Local Flavors

Where To Eat Nigerian Food In NYC: Top Restaurants & Dishes To Try

Celebrate the flavors of Nigeria in New York—from vegan Egusi soup to street-style Suya—at these essential local spots.

By EatOkra

Last updated 01 Oct, 2025

The energy of New York City has a culinary match in the unapologetic flavors of Nigerian food. Far from a hidden scene, Nigerian cuisine is an essential part of the city's pulse, built on smoky Jollof Rice, complex soups, and the traditional "swallows" used to enjoy them.

With a community this vibrant, the only challenge is knowing where to begin.

Finding Nigerian Food in New York City

With West African food named a top culinary trend by chefs, now is the perfect time to get familiar with New York's Nigerian community.

The city's Nigerian diaspora has created cultural centers where the food scene is a direct reflection of the people who built it. From modern lounges to homey shops, you'll find the core of this scene in neighborhoods like Crown Heights in Brooklyn and certain areas of the Bronx.

Dish Highlights

Jollof Rice

What It Is: Arguably, no dish is more central to Nigerian celebrations than Jollof Rice. It’s a one-pot meal where long-grain rice is simmered in a smoky purée of tomatoes, red bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers until every grain is infused with flavor. A well-made Jollof has a deep, savory character that is instantly recognizable.

Where to Try It: For a classic on-the-go version, the DF Nigeria Food Truck is celebrated for its traditional "party rice" style. Up in the Bronx, The Pointe African Restaurant is a beloved local spot known for its consistently delicious Jollof.

Pro Tip: Jollof is best served with a side of sweet, fried plantain to balance the savory heat. Most places will offer a choice of protein, like chicken or fish, to make it a complete meal.

Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam

What It Is: To get Nigerian cuisine, you must understand the "soup and swallow." Egusi is a thick, savory stew made from ground melon seeds and leafy greens, often with meat or fish. It’s not eaten with a spoon, but scooped up with a type of "swallow" like fufu—a soft, starchy dough, with the most popular being Pounded Yam (Iyan).

Where to Try It: Africana Restaurant in Queens is a go-to for a classic, homestyle soup meal that makes locals and travelers "feel like home."

Pro Tip: Use your right hand to pinch off a small piece of pounded yam, indent it with your thumb to make a scoop, and dip it into the soup. It's the traditional and most delicious way to enjoy it.

Vegan Egusi Soup

What It Is: Nigerian chefs are masters of plant-based flavor, and this dish is a perfect example. A great vegan Egusi contains all the rich, nutty depth and hearty texture of the classic version, using a base of vegetables and expert seasoning. It’s an example of the versatility of the cuisine, making sure everyone can partake in this beloved tradition.

Where to Try It: Divine Flavored Caterings in Brooklyn is the premier spot for high-end Nigerian food, and they are especially acclaimed for their vegan options.

Pro Tip: This spot is a premier caterer that also serves individual diners. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm their hours for takeout or to see what vegan specials they have for the day.

Suya

What It Is: Suya is Nigeria's most famous street food, and for good reason. It consists of thinly sliced, skewered beef or chicken, coated in a spicy peanut-based rub called yaji, and grilled over an open flame until smoky and tender. The taste is a complex mix of nutty, spicy, and savory that is highly addictive.

Where to Try It: The DF Nigeria Food Truck is praised for its Suya, with one reviewer noting it "took me back to Lagos."

Pro Tip: Suya is traditionally served with fresh sliced red onions and cucumber. The crisp crunch of the vegetables is the perfect contrast to the smoky meat.

Explore More Nigerian Restaurants on EatOkra

Ready to continue your food tour? The best way to find these spots and other local gems and cuisines is to download the EatOkra app. Each one has its own unique charm and specialties waiting for you.

Divine Flavored Caterings, Brooklyn

This is the go-to for event-level Nigerian food and some of the best vegan options in the city. Trusted for everything from weddings to festivals, their quality is unmatched. Call ahead to see what they're serving for individual plates.

DF Nigeria Food Truck, Midtown East

The mobile arm of the beloved Divine Flavored brand. This is your destination for incredible Nigerian street food, from world-class Jollof Rice to classic Suya. The super-friendly staff makes it a perfect stop for first-timers.

Africana Restaurant, Queens

Your destination for a beautiful Nigerian soup and swallow meal. Located near JFK, this spot is a beloved local gem famous for its incredible Egusi, Ogbono, and Bitter Leaf soups, all served with your choice of pounded yam, eba, or amala.

The Pointe African Restaurant, Bronx

A Bronx institution beloved by the community for its fantastic take on West African classics. This is a must-visit for their delicious staples like Jollof Rice, Akara, and Puff-Puff.

Visit EatOkra’s City Guides for more local Nigerian eats

Featured Image: Africana Restaurant