Where To Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients In The UK

Can we all admit that living in a foreign country is hard? While it’s a great feeling to be away from Naija and all its troubles, there’s still so much to miss about home! From the city that never sleeps to the warmth of being around loved ones and, most importantly, the sumptuous home-cooked Nigerian meals.

Nothing beats the taste of a freshly made pounded yam, paired with rich Egusi soup or a well-cooked Nigerian party jollof rice with fried plantains. But away from home, these meals might seem like a luxury that you can only afford in your imagination, but they do not have to be.

If you’ve ever wondered where to find authentic Nigerian food ingredients in the UK to showcase your culinary skills and enjoy your home-cooked Nigerian meals just the way you like them, then consider this article an answered prayer. Let’s take a walk down the streets of the UK together and show you the best spots for your go-to ingredients to cook your beloved Nigerian dishes in the UK.

Best Places to Find Nigerian Food Ingredients in the UK

Finding authentic Nigerian food ingredients in the UK is not as hard as you think; if anything, it is more accessible than you’d ever imagine. Wherever you are in the UK, there are plenty of stores, markets, and online vendors that stock Nigerian food ingredients. Here are the top places for you to shop from for your authentic Nigerian food ingredients:

Nigerian Markets and Stores in the UK

If you’re looking for the freshest and most authentic Nigerian food ingredients, your best bet is to visit local Nigerian and African markets in major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. There, you’ll find almost everything you might need, from Dried Fish to Crayfish to Fresh Yam, Palm Oil, and Garri. We’ll provide a list of Nigerian markets in various locations in the UK where you can shop for your authentic ingredients from below:

Where to Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients in Brixton

There are some key places to check out in Brixton for authentic Nigerian food items. Here are some options available to you:

1. Brixton Market

This is a vibrant African and Caribbean market that offers a wide variety of ingredients. It is ideal for those who want fresh vegetables, spices, and bulk Nigerian food ingredients. The prices here are largely negotiable, so you can wear your Nigerian bargaining hat and get the vendors to sell to you at discounted prices. You will get an even better deal when buying in bulk. See more details about the Brixton market in the table below:

Pro Tip: Brixton Market is the perfect place to find Nigerian staples like yam, garri, and dried fish at competitive prices. To get the best ingredients and deals, arrive early in the day before the crowds pour in. Remember, less is more.

2. Nour Cash & Carry

Known for its extensive range of African food products, including imported Nigerian ingredients, Nour Cash & Carry Market offers affordable and competitive prices. Some other information to note about this market is:

Pro Tip: Nour Cash & Carry is a hidden gem for finding authentic Nigerian food ingredients at low prices. Stock up on bulk items like yam flour, egusi, and stockfish to save money in the long run.

3. Wing Tai Supermarket

Surprisingly, Wing Tai is primarily an Asian supermarket that has a wide range of Nigerian food ingredients. Here you can find good ingredients like yam, okra, and some spices. It’s a good option if you’re looking for fresh vegetables at affordable prices.

Pro Tip: Wing Tai Supermarket frequently refreshes its stock of fresh vegetables, making it a reliable source to get plantains, okra, and yam at affordable rates.

4. Brixton Farmers’ Market

For fresh produce like vegetables, fruits, and some African greens, Brixton Farmers’ Market is a fantastic option. Although it’s not exclusively African, you’ll still find stalls selling products like fresh plantains, sweet potatoes, and okra, perfect for your Nigerian dishes.

Pro Tip: Public transport is highly recommended to access this market since it can get busy at peak hours and result in limited parking spaces. Also, remember to bring cash, as many vendors may not accept card payments.

Also Read: The Best Investment Options for Nigerians in the Diaspora in 2024/2025

Where to Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients in Peckham (Little Lagos)

Peckham is often called “Little Lagos” in London, and what’s Lagos without Nigerian meals? So of course, you can find where to get Nigerian food ingredients here too. Here are some top places to check out:

1. Bims African Food Store

This store sells a variety of Nigerian food items and is well-organised making it easy for you to find what you need quickly.

Pro Tip: For fresh vegetables, check with the staff to know their delivery schedule for the freshest stock. As with some other markets, the prices are also better when buying larger quantities, so consider stocking up.

2. John & Biola Ltd

This market is a top supplier of fresh vegetables and other Nigerian food ingredients to make any Nigerian meal of your choice.

Pro Tip: Delivery options are available if you prefer to order in bulk or want to avoid the hassle of regular trips to the store.

3. Rye Lane Market

Consider this market the trade fair of Peckham, where you can find over 50 shops offering a diverse range of goods and services under one roof. Bims African Food Store is one of the shops that can be found here, and there are many other shops here that sell authentic Nigerian food ingredients.

Pro Tip: Rye Lane Market is a bustling marketplace where you can find all your Nigerian food ingredients under one roof. Since there are multiple vendors, take the time to compare prices on staple items like garri and palm oil before making your purchase.

4. Olumo Foods

You can find fresh Nigerian ingredients here. See details about the market below:

Pro Tip: If you’re based outside London or in a more remote part of the UK, Olumo Foods has a delivery service that can get your fresh Nigerian food ingredients straight to your door. You can buy in bulk to reduce delivery fees.

Where to Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients in Dalston

Dalston is another fantastic spot in London where you can find authentic Nigerian food ingredients. Here are some top places to shop for Nigerian food ingredients in Dalston:

1. Dalston Market

Dalston Market, also known as Ridley Road Market, is the central marketplace in Dalston, where you will find a variety of Nigerian staples and spices.

