A must-eat checklist while in Enugu: Barbara Tosan Onwubiko
1. OKPA: this is a traditional Eastern dish from Nsukka, Enugu. Okpa is made from Bambara nut. It is very testy if you love moimoi, then you need to try okpa, and thank me later.
2. ABACHA: this is my best meal. It is referred to as African Salad. It is a traditional Igbo meal made with dried shredded cassava, fermented oil bean seeds, crayfish, palm oil, onions, and a lot of spices. It originated from Achi in Enugu state. Lawyers should try this meal and thank me later.
3. NKWOBI: Cooked cow-foot mixed in spicy palm oil paste, yummy. Visit a local joint or mammy market and try it.
4. YAM AND AGBUGBU (FioFio): Porridge made with yam and a kind of beans- Pigeon peas. It is usually accompanied with palm oil onion and pepper sauce. Also, try Achicha, which is made of dry cocoyam and can be prepared with fresh akidi, or fio fio, or prepared alone with just scent leaf.
5. OFE AKWU: is usually served with boiled white rice, yam or plantain. A must-try.
6. UKWA- Another of my favourites, made from fresh breadfruit. It is a must-try.
7. PALM WINE: saving the best for the last. I do not take alcohol🤪, but good Enugu palm wine is my weakness. Ndị Udi in Enugu State, has the best Palm wine in the world, or is there any community that beats them in terms of good Palm wine?
Do not forget to try the native soups, Ofe Oha or Ofe Nsala with Akpu.
Enugu state is welcoming, safe and warm, a state to be. See you in Enugu State for the conference.
Barbara Tosan Onwubiko
