A Nigerian Food Journey in the UK
There’s something magical about food the way a single bite can transport you to another place, another time. For many of us, food isn’t just fuel. It’s memory. It’s comfort. It’s home.
As Nigerians living in the UK, we often find ourselves longing for the familiar aroma of jollof rice simmering on the stove, the crispy edge of perfectly fried plantains, or the warm, spicy embrace of egusi soup. These aren’t just dishes. They’re pieces of our identity.
That longing is what inspired this journey not just to cook, but to recreate the experience of home through food. Whether you’re a student far from family, a professional settling into a new city, or a local food lover curious about bold African flavors, there’s a plate for you at our table.
This blog and my business was born out of the desire to bring the real taste of Nigeria to your doorstep. No shortcuts, no compromises. Just authentic, homemade food, made with heart.
Why Nigerian Food Is More Than Just a Meal
To understand Nigerian food is to understand our culture — loud, warm, proud, and full of life. Our food tells stories. It tells of childhood days spent grinding pepper with a mortar and pestle, of Sunday afternoons when the whole family gathered around a steaming pot of stew, of celebrations that simply weren’t complete without jollof rice at the center of the table.
Every ingredient has a purpose. The palm oil isn’t just for flavor — it’s tradition. The uziza leaves do more than add a kick — they bring memories of grandma’s kitchen. The soft fufu, the spicy pepper soup, the smoky suya — they’re part of who we are.
When I started cooking in the UK, I noticed how much we miss these flavors. Sure, there are stores that sell African ingredients, and yes, you can find some Nigerian dishes in a few restaurants. But most times, it’s either watered down, too expensive, or just doesn’t hit the same. That’s when I realized — if we want that true taste of home, we’ll have to make it ourselves. Or, better still, I’ll make it for you.
From My Kitchen to Yours — Starting Small with Big Dreams
The journey actually started only because I had this passion for cooking and making snacks. I hate to eat snacks outside. Be it meat pies, chicken pies, fish rolls, sausage rolls, or even chin chin. I just don’t enjoy eating them outside, not even in restaurants. I don’t know why. There was only one place I liked, but it was far, and I got tired of the stress. So I decided to learn how to make them myself.
I started learning on my own, and from there, the passion just grew. I learned from NGOs, and other training opportunities. I’ve had real instructors who taught me hands-on. Every weekend, I do research on foods and how to prepare it in a healthy way, to try something new—and I practice at home. Most times, the results are amazing.
Eventually, I paid for more training. Not from any fancy school, but from someone already succeeding in the business, and I gained so much experience from her.
Then I relocated abroad. But I didn’t stop. In fact, I noticed something beautiful—people around me were craving the tastes of home. So I started making snacks and food on weekends, inviting friends over. They’d always say, “You should start selling this!” or “You need to turn this into a business!”
And so, Tiwafoods was born—from helping friends cater their small gatherings to now building something bigger.
I love to cook, I love to make snacks, and I do a lot of varieties.
It’s from my kitchen to yours—starting small, but dreaming big.
Challenges of Bringing Nigerian Food Abroad
Starting a food business in the UK as a Nigerian isn’t all pepper and palm oil. It comes with its own seasoning of challenges.
First, sourcing ingredients. If you’ve ever searched for iru (locust beans) or the perfect dried fish in a British supermarket, you’ll understand. Many times, I’ve had to travel across town to find one item, or even wait for a family member to send it from Nigeria. But still, I press on — because I know the difference one ingredient can make.
Then, there’s the kitchen setup. Unlike back home where we could cook large portions over open flames or outdoor burners, here you’re limited by space and regulation. You have to be creative. You learn to adapt. And you stay determined.
But perhaps the biggest challenge is representation. Nigerian food isn’t mainstream in the UK — not yet. Many people still don’t know what efo riro is. They’ve never tasted moimoi or understood the hype behind suya. That’s why part of this journey is also education — teaching people that our food is not only delicious but rich, diverse, and worthy of attention.
The Vision: Serving Both Nigerians and Curious Locals
I started cooking for Nigerians in the UK, yes — but I dream bigger than that. I want to introduce the real flavors of Nigeria to anyone who has an adventurous palate.
My kitchen is open to the student who misses their mother’s soup…
To the busy nurse who hasn’t had time to cook in weeks…
To the English neighbor who asks, “What does jollof rice taste like?”
To the little boy who’s never been to Nigeria but wants to know where he’s from.
Food brings people together. My vision is to make Nigerian food feel accessible to everyone — whether they grew up eating it or are just now discovering it.
