offer a satisfying combination of rich flavours and textures. Learn how to make a meat pie.

Meat Pie
Chin Chin
Chin Chin is a crunchy, bite-sized snack made from flour, sugar, milk, and butter. This traditional Nigerian snack can be prepared either fried or baked, and it is available in various shapes. Chin Chin is especially popular during festive periods and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Learn how to make chin chin.

Nigeria Chin Chin
Coated Peanuts
Coated peanuts are a popular snack made by covering roasted peanuts in a crunchy outer layer of wheat flour, sugar, and spices. This coating enhances the texture and taste, offering a variety of flavours that make coated peanuts a widely enjoyed treat. Learn how to make coated peanuts.

Coated Peanuts
Pancake
A pancake is a flat, round cake made from flour, eggs, milk, and a leavening agent, cooked on a griddle or frying pan. Enjoyed worldwide, pancakes can be topped with a variety of sweet and savoury options, making them a popular breakfast choice. Learn how to make a pancake.

Pancake
Toasted Bread
Toasted bread is a versatile food made by browning slices of bread with dry heat, enhancing its flavour and texture. It has a crisp exterior and a soft interior, making it a popular choice for breakfast and snacks, either on its own or with various toppings. Learn how to make toasted bread.

Toasted Bread Served with Tea
Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack made from heated corn kernels that puff up. Known for its light, crunchy texture, it can be enjoyed plain or flavoured with butter, salt, and various seasonings. Its simplicity, low calorie count, and versatility make it a favourite for movie nights and gatherings. Learn how to make Popcorn.

Popcorn
Kuli-Kuli (Groundnut Snack)
Kuli-Kuli is a popular West African snack made from groundnuts (peanuts). Known for its crunchy texture and nutty flavour, it’s a staple in Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin. Made by roasting, grinding, and deep-frying groundnuts, Kuli-Kuli is a protein-packed treat enjoyed on its own or with local foods like garri and fura, commonly found in markets and street food scenes. Learn how to make kuli-kuli.

Kuli-Kuli (Groundnut Snack)
Plantain Chips
Plantain chips are a popular snack made from thinly sliced, fried plantains. Crisp and savoury, they are enjoyed in many cultures, especially across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Learn how to make plantain chips.

Plantain Chips
Kokoro (Cornmeal Snack)
Kokoro is a popular Nigerian snack made primarily from cornmeal. Known for its crunchy texture and subtly sweet taste, it is typically shaped into thin sticks or twists and deep-fried until golden brown. Kokoro is enjoyed as a convenient street food and is appreciated for its simplicity and satisfying flavour. Learn how to make kokoro.

Kokoro (Cornmeal Snack)
Donkwa (Spicy Corn Snack)
Donkwa, or spicy corn snack, is a popular West African treat made from ground cornmeal and peanuts, seasoned with spices. Its crunchy texture and unique flavour make it a favourite for gatherings and a quick energy boost. Learn how to make donkwa (spicy corn snack)

Donkwa (Spicy Corn Snack)
Akara (Bean Cakes)
Akara, also known as bean cakes or bean balls, are a protein-rich snack made from blended black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. The mixture is deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, savoury interior. Akara is a common breakfast item, but it is enjoyed at any time of day. Learn how to make akara (bean cakes).

Akara (Beans Cake) served with pap
Suya (Spicy Grilled Meat Skewers)
Suya is a spicy grilled meat skewer, often considered one of the best Nigerian snacks. Made with thinly sliced beef or chicken marinated in a blend of ground peanuts and spices, Suya is grilled over an open flame and served with onions and spicy pepper sauce. It is a favourite among street food lovers across Nigeria. Learn how to make suya.

Suya
Boli (Roasted Plantain)
Boli is a simple yet satisfying snack made from roasted plantains. It is commonly sold by street vendors and pairs perfectly with groundnut (peanut) sauce. Boli is a healthy alternative to fried snacks and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Learn how to make boli (roasted plantain)

Boli (Roasted Plantain) served with sauce
Yamarita
Yamarita is a savoury Nigerian dish made from yam slices coated in seasoned egg and flour, then deep-fried until golden. Popular as a snack or side dish, it features a crunchy exterior and tender yam center, often enjoyed with spicy dips or stews. Learn how to make yamarita.

Yamarita served with ketchup
Kilishi (Dried Spicy Meat)
Kilishi is a popular West African snack made from thinly sliced beef or goat meat, marinated in spices and then air-dried or grilled. Known for its spicy flavour and chewy texture, it is especially popular in Nigeria and nearby countries. Learn how to make kilishi.

Kilishi (Dried Spicy Meat)
Gizdodo (Gizzard and Dodo mix)
Gizdodo is a popular Nigerian dish that combines fried gizzard and dodo (fried plantains) into a flavorful, spicy meal. Its rich taste and vibrant colours make it a favourite at parties and gatherings, appealing to food lovers. Learn how to make gizadodo.

Gizdodo (Gizzard and Dodo mix)
Masa (Rice Cake)
Masa, or rice cake, is a traditional delicacy made from rice or rice flour, known for its soft texture and mild flavour. It can be steamed, baked, or fried and is enjoyed plain or with sweet and savoury toppings. Masa is culturally significant and is often served at festive occasions and family gatherings. Learn how to make masa (rice cake)

Masa (Rice Cake)
Moi Moi (Bean Pudding, also eaten as a snack)
Moi Moi, or Bean Pudding, is a popular West African dish made from blended peeled beans, spices, and oil. Usually steamed in leaves or moulds, it is a savoury side dish or snack known for its soft texture and rich flavour, often served at gatherings and festive occasions. Learn how to make moi-moi.

Moi-Moi served with pap
Yam Balls
Fried yam balls are a savoury snack made by mashing cooked yam, seasoning it, and shaping it into small balls before deep-frying. They have a crispy exterior and soft interior, making them popular as appetizers or finger foods. Learn how to make yam balls.

Yam Balls
Fried Yam Chips
Fried yam chips are a popular snack made by slicing yams thin and deep-frying them until golden and crispy. With a crunchy texture and earthy flavour, they are enjoyed in many cultures and can be served plain or seasoned with spices. Learn how to make yam chips.

Yam Chips
Rice Balls
Rice balls are a versatile dish made by shaping cooked rice into compact forms. Popular in many cultures, they can be plain or filled with ingredients like vegetables or meats, and are often served as snacks or appetizers. Learn how to make rice balls.

Rice Balls
Shuku Shuku (Coconut Balls)
Shuku Shuku, or Coconut Balls, is a popular West African snack made from grated coconut, sugar, and eggs. These sweet, chewy treats are loved for their rich coconut flavour and are often enjoyed at celebrations or as a daily indulgence. Learn how to make shuku shuku.

Shuku Shuku (Coconut Balls)

Conclusion
From the beloved Puff-Puff to the spicy Suya, Nigerian snacks offer a unique taste of the country’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring popular Nigerian street food or looking for new Nigerian snack recipes to try at home, these best Nigerian snacks are sure to delight your palate and introduce you to the flavours of Nigeria. These snacks are commonly found at Nigerian parties, street food vendors, and in homes across the country.