Pro Tip: For the best deals, visit the market early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when vendors are more willing to offer discounts on fresh produce.

2. Tropical Foods London

This store offers a range of Nigerian food items and spices, perfect for restocking your pantry.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for bulk purchases of dried ingredients like stockfish or egusi, call ahead to check availability, as stock tends to sell out quickly.

3. Holland Bazaar

This market is known for fresh produce. and is open 24/7, making it a convenient stop for Nigerian vegetables at any time of the day.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of their 24-hour opening times by shopping late at night or early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quicker checkout process.

Where to Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients in Birmingham

If you’re in Birmingham, you can still find plenty of stores to buy authentic Nigerian food ingredients. Here are some of the top spots in Birmingham to shop from:

1. African Food Store Soho Road

This is one of the go-to places for African and Nigerian food ingredients in Birmingham. The market is popular for fresh and affordable Nigerian food ingredients

Pro Tip: The store focuses on cost-efficiency and may charge for plastic bags, so bring your own shopping bags to save money and reduce waste. 

2. Al Halal Supermarket

This supermarket caters to a wider audience but has a section for Nigerian food products where you can find common Nigerian food ingredients.

Pro Tip: Browse beyond the Nigerian section for affordable spices and grains that can spice up your dishes.

3. Samis Online Wholesale Cash & Carry

This is referred to as the biggest African grocery store in Birmingham. You can find everything you miss from home here, from Ugu to Tete and Shoko leaves. You can also order online from their website and get whatever you need delivered to you from anywhere in the UK. 

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for a big event, place your order online in advance to ensure you get everything you need without making multiple trips.

With these stores in Birmingham, you’ll have no problem finding all the authentic Nigerian food ingredients you need to recreate the delicious flavours of home.

Where to Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients in Manchester

Like other cities in the UK mentioned here, Manchester has several markets and stores where you can find authentic Nigerian food ingredients. You can shop from any of these top places:

1. Ades Cash & Carry – Manchester Retail Store

This is a popular store in Manchester that offers a wide range of food products, such as plantains and yams, among others.

Pro Tip:  Keep an eye out for weekly sales or discounts on items like yams and plantains, which can significantly reduce your grocery bill.

2. Global African Ltd

This supermarket is located in the heart of Manchester (78 Hulme High St, Hulme, Manchester M15 5JP) and has a selection of African food products. You can find Nigerian staples like cassava flour, egusi, ogbono, yam, fufu flour, dried fish, and spices to make your favourite dishes. Opens every Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Pro Tip: This store sometimes offers special deals on weekends, so plan your shopping for Saturdays to take advantage of reduced prices.

3. Maame Afro-Caribbean Market

This is a great place to shop for Nigerian food ingredients if you are in Manchester. Caribbean food items are also sold here, so you can choose to experiment and be creative about it. It’s located at Unit 3 Tavistock Square, Harpurhey, Manchester M9 5RD, and opens every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Pro Tip: Bring cash! Some smaller vendors in the market may not accept card payments, especially for lower-priced items, so it’s good to have cash on hand.

Must-Have Nigerian Ingredients You’ll Find in the UK

Now that we’ve covered where to find your Nigerian ingredients, let’s highlight some must-have ingredients that you’ll find in the UK. You can use these as a shopping list to get started on stocking up your kitchen with Nigerian food ingredients to prepare your favourite meal.

• Palm Oil: This is an essential ingredient in preparing soups and stews, so having it handy makes it easier for you to make any Nigerian food of your choice.
• Garri: Whether you want to use this to make Eba or soak it with groundnuts, Garri should not be missing from your kitchen.
• Egusi: Having this at home makes it easy for you to cook Egusi soup anytime you want rather than take the trip to get it in the market each time or wait for it to be delivered to you.
• Ugu: This is perfect for whenever you want to cook soups like Afang or Edika Ikong.
• Dried Fish and Stockfish: If you’re looking to quickly fix up something from the ingredients in your kitchen without getting extra stuff from the market, then dried fish and stockfish will come in handy to add extra flavour to your soups and give you something to munch on.

Where to Get Nigerian Meals in the UK

For days when you don’t feel like cooking but still crave the taste of home, there are food vendors in the UK that sell delicious Nigerian meals like puff-puff, suya, and jollof rice. Some stores to check out include:

• Enish Lewisham in Lewisham High St., London.
• 280 Degrees African/Nigerian Restaurant/Bar & Girl) in Kilburn.
• Ikeja Kitchen in Broad Lane, London.
• Akoko in Berners St., London.
• Lekki Restaurant and Bar in Kingsland Rd, London.

Additional Tips

Wherever you are in the UK, you can always feel close to home by eating a well-prepared Nigerian dish, so find a store near you to shop for authentic Nigerian ingredients to cook your favourite meal. Remember to keep these tips in mind when shopping:

• Buy in bulk to save money and always have a supply at hand.
• Improvise when necessary. For example, you can replace ugu with spinach.
• If you live far away from Nigerian markets, then keep ingredients like vegetables, peppers, and meats frozen for later use.

Don’t let the distance deter you from enjoying the Nigerian meals you love the most, so get your ingredients and start cooking!

Elsie Udoh

SEO Content Writer | Website | + posts

Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.

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