I’m starting small, yes — from my home kitchen. But I see a future with a mini restaurant. A place where people can walk in, smell the scent of fried plantains and grilled chicken, hear the Afrobeats playing softly in the background, and feel instantly at ease.
Bringing the Taste of Home to Your Abode
By Tiwafoods
There’s something about the aroma of Nigerian jollof rice wafting through the air, or the crispy crunch of freshly fried puff-puff, that can instantly transport you back home—even when you’re thousands of miles away. For many Nigerians living in the UK, food isn’t just sustenance. It’s comfort. It’s memory. It’s culture on a plate.
And that’s exactly what I set out to do with my food business: bring the taste of home to your doorstep, wherever you are in the UK.
A Mission Rooted in Culture
As a Nigerian entrepreneur, I’ve always held a deep respect for our food culture. Our dishes are not just rich in flavour, they’re stories passed down through generations. Each recipe represents tradition, celebration, and identity. From smoky party jollof to velvety efo riro, there’s a sense of pride in the way we prepare and enjoy our meals.
When I moved to the UK, I noticed a deep craving not just in myself, but in others around me, for authentic, home-cooked Nigerian meals. Sure, there were African stores and occasional takeaways, but something was missing. That deep, homely touch. That’s where my business idea was born—to recreate that feeling, one delicious plate at a time.
The Food: More Than Just a Meal
Every item on our menu has been carefully curated with love and authenticity. From Nigerian stews to traditional snacks, our focus is on bringing the same quality you’d get if you walked into a family kitchen back home.
Some of our favourites include:
Jollof Rice with Fried Plantain and Grilled Chicken
Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam
Moi Moi wrapped in Leaves
Okro Soup with Fresh Fish
Beef Suya served with Onions and Pepper Mix
Puff-Puff, Chin Chin, and Meat Pies
Ready-to-fry spring rolls and samosas
Ready-to-bake meat pies, sausage rolls, and fish rolls
Each recipe is prepared using traditional methods, with a strong emphasis on quality, hygiene, and freshness. I use spices and ingredients sourced from African markets to preserve that rich taste you’d expect back home.
Who We Serve
Whether you’re a student missing mum’s cooking, a working-class professional with no time to cook, or a family looking for authentic Nigerian dishes for your next celebration—we’ve got you covered.
We cater for:
Busy professionals and families
Small events and celebrations
Individuals with cravings for home snacks
Office lunch packs and weekly food plans
Our delivery and pickup services ensure that you can enjoy fresh Nigerian meals no matter where you live in the UK.
How We Keep It Authentic
Authenticity is everything to us. It’s why we prepare our puff-puff the way our aunties did—soft, warm, and slightly golden. Why we slow-cook our soups, just like they do in open-air kitchens back home. We don’t cut corners or water down flavours. Our meals are prepared in small batches to maintain that home-cooked feel and attention to detail.
The Journey So Far
Starting a business in a new country comes with its own challenges. From understanding food regulations to adapting to the taste expectations of a diverse audience, every step has been a learning curve. But passion keeps me going.
Even though I’m currently back in Nigeria, I’m actively working towards returning to the UK and continuing this food journey. In the meantime, I’m using every opportunity to refine recipes, test new ideas, and develop a brand that reflects who we are as a people—bold, flavourful, and proudly African.
What Makes Us Different
There are many food businesses, but here’s what sets us apart:
Authenticity: No shortcuts. Just real, Nigerian flavour.
Freshness: Meals are made to order to ensure you get them fresh and hot.
Customer Experience: We treat every order like it’s going to our own family.
Flexibility: Whether you need food in bulk or just a small plate for lunch, we’re happy to serve.
We’re not just another food vendor—we’re a bridge between home and abroad, helping you stay connected to your roots through food.
You Deserve the Taste of Home
The UK can feel cold and distant at times, but a bowl of warm pepper soup can melt that chill. That’s the magic of Nigerian food. It doesn’t just feed the stomach—it feeds the soul.
If you’re craving the real taste of home, lovingly prepared and delivered to your door, then this business is for you. Every single plate is a promise—to bring joy, to keep culture alive, and to give you something to look forward to after a long day.
Final Thoughts
Starting this business is more than a hustle—it’s a mission. I want to help Nigerians and lovers of African cuisine in the UK reconnect with their roots, one delicious meal at a time. Whether you’re here for a few years or building a life in the UK, you deserve to feel at home. And that’s what we’re here for.
Thank you for supporting this journey. And if you’re just finding out about us—welcome. Your taste buds are in for a treat!