When visiting Calabar, be sure to try the local delicacies such as Edikang Ikong and Afang Soup, which are staples of the city's cuisine and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Calabar's cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Efik and Ibibio dishes, with influences from other Nigerian and African cultures. The city's location in the southeastern region of Nigeria, near the Cross River, has made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange, resulting in a diverse and flavorful cuisine. The use of fresh seafood, locally-grown produce, and traditional spices such as pepper and ogiri are common in many Calabar dishes. Regional variations in the cuisine can be seen in the different types of soups and stews that are popular in different parts of the city.
The food culture in Calabar is also shaped by the city's history and cultural traditions. For example, the Ekpe masquerade festival, which is an important part of the city's cultural heritage, often features traditional dishes such as Ekpang Nkukwo, a dish made with cocoyam and egusi seeds. The city's cuisine is also influenced by its Christian and Islamic traditions, with many dishes being adapted to suit different dietary requirements.
In recent years, Calabar has become a popular destination for foodies, with many restaurants and food vendors offering a range of traditional and modern dishes. The city's cuisine is also being showcased at various food festivals and events, which has helped to promote the city's unique culinary heritage.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edikang Ikong | Soup | A hearty vegetable soup made with a variety of leafy greens and meat or fish | Local markets and restaurants |
| Afang Soup | Soup | A flavorful soup made with afang leaves and meat or fish | Traditional restaurants and food vendors |
| Ekpang Nkukwo | Main Course | A dish made with cocoyam and egusi seeds, often served with pepper sauce | Ekpe masquerade festival and traditional restaurants |
| Pepper Soup | Soup | A spicy soup made with pepper and meat or fish | Local markets and street food vendors |
| Suya | Snack | Thinly sliced pieces of beef or chicken, marinated in a mixture of pepper, ginger, and garlic, then grilled over an open flame | Street food vendors and markets |
| Puff-Puff | Snack | Fried dough balls, often served with pepper sauce | Street food vendors and markets |
| Akara | Snack | Fried bean cakes, often served with pepper sauce | Street food vendors and markets |
| Moi Moi | Snack | Steamed bean pudding, often served with pepper sauce | Street food vendors and markets |
| Ogbono Soup | Soup | A flavorful soup made with ogbono seeds and meat or fish | Traditional restaurants and food vendors |
| Ukwa | Main Course | A dish made with breadfruit and egusi seeds, often served with pepper sauce | Traditional restaurants and food vendors |
Street Food & Snacks
- Suya: a popular snack made with thinly sliced pieces of beef or chicken, marinated in a mixture of pepper, ginger, and garlic, then grilled over an open flame ($1-$2)
- Puff-Puff: fried dough balls, often served with pepper sauce ($0.50-$1)
- Akara: fried bean cakes, often served with pepper sauce ($0.50-$1)
- Moi Moi: steamed bean pudding, often served with pepper sauce ($0.50-$1)
- Plantain Chips: thinly sliced plantains, fried until crispy ($1-$2)
- Yam Fries: thinly sliced yams, fried until crispy ($1-$2)
- Grilled Corn: corn on the cob, grilled over an open flame ($0.50-$1)
- Coconut Rice: coconut-flavored rice, often served with pepper sauce ($2-$3)
Drinks
- Palm Wine: a traditional drink made from the sap of palm trees ($2-$3)
- Guinness: a popular beer made in Nigeria ($3-$5)
- Star Beer: a popular beer made in Nigeria ($3-$5)
- Maltina: a sweet, malt-flavored drink ($1-$2)
- Fanta: a sweet, orange-flavored drink ($1-$2)
- Coca-Cola: a classic cola drink ($1-$2)
Dining Customs
- Eating with your hands: it is customary to eat with your hands in Calabar, especially when eating traditional dishes such as fufu and soup
- Using a fork and knife: it is also acceptable to use a fork and knife when eating in restaurants or at formal events
- Tipping: 5-10% of the total bill is customary when dining in restaurants
- Reservations: reservations are not always necessary, but it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability
- Dress code: dress codes vary depending on the restaurant or event, but it's generally a good idea to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing
- Table manners: it's customary to wait for the host to invite you to sit down and start eating, and to use your right hand when eating with your hands
Where to Eat
- Local markets: try traditional dishes such as Edikang Ikong and Afang Soup at local markets such as Watt Market and Marian Market
- Traditional restaurants: try traditional dishes such as Ekpang Nkukwo and Ukwa at traditional restaurants such as Efik Kitchen and Ibibio Kitchen
- Food courts: try a variety of dishes, including suya and puff-puff, at food courts such as Calabar Mall Food Court
- Street food vendors: try popular snacks such as suya and akara at street food vendors throughout the city
- High-end restaurants: try modern Nigerian cuisine at high-end restaurants such as The Restaurant and The Kitchen
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Watt Market: a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, meat, and traditional dishes such as Edikang Ikong and Afang Soup (located in the heart of Calabar)
- Marian Market: a market where you can find traditional dishes such as Ekpang Nkukwo and Ukwa, as well as fresh produce and meat (located in the outskirts of Calabar)
- Calabar Mall Food Court: a food court where you can try a variety of dishes, including suya and puff-puff (located in the Calabar Mall)
- Efik Kitchen: a traditional restaurant where you can try traditional dishes such as Ekpang Nkukwo and Ukwa (located in the heart of Calabar)
- Ibibio Kitchen: a traditional restaurant where you can try traditional dishes such as Afang Soup and Edikang Ikong (located in the outskirts of Calabar)