Egusi Wars: Is Nnewi Home to Nigeria’s Best Soup?

 

Traveler Declares Nnewi Egusi Unmatched, Sparks Debate

Nigeria’s rich culinary diversity has long been a source of pride, but a recent statement from a well-traveled food enthusiast has set off a passionate debate about the country’s best Egusi soup. According to this traveler, who has visited 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, no Egusi soup compares to what he tasted in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The claim came after a discussion with someone from Ogoja, Cross River