Nigeria is a country blessed with numerous ethnic groups, each with its own distinct culture, language, and cuisine. Among these ethnic groups is the Nupe people, predominantly found in Niger State, with settlements also in Kwara and Kogi States. Known for their rich history, vibrant festivals, and intricate arts, the Nupe also boast a diverse and deeply rooted culinary tradition.
In this blog post, we take you on a journey through the traditional foods of the Nupe people, exploring their staple dishes, soups, snacks, and beverages, as well as the cultural significance of these meals in everyday life.
Who Are the Nupe People?
The Nupe, sometimes referred to as "Tapa" by neighboring ethnic groups, are an ethnic group in central Nigeria. Their homeland stretches across the middle belt of the country, with their largest population in Niger State. The Nupe are known for their fishing, farming, weaving, brass work, and of course, their traditional foods.
Food, for the Nupe people, is more than just sustenance—it is a way of preserving culture, celebrating community, and expressing hospitality. Many of their dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, particularly rice, yam, beans, fish, and traditional spices.
Staple Traditional Foods of the Nupe People
1. Eje Boci (Mashed Rice)
Eje Boci is one of the most common staple foods among the Nupe people. It is essentially mashed rice, similar to Tuwon Shinkafa among the Hausa. To prepare Eje Boci, rice is boiled until soft and then mashed into a smooth, dough-like consistency. It is usually served as a "swallow" alongside a variety of soups.
Eje Boci holds a special place in Nupe households. It is easy to digest and is commonly eaten for lunch and dinner. It is also a regular feature at traditional events and family gatherings.
2. Cingini (Pounded Yam)
Cingini refers to pounded yam, a delicacy loved across many Nigerian ethnic groups but prepared with a distinct Nupe touch. Yam is peeled, boiled, and pounded in a mortar until it becomes stretchy and smooth. Cingini is enjoyed with rich traditional soups and is a must-have during celebrations such as weddings, festivals, and naming ceremonies.
3. Ezowa (Beans Soup)
Ezowa, also called Eni Zowa, is a traditional Nupe soup made primarily from beans. The beans are cooked until tender, then blended into a smooth paste and cooked with palm oil, onions, pepper, and local condiments like locust beans (dawadawa). The result is a hearty, flavorful soup often paired with Eje Boci or Cingini.
Ezowa is highly nutritious and represents the Nupe people's resourcefulness in creating protein-rich meals from readily available ingredients.
Soups and Stews in Nupe Cuisine
1. Catfish Stew
Living along riverbanks, the Nupe people have an abundance of fish in their diet, especially catfish. Catfish stew is a popular dish made by cooking catfish in a rich mixture of palm oil, tomatoes, onions, pepper, and local spices. Sometimes, garden eggs (eggplants) are added to enhance the flavor.
The stew is typically served with rice, Eje Boci, or pounded yam. Apart from its delightful taste, catfish stew is valued for its high protein content.
2. Vegetable Soups
Various leafy vegetables such as ugu (pumpkin leaves), bitter leaf, and moringa leaves are used to prepare traditional soups. These vegetable soups are enriched with local spices, ground melon seeds (egusi), and sometimes dried fish or bush meat.
Vegetable soups are considered essential in the Nupe diet, not just for their taste but also for their health benefits.
Traditional Snacks and Side Dishes
1. Kuli-Kuli
Kuli-Kuli is a crunchy snack made from groundnuts (peanuts). Groundnuts are roasted, ground into a paste, seasoned, and then deep-fried until crispy. This snack is enjoyed as a quick bite and is also used as an accompaniment to traditional drinks.
Though Kuli-Kuli is common across Northern Nigeria, the Nupe have their unique style of preparation, giving it a distinctive flavor and texture.
2. Bambara
Bambara is a local snack made from a dough mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, which is then baked or fried. Sometimes, groundnut paste is added to enhance its richness. Bambara is often served during festive periods or as a treat to visitors.
This snack highlights the Nupe people's creativity in turning simple ingredients into delightful culinary delights.
Popular Beverages of the Nupe People
1. Muge (Palm Wine)
Muge is the Nupe term for palm wine, a natural alcoholic drink derived from the sap of palm trees. Fresh and slightly sweet, Muge is a staple beverage during traditional ceremonies, social gatherings, and communal celebrations. Apart from its cultural significance, palm wine is also believed to have health benefits when consumed fresh.
2. Kunu
Kunu is a traditional non-alcoholic drink made from grains such as millet or sorghum. It is prepared by soaking the grains, blending with spices like ginger and cloves, and fermenting slightly before consumption. Kunu is refreshing and serves as a popular drink during hot weather and social events.
Kunu is not exclusive to the Nupe people, but their recipe and preparation methods give it a unique taste profile that sets it apart.
Cultural Significance of Food in Nupe Society
For the Nupe people, food is deeply intertwined with culture, family, and community values. Traditional meals are not just for nourishment—they are a medium of expressing love, fostering togetherness, and celebrating heritage.
During major festivals such as Sallah and traditional Nupe events, food plays a central role. Large quantities of dishes like Eje Boci, catfish stew, Ezowa, and pounded yam are prepared and shared with family, friends, and neighbors. This communal approach to eating reinforces social bonds and reflects the Nupe's value of hospitality.
In addition, the methods of food preparation, passed down through generations, are a source of pride and a way of preserving ancestral knowledge. Many Nupe dishes are cooked using firewood and traditional clay pots, maintaining their authentic flavors.
Conclusion
The traditional foods of the Nupe people offer a fascinating insight into the culture, environment, and values of this vibrant ethnic group. From staple dishes like Eje Boci and Cingini to the beloved Ezowa soup and refreshing beverages like Muge and Kunu, Nupe cuisine reflects a deep connection to nature and community.
As Nigeria continues to embrace its diverse culinary traditions, the unique flavors and recipes of the Nupe people remain an essential part of the country's rich cultural tapestry. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious, experiencing Nupe traditional foods is a journey worth taking.
