The Urhobo people, a major ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria, have a rich cultural history and an equally vibrant culinary tradition. Their food reflects a deep connection to the waterways, farmlands, and forests that surround them. With an abundance of seafood, palm fruits, tubers, and vegetables, the Urhobo kitchen is a fusion of taste, tradition, and nutrition.
Urhobo dishes are known for their deep flavors, generous use of palm oil, and a love for local ingredients like fresh fish, periwinkle, and native spices. Whether it's a wedding, festival, or an everyday family meal, food holds a central place in Urhobo society. This blog post explores 15 of the most beloved traditional dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also preserve the Urhobo identity.
1. Starch and Banga Soup
Arguably the most iconic Urhobo meal, starch (referred to simply as “Usi”) is made from cassava starch cooked with water until it reaches a stretchy, smooth consistency. It's best enjoyed with Banga Soup — a rich, red soup made from palm fruit extract, seasoned with native spices such as beletete, oburunbebe stick, and a variety of meats and seafood. This pairing is symbolic of Urhobo culture and is a must-have during traditional events.
2. Owho Soup
Another prized Urhobo delicacy, Owho soup is slightly thick and oily, made primarily with palm oil, potash (which helps with thickening), ground crayfish, and occasionally tomato paste. It is often served with yam, unripe plantain, or starch. Though simple in ingredients, it has a uniquely sweet and savory flavor that sets it apart.
3. Ukodo (Yam Pepper Soup)
Ukodo is a hearty yam and pepper soup dish, usually made with goat meat or catfish and seasoned with a spicy broth. It’s popular at weddings, naming ceremonies, and festive gatherings. The spiciness and warmth of Ukodo make it a go-to comfort food, especially during the rainy season or as a remedy for colds.
4. Egu (Urhobo Beans Porridge)
Egu is a traditional beans dish that is native to the Urhobo people. It is prepared with either black-eyed beans or native brown beans, often mixed with palm oil, spices, and sometimes crayfish or dry fish. Egu is a common household meal, typically served for lunch or dinner with garri or boiled yam.
5. Ogwo Evwri (Vegetable Soup)
This vegetable soup is similar to Afang or Edikang Ikong from other Niger Delta ethnic groups but with a local Urhobo twist. It combines bitterleaf or ugu (pumpkin leaves) with a variety of meats, smoked fish, periwinkles, and native spices. Palm oil is used generously, giving the soup its signature richness and color.
6. Ujuju Soup
Made from the leaves of the ujuju plant (a type of hibiscus), Ujuju soup is another delicacy that's unique to the Urhobo. The leaves are blended or finely chopped, then cooked with palm oil, fish, and spices. It has a mildly sour taste and is often paired with starch or pounded yam.
7. Owghwo Ofigbo (Palm Fruit Soup with Ogbono)
A fusion of the popular Nigerian Ogbono soup and the Urhobo palm fruit base, Owghwo Ofigbo is a thick, drawy soup cooked with palm fruit concentrate and ground ogbono seeds. It's loaded with meats and seafood and is typically served with starch or pounded yam.
8. Okra Soup
While Okra soup is eaten across Nigeria, the Urhobo version is thick, rich, and loaded with fish and meats. Sometimes, it's combined with Ujuju or Ogwo Evwri to increase the nutritional value and add more complexity to the flavor. It's typically eaten with eba or starch.
9. Usi (Cassava Starch)
Cassava starch (Usi) is a cornerstone of Urhobo cuisine. It's stretchy, almost gelatinous, and made by vigorously stirring cassava starch in boiling water until smooth. Usi is highly filling and goes well with soups like Banga, Ogbono, or Owho. Mastering the preparation of Usi is considered a point of pride for Urhobo cooks.
10. Bini Soup (Oghwo Amiedi)
Not to be confused with Edo Bini dishes, Urhobo Bini soup is a traditional dish made from palm fruit extract, similar to Banga but cooked with native ingredients including scent leaves, onions, and spices. It's a favorite during festive seasons and is typically served with starch or eba.
11. Fisherman’s Soup (Urhobo Style)
Popular in riverine communities, this soup is a medley of fresh fish, crabs, shrimps, and periwinkles, simmered in spicy broth. Unlike the oil-rich Banga or Ogbono soups, Fisherman’s soup is lighter but packed with flavor. It’s usually eaten with semovita, pounded yam, or starch.
12. Eba and Native Soup
Eba, made from garri (fermented cassava flakes), is a popular swallow alternative to starch. When paired with native Urhobo soups such as Ogwo Evwri or Okra, it becomes a satisfying, energy-dense meal.
13. Roasted Plantain and Groundnut Sauce
Known as “Boli” in other parts of Nigeria, roasted plantain is a popular street food in Urhobo communities. It's often eaten with a peppery groundnut or palm oil-based sauce. It can also be paired with grilled fish for a full meal.
14. Stir-Fried Snails
Snails are a delicacy in Urhobo culture, often stir-fried with pepper, onions, and local spices. It’s usually served as a side dish or appetizer during celebrations and can also be included in soups like Banga or Owho.
15. Abacha (African Salad)
While this dish originates from the Igbo ethnic group, Urhobos have adopted it with slight modifications. Abacha is made from shredded cassava, mixed with palm oil, onions, pepper, and garden eggs. It's a refreshing light meal or snack often served during community meetings or family gatherings.
Conclusion
Urhobo cuisine is a vibrant celebration of tradition, flavor, and resourcefulness. Rooted in the fertile lands and waters of Delta State, these meals tell stories of ancestry, cultural pride, and communal unity. From the rich Banga soup served with Usi to the spicy warmth of Ukodo, Urhobo food is as diverse as it is delicious.
For anyone seeking to understand the culture of the Urhobo people, tasting their food is an essential step. These 15 traditional dishes are more than meals—they are a journey into the soul of the Urhobo nation. Whether you’re a native looking to reconnect with your roots or a curious foodie, exploring Urhobo cuisine is an experience you won’t forget.
