Philadelphia's culinary landscape is as diverse as its population, with a growing number of restaurants offering authentic tastes from around the world. Among these, Nigerian cuisine stands out, bringing the rich and flavorful dishes of West Africa to the city's food lovers.
West African cuisine, spanning countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal, has profoundly influenced Caribbean and American soul food. In Philadelphia, West African immigrants have established neighborhood blocks filled with cafes, take-out spots, and grocery stores. This stretch of Woodland Avenue could fairly be called Little Africa. Multiple take-out spots, restaurants and stores carrying African grocery staples are located throughout this Southwest Philly neighborhood.
Here are some of the notable Nigerian and West African restaurants in Philadelphia where you can experience the true taste of Nigeria:
Eatwell
Been looking for a place with authentic Naija food in Philly for the last 2 years and finally found it! I had the peppersoup, this is slap- a-cold-out-of-your-head finger licking good pepper soup. I had about 3/4 of it before I remembered to take a picture. Then I had the Abula which also was so authentic in taste. The portions were generous and if you cook good Naija food, you know these take time. Overall a fantastic experience! I spent a week at CHOP with my daughter and the thing I looked forward to each night, during a stressful time, was ordering from Eatwell. I ordered a different meal each night. Every single dish was delicious. The flavors reminded me of the first traditional African dishes I had over a decade ago. If you are looking to try African food for the first time or if you, like myself, love the food, I highly recommend trying Eatwell. Delicious food! Friendly and helpful staff. Simple, clean atmosphere. So glad this is here! Already planning what I want to try next time.
Dinner at Eatwell was delicious! The owner, DJ, and kitchen staff put together a memorable celebration. The menu had lots of flavorful stews that included meat and seafood. I had vegetarian options, which included efo elegusi with iyan and dodo. They offer palm wine as well.
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Image of Nigerian Dishes Served at Eatwell (Example)
Wazobia
Wazobia serves authentic Naija (Nigerian) food, as evidenced by the Nigerian weddings and events the restaurant caters throughout the region.
Other West African Cuisine
The menu at Le Mandingue reflects the diversity of its chefs, who come from all over West Africa, including Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. Specials are offered every day, and vegetarian substitutes are available for the entire menu.
At Angie’s Liberian Kitchen, patrons enjoy a daily menu of Liberian specialties, including sweet and moist plantains, flavorful rice and fresh fish. Kings and Queens Liberian Cuisine offers a mix of traditional Ghanaian, Liberian and Nigerian platters and even features a vegan dish of palm oil potato greens. The restaurant’s most popular orders? Goree proudly offers halal food, made fresh and cooked to order. Le Baobab specializes in cuisine from Burkina Faso, Mali and Cote D’Ivoire.
Suya Suya
As soon as you walk into this counter-service West African spot in Northern Liberties, you’ll get thumped with the scent of steaming jollof rice, plantains fresh out of the pot, buttery cornbread muffins, and chicken sizzling on the grill. It’s a sensation that we can’t put a price on-but they have, and it’s notably affordable (bowls cost around $13, and each one comes with a side). Come to Suya Suya for a quick meal before catching a train from the Spring Garden station, or if you want to pick up something for a Spades-filled game night.
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Image of Suya (Example)
African Small Pot
African Small Pot is one example, owned by Abdarahmane Diop from Mauritania.
Must-Try Dishes
Here are some must-try dishes when exploring Nigerian cuisine in Philadelphia:
- Jollof Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked in a rich tomato and pepper-based sauce.
- Suya: Spicy, savory grilled meat, often beef, seasoned with a blend of spices.
- Efo Riro: A delicious spinach stew made with assorted meats, fish, and spices.
- Pepper Soup: A spicy and aromatic soup, often made with goat meat or fish.
- Moi Moi: A steamed bean pudding, rich in protein and flavor.
Here is a table summarizing some of the mentioned restaurants and their specialties:
First Time Getting Nigeria Food in Philadelphia, PA| Restaurant Review turned to Rant Session
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Eatwell | Nigerian | Peppersoup, Abula, Efo Elegusi |
| Wazobia | Nigerian | Authentic Naija food |
| Suya Suya | West African | Jollof Rice, Plantains, Suya |
| Le Mandingue | West African | Daily Specials, Vegetarian Options |
| Angie's Liberian Kitchen | Liberian | Plantains, Rice, Fresh Fish |
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to Nigerian cuisine, Philadelphia offers a variety of options to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the vibrant flavors of West Africa.
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