Dundee, the fourth largest city of Scotland by population, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. And what better way to delve into a new culture than through its delicious cuisine? At AbuleTiwa, the best African restaurant in Dundee, we take you on a flavorful journey through the diverse and vibrant world of African cuisine.
Here are the top 10 African dishes you must try at AbuleTiwa:
1. Smokey Jollof Rice: This aromatic one-pot wonder is a staple across West Africa. Fluffy rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, often infused with fragrant spices like bay leaf and thyme, jollof rice is a crowd-pleaser. At AbuleTiwa, we offer our smokey jollof rice with various protein options like grilled chicken, Turkey, etc., and sides of sweet fried plantain or flavorful moi moi (steamed bean pudding)
2. Egusi Soup And Assorted: This flavorful soup is a Nigerian classic. Ground melon seeds (egusi) form the base, simmered with leafy green vegetables, and cow or goat offals. The result is a rich, nutty, and slightly spicy soup that pairs perfectly with Semolina(wheat flour) or pounded yam, garri (made from cassava flakes), etc.
3. Suya: Skewered meat lovers, rejoice! Suya is a popular Nigerian street food consisting of skewered, spiced, and grilled meat, usually beef or chicken doused in yaji spice (roasted ground peanuts plus other spices) and freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, and cabbage slices. The smoky aroma and the symphony of spices will tantalize your taste buds.
4. Abula: This delicious food is made from a combination of gbegiri (bean soup)Â Ewedu(jute leaves) and flavorful red tomato stew cooked in rich spices and tenderly cooked proteins like beef, cow tripe, and skin. This amazing soup combination is paired with Amala(cooked yam or plantain flour)
5. Bole and sauce: This is a combination of plantain roasted to perfection, firm on the outside but amazingly soft and bursting with sweetness on the inside. This is paired with deliciously spiced red pepper and onion sauce and grilled fish that is sure to leave you coming back.
6. Banga Soup: Widely known in West Africa as palm nut soup. The base is an extract from juicy ripe palm nut fruits. This extract is then cooked with spices and herbs that come together to yield a burst of tropical flavors your taste buds would appreciate. This soup is usually served with fufu, pounded yam, or garri. Definitely a delight.
7. Pepper soup: This is a Nigerian classic soup with a light watery texture, it is made with an array of flavorful spices and meat or fish chunks and herbs. There are various types of pepper soup usually named by the type of protein used. On our menu, we offer beef pepper soup, made with the best cuts of beef, chicken pepper soup, and assorted pepper soup made from either goat or beef offals, and last but not least, Catfish pepper soup. The various flavors from the particular protein used, and the blend of spices and herbs like scent leaf(African basil) will be a spicy thrill. Pepper soup can be paired with boiled white rice.
8. Meat/Chicken Pie: This is a Nigerian street snack made up of buttery flour dough crust and a filling of either ground beef or chicken, potatoes, and carrots. The result is a tasty snacking experience. Â
9. Red pepper sauce: What is a Sunday in Nigeria without this very aromatic sauce with an accompanying burst of flavors on rice?
Made from a blend of peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other spices resulting in a captivating red sauce that is just as wonderful on the taste buds as it looks. We could not help but bring this deliciousness to Dundee. The tender proteins in the sauce are sure to thrill your buds even further. This sauce can be paired with plain white rice or a combination of white rice with beans for the best experience. Dig in!
10. Nigerian fried rice: Meet the twin of smoky jollof! On a typical Nigerian occasion, this is served alongside the famous jollof because it is also a tasty delight. Rice is cooked in meat stock and spices and then sauteed with a generous variety of veggies like carrots, green beans, sweet corn etc. The end result is a super healthy, tasty rice dish with vibrant colors that are sure to please the eyes and palate.
Bonus Tip: For a truly immersive experience, explore our menu with an adventurous spirit. Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask our friendly staff for recommendations. We’re happy to guide you on your African culinary adventure!Â
