From fragrant rice and smoky grilled meats to comforting soups and traditional accompaniments, African cuisine offers an extraordinary variety of flavours and culinary traditions.
Across the continent, recipes reflect generations of knowledge, regional ingredients and the importance of bringing people together.
At Ebony Table, our African restaurant and bar in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, we celebrate Nigerian and West African cooking. Our chefs bring experience from Nigeria and London, combining recipes influenced by generations of tradition with professional culinary expertise.
Whether you’re exploring these flavours for the first time or rediscovering familiar favourites, here are ten specialities worth knowing.
Top 10 African Dishes Worth Discovering
1. Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is one of West Africa’s most celebrated specialities, enjoyed throughout Nigeria, Ghana and neighbouring countries.
Rice is cooked in a seasoned tomato and pepper sauce, creating its distinctive colour and rich flavour.
Typical ingredients: Rice, tomatoes, red peppers, onions, stock and aromatic spices.
Flavour profile: Savoury, gently smoky, tomato-rich and warming.
Often served with chicken, beef, fish or fried plantain, Jollof is an excellent starting point for newcomers.
Explore our main menu to discover the Nigerian favourites available at Ebony Table.
2. Egusi Soup
Egusi soup is a traditional Nigerian favourite known for its rich texture and satisfying flavour.
Ground melon seeds create its distinctive consistency, while vegetables and seasonings add depth.
Typical ingredients: Ground melon seeds, leafy vegetables, peppers, onions, palm oil and, depending on the recipe, meat or fish.
Flavour profile: Nutty, savoury, rich and aromatic.
Egusi is commonly enjoyed with pounded yam or another traditional accompaniment.
3. Suya
Originating from northern Nigeria, Suya is a popular speciality associated with Hausa culinary traditions.
Thinly sliced meat is coated in a distinctive spice mixture before being grilled.
Typical ingredients: Beef or other meat, groundnut-based seasoning, ginger, chilli and spices.
Flavour profile: Smoky, nutty, savoury and spicy.
Traditionally served with sliced onions and tomatoes, Suya is particularly enjoyable when shared.
Discover more about our approach to African fusion cuisine.
4. Pounded Yam
Pounded yam is a Nigerian staple appreciated for its smooth, stretchy texture.
Yam is boiled and pounded until soft and cohesive, then served alongside richly seasoned soups.
Typical ingredients: Yam and water.
Flavour profile: Mild, earthy and comforting.
Its subtle taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to Egusi and other strongly flavoured preparations.
5. Nigerian Pepper Soup
Pepper soup is a warming Nigerian speciality featuring aromatic spices and a distinctive peppery character.
Different regional versions use fish, meat or other proteins.
Typical ingredients: Fish or meat, peppers, traditional spice blends and herbs.
Flavour profile: Peppery, fragrant, savoury and warming.
The intensity varies between preparations, so ask our team about suitable options if you prefer milder flavours.
6. Fried Plantain
Known as dodo in Nigeria, fried plantain is a popular accompaniment with a naturally sweet flavour.
Ripe plantains are sliced and fried until golden, creating a caramelised exterior and soft centre.
Typical ingredients: Ripe plantain and cooking oil.
Flavour profile: Sweet, caramelised and comforting.
It pairs beautifully with Jollof rice, grilled meats and spicy sauces, making it an approachable choice for first-time visitors.
7. Moi Moi
Moi Moi is a traditional Nigerian steamed bean pudding with a smooth texture and savoury flavour.
Beans are blended with peppers, onions and seasonings before being steamed until set.
Typical ingredients: Peeled beans, peppers, onions, oil and spices.
Flavour profile: Savoury, gently spiced and satisfying.
Some versions include eggs, fish or other additions. Moi Moi is commonly enjoyed alongside rice or as a standalone speciality.
8 Fried Seasoned Tilapia Fish
Fried seasoned Tilapia is a popular West African dish, celebrated for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flavourful flesh.
At Ebony Table, fresh Tilapia is carefully marinated with aromatic spices and seasonings before being fried whole to achieve a deliciously crisp finish.
Typical ingredients: Fresh whole Tilapia, peppers, garlic, ginger and traditional seasonings.
Flavour profile: Richly seasoned, savoury and aromatic, with a crispy exterior and tender, succulent flesh.
Traditionally served whole, our Tilapia offers an authentic dining experience. If you prefer your fish without the head, simply ask our team to remove it before serving.
H3: 9. Okra Soup
Okra Soup is a comforting, vegetable-rich West African dish, known for its distinctive silky texture and deeply savoury flavour.
Made with fresh okra, spinach and traditional seasonings, the soup develops a naturally thick consistency. Depending on how the okra is sliced, grated or blended, its texture can range from slightly crunchy to smooth and silky.
Typical ingredients: Fresh okra, spinach, Scotch bonnet peppers, ground crayfish, fermented locust beans, beef and assorted meats, including tripe.
Flavour profile: Deeply savoury, earthy and aromatic, with a warming peppery heat and a distinctive silky texture.
Often enjoyed with pounded yam, Okra Soup is a traditional favourite that brings together vegetables, rich seasonings and tender meats.
10. Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a South African speciality that demonstrates the continent’s culinary diversity.
Originating in Durban’s Indian South African community, it consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry.
Typical ingredients: Bread, curry sauce, vegetables and sometimes meat.
Flavour profile: Aromatic, warming and richly spiced.
Although not presented as an Ebony Table menu item, Bunny Chow is worth discovering for its distinctive cultural history and fusion of culinary influences.
For Vegans: Egusi Soup
For vegans, Egusi Soup offers a delicious introduction to traditional Nigerian cuisine. Made by gently simmering ground melon seeds, this comforting dish develops a naturally creamy richness similar to crushed nuts.
Red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, onions and tomatoes are combined with aromatic seasonings, while generous fresh spinach leaves or bitter leaf are added towards the end of cooking to bring an earthy balance to the rich sauce.
Typical ingredients: Ground melon seeds, red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, onions, tomatoes, fresh spinach or bitter leaf, and plant-based seasonings.
Flavour profile: Rich, creamy and nutty, with earthy vegetable notes and a warming peppery finish.
Traditionally enjoyed with pounded yam, Egusi Soup can be a satisfying plant-based option. At Ebony Table, simply request Egusi Soup without meat or fish and let our team know you require a fully vegan preparation.
What Makes West African Cuisine Special?
West African cooking is characterised by bold seasonings, varied textures and ingredients that complement one another.
Tomatoes, peppers, onions, leafy vegetables, beans, rice, yam and plantain feature prominently in many regional traditions.
Preparation methods also play an important role. Slow cooking develops rich flavours, while grilling creates smoky aromas and steaming preserves delicate textures.
At Ebony Table, our chefs draw on their experience preparing Nigerian cuisine in both Nigeria and London. Our recipes reflect traditions passed through generations, alongside the wider culinary expertise of our Head Chef.
Which Nigerian Specialities Should Beginners Try?
If you’re new to Nigerian cooking, starting with familiar ingredients can make the experience easier.
Jollof rice offers a comforting introduction through its tomato-rich seasoning. Fried plantain provides a naturally sweet contrast, while Suya introduces the smoky and spicy characteristics of traditional grilling.
For a more traditional combination, try a soup such as Egusi alongside pounded yam.
If you have allergies, intolerances or particular dietary preferences, speak with our team before ordering. Our dietary requirements information explains how to discuss your needs with us.
Enjoy Nigerian Flavours in Hatfield, Hertfordshire
At Ebony Table, we welcome guests looking to discover authentic West African flavours in a relaxed setting.
Located at 11–13 The Arcade, Hatfield, AL10 0JY, our African restaurant and bar brings together traditional cooking, hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning a casual visit, meeting friends or organising a celebration, you can explore our group booking options for your next gathering.
Prefer to enjoy your favourites at home? Our takeaway service offers another way to experience Ebony Table.
For larger celebrations, our private hire options provide flexibility. Exclusive venue hire may also allow us to discuss a bespoke menu, including alternative cuisines or a combination of dishes tailored to your event.
Experience the Flavours at Ebony Table
From the rich warmth of Egusi soup to the vibrant seasoning of Jollof rice and the smoky character of Suya, these ten specialities showcase the diversity of culinary traditions across the continent.
At Ebony Table, we’re proud to share our passion for Nigerian cooking with the Hatfield community and visitors from across Hertfordshire.
Explore our menu to see what’s available, or contact our team to plan your visit, discuss dietary needs or enquire about a special occasion.
We look forward to welcoming you.