Where to Find Authentic Nigerian Cuisine Outside Nigeria

One undisputed fact about Nigerians in the diaspora is how deeply they miss authentic Nigerian food and street snacks. From the smoky aroma of suya to the rich, spicy taste of jollof rice, these flavors are more than just meals, they are comfort, nostalgia, and a connection to home. Many try to cook Nigerian dishes at home, but often fail to achieve the authentic taste due to the unavailability of key ingredients. In major cities like London, Toronto, and New York, Nigerian restaurants have become cultural hubs, offering the diaspora a chance to reconnect with their roots and share the richness of Nigerian culinary heritage with the world.

1. Enish (London, United Kingdom)

Location: Lewisham, Finchley, Croydon, Oxford Street, London

Arguably the most famous Nigerian restaurant chain in the diaspora, Enish has become a symbol of Lagos dining abroad. Founded by a Nigerian couple, the restaurant serves classics like jollof rice, grilled suya, pepper soup, and efo riro. With multiple branches across London and even expansion to Dubai, Enish isn’t just a restaurant,  it’s a full-on Nigerian experience that brings the Lagos party vibe to the UK.

2. Eko Kitchen (San Francisco, USA)

Location:  103 Horne Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States

Founded by Nigerian-American chef Simileoluwa Adebajo, Eko Kitchen has become a staple for Nigerians in California craving authentic tastes of home. From Sunday jollof brunches to asun and puff-puff platters, Eko Kitchen merges Lagos street flavors with a modern dining twist. It also serves as a meeting point for the Nigerian-American community, hosting events and cultural nights that celebrate West African identity.

3. Suya Spot (Toronto, Canada)

Location: 269 Morningside Ave, Scarborough, ON M1E 3G1, Canada

1269 Weston Rd, York, ON M6M 4R2, Canada

Toronto’s Suya Spot is famous for its smoky, perfectly spiced grilled meat — the kind you’d find on the streets of Lagos or Abuja. Beyond suya, it offers an extensive menu featuring pepper soup, yam porridge, and seafood okra. The spot has become a go-to hangout for Nigerians and other Africans in Canada, blending food, music, and culture into one vibrant experience.

4. Buka (New York, USA)

Location: 1111 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States

In the heart of Brooklyn, Buka stands out as one of New York’s most authentic Nigerian restaurants. It offers traditional dishes such as ogbono, edikang ikong, and moi-moi all served in an atmosphere that feels like home. The restaurant is known for its Afrobeat-filled evenings and Lagos-style hospitality, drawing in both Nigerians and curious food lovers from around the world.

5. Chuku’s (London, United Kingdom)

Location: 274 High Rd, London N15 4AJ, United Kingdom

Founded by Nigerian-British siblings Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, Chuku’s combines Nigerian food with a contemporary London flair. The restaurant is best known for its “chop, chat, chill” concept, offering small plates of jollof quinoa, plantain waffles, and suya meatballs. It’s a creative reimagining of Nigerian cuisine for a new generation of diaspora diners.

From London to San Francisco, these restaurants go beyond serving food, they preserve identity. Through jollof rice, suya, and puff-puff, they reconnect Nigerians abroad to the flavors, energy, and joy of home. Whether you’re in London’s Enish, New York’s Buka, or Toronto’s Suya Spot, one thing remains certain: the taste of Nigeria is never far away.