Culture & heritage · 8 picks · Updated
A Nigerian party has a dress code (asoebi), a soundtrack (loud) and one non-negotiable: Nigerian jollof is the best jollof, and we will not be hosting the debate. These gifts are for the aunty who cooks for 200 “because people might come,” the uncle who critiques every suya spot in town, and anyone who has ever been told to take some food home in a container they're expected to return.
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Yewande Komolafe's love letter to Nigerian home cooking, so you can finally make the stew without calling Mummy mid-recipe.
Real-life use: Jollof, stews and weeknight Nigerian dishes made in an American kitchen.
Check price on AmazonYaji at home, so the suya debate can happen in your own backyard.
Real-life use: Grilled beef skewers, chicken wings and roasted veggies with a smoky peanut-chili kick.
Check price on AmazonThe party pot. If it isn't big enough to feed people who weren't invited, it isn't a Nigerian party pot.
Real-life use: Party jollof, pepper soup, big-batch stews and stock.
Check price on AmazonCrunchy chin chin, the snack that disappears before the party technically starts.
Real-life use: Party bowls, care packages and the office snack drawer.
Check price on AmazonA West African snack sampler for the cousin who moved away and misses home flavors.
Real-life use: A ready-made care package or a host gift that starts conversations.
Check price on AmazonAfrican print on the outside, satin on the inside. Protects the braids, the twist-out and the edges you paid good money for.
Real-life use: Sleep, wash day, lounging at home and quick errands on a bad-hair day.
Check price on AmazonAyo, the Yoruba game of the mancala family, for whoever wants to beat their uncle at something other than arguing.
Real-life use: Two-player strategy game for family nights and teaching kids.
Check price on AmazonEasy West African recipes for the friend who's ready to cook beyond the jollof.
Real-life use: Approachable weeknight dishes and party sides.
Check price on AmazonPairs well with
Feed the crowd. Then feed the people who came late.
Pairs well with
For the one who's far from home this Christmas.
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