Tea and Snacks: Hospitality in Northern Nigeria

Written for BITE: An NYU Food Studies Graduate Society Publication

When one thinks of tea-drinking countries, places like China, India, and even Japan and Russia might come to mind. All of these countries have long histories and a deep relationship with tea. Even Britain’s relationship with tea is relatively recent in comparison.

However, there is one part of the world that has a strong culture of drinking tea that most don’t think of: West Africa. In my home country of Nigeria, and in Northern Nigeria in particular, drinking tea is more than a pastime, but is part of a larger practice of hospitality that is central to our culture. The Hausa people are the largest ethnic group in sub saharan Africa, and one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. For many Hausa people in Northern Nigeria, tea is drunk for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and is an important part of entertaining guests.

Read here:

https://bitethepub.wixsite.com/read/post/tea-and-snacks-hospitality-in-northern-nigeria

Yam & Eggs

Yams dipped in eggs and fried. This is a popular breakfast and street food in northern Nigeria. It's usually served in a news paper to drain all the oil, with a side of your favorite signature chilli powder, our signature chilli powder yaji or, suya pepper.

STEPS

1. Boil yams until softened, season with salt.

2. Crack some eggs, add salt and pepper, you can add whatever spices you like.

3. Then coat the cooked yams and fry.

4. Place on paper towels to drain the oil, and serve with a side of our signature chilli powder yaji or suya pepper.

This is one of my favorite things to eat, you can also use the same technique with other starchy root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes.

XuhsWorld Blog

Hey You,

I’m happy you’re here.

My hope is for a community where we respectfully support and promote positivity, gratitude, kindness, empathy to ourselves, and others.

I'll share different kinds of writings focused on a few things. Northern Nigerian food, cultures, and traditions, wellness, people, places, and —lastly, my personal experience living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Join me. Let's nurture conversations and open dialogue on, food, disability, invisible, chronic illness, and mental health. I look forward to creating a fun and safe space for SCD awareness.

Love,

Zuhra