Best Nigerian Drinks To Pair With Snacks
Nigeria has a vibrant food and drink culture, with a wide range of unique, flavorful beverages that can perfectly complement any snack. From refreshing fruit drinks to herbal blends and spiced brews, these Nigerian drinks are perfect for pairing with popular snacks like puff-puff, suya, akara, and plantain chips.
Whether you’re looking for something cool and refreshing or warm and comforting, there’s a Nigerian drink for every snack pairing.
1. Zobo
Pairing Suggestions: Puff-puff, Chin Chin, Meat Pies
Zobo, made from dried hibiscus leaves, is a popular Nigerian drink with a tangy, slightly tart flavor. It’s often sweetened with sugar or honey and infused with ginger, cloves, and sometimes pineapple or other fruit flavors. Zobo pairs wonderfully with sweet and savory snacks, especially puff-puff and chin chin, as the refreshing drink balances out the snacks’ sweetness or oiliness.
Tip: Chill your zobo drink for a refreshing experience, especially on hot days.
2. Kunu
Pairing Suggestions: Akara, Fried Yam, Plantain Chips
Kunu is a traditional Nigerian drink made from grains like millet, sorghum, or corn, and often flavored with ginger and spices. Its slightly thick texture and mildly sweet taste make it an excellent companion for fried snacks like akara (bean cakes) and fried yam. Kunu’s spiciness pairs well with the earthy flavors of these snacks, making it a popular choice for breakfast or midday snacks.
Tip: Serve kunu cold for a refreshing taste, or at room temperature if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Palm Wine
Pairing Suggestions: Suya, Grilled Fish, Boli (Roasted Plantain)
Palm wine, a naturally fermented drink tapped from the sap of palm trees, is mildly alcoholic with a sweet and slightly tangy taste. Known for its unique flavor, palm wine pairs excellently with spicy and smoky snacks like suya and grilled fish, as well as boli, bringing out the bold flavors of the spices. Palm wine’s subtle sweetness helps to tone down the heat from spicy snacks.
Tip: Palm wine is best enjoyed fresh for the ideal flavor and natural fizz.
4. Chapman
Pairing Suggestions: Small Chops, Chicken Wings, Meat Kebabs
Chapman is a popular Nigerian mocktail made from a blend of Fanta, Sprite, grenadine, and a splash of lemon or lime, with a few drops of Angostura bitters. This sweet, fizzy drink is often served at parties and pairs perfectly with finger foods and small chops, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory snacks. Chapman’s fruity flavor complements the spices in snacks like meat kebabs and chicken wings.
Tip: Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or orange to your Chapman for extra flavor and presentation.
5. Fura Da Nono
Pairing Suggestions: Kilishi, Groundnut, Buns
Fura da nono is a creamy, nutritious drink made from fermented milk (nono) mixed with millet dough (fura). This drink, popular in northern Nigeria, has a thick, yogurt-like texture and a slightly sour taste, which pairs well with savory, spicy snacks like kilishi (a Nigerian spiced beef jerky) and groundnuts. The richness of fura da nono balances the spice in snacks, making it a satisfying choice.
Tip: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to sweeten fura da nono.
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6. Tamarind Juice
Pairing Suggestions: Fish Roll, Samosa, Meat Pie
Tamarind juice, made from the pulp of tamarind pods, has a tangy, sweet-sour flavor that makes it a unique Nigerian drink choice. It pairs well with fried snacks, especially pastries like fish rolls, samosas, and meat pies. The tartness of tamarind juice cuts through the oiliness of these snacks, refreshing the palate with every sip.
Tip: Chill your tamarind juice and add a bit of honey for added sweetness if desired.
7. Ginger Beer
Pairing Suggestions: Moi Moi, Plantain Chips, Kuli-Kuli
Ginger beer, a non-alcoholic, spicy ginger-flavored beverage, is popular for its refreshing zing. The spiciness of ginger beer pairs beautifully with traditional snacks like moi moi (steamed bean pudding) and plantain chips. Its strong ginger flavor also complements kuli-kuli, a peanut-based snack, enhancing the snack’s nutty taste.
Tip: Make ginger beer at home with fresh ginger, sugar, and lemon juice, or find bottled versions for convenience.
8. Soya Milk
Pairing Suggestions: Akara, Yam Chips, Baked Goods
Soya milk, made from soybeans, is a popular plant-based milk alternative in Nigeria, providing a creamy, protein-rich beverage option. It pairs well with snacks like akara, yam chips, and baked goods, adding a mild sweetness and creamy texture that complements both savory and sweet flavors. Soya milk is also a good option for those looking for a lactose-free drink.
Tip: Serve soya milk chilled or warmed based on your preference.
9. Orange Pineapple Smoothie
Pairing Suggestions: Boli, Puff-Puff, Meat Skewers
The orange pineapple smoothie, made from a blend of fresh orange juice and pineapple, offers a tangy-sweet drink that pairs well with various Nigerian snacks. This smoothie’s tropical flavors pair nicely with the smokiness of boli and the sweetness of puff-puff, enhancing the fruity notes of the drink. It also complements the grilled, spicy flavors of meat skewers.
Tip: Add some ice cubes for a refreshing, cold smoothie experience.
10. Malt Drink
Pairing Suggestions: Meat Pies, Sausage Rolls, Doughnuts
Malt drinks are popular non-alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, often enjoyed for their rich, malty taste. This drink is a natural pairing for baked goods like meat pies, sausage rolls, and doughnuts, as its smooth, slightly sweet flavor enhances the savory and sweet notes of these snacks.
Tip: Malt drinks are typically enjoyed cold and can also be used as a base for making Nigerian mocktails.
FAQs on Best Nigerian Drinks To Pair With Snacks
Are these Nigerian drinks easy to make at home?
Yes, many Nigerian drinks like zobo, kunu, ginger beer, and soya milk can be made at home with simple ingredients and easy recipes. Palm wine is more challenging to make and is typically bought fresh. Drinks like Chapman, however, can be quickly prepared with a few ingredients.
Can Nigerian drinks be paired with Western snacks?
Absolutely! Nigerian drinks like Chapman, soya milk, and ginger beer can pair well with various Western snacks. For example, Chapman goes well with burgers and fries, while soya milk is a good match for pastries or cookies. These Nigerian beverages are versatile and can complement a wide range of snacks.
Before You Go
Nigerian drinks offer a delightful range of flavors, textures, and pairings that bring out the best in popular snacks. From the tartness of zobo to the creamy richness of fura da nono, there’s a Nigerian drink for every snack preference and occasion.
Whether you’re enjoying a savory suya or a sweet puff-puff, these traditional drinks will enhance your snack experience, celebrating the diverse tastes of Nigerian culture. Try these pairings and discover how the right drink can elevate even the simplest snack into a flavorful experience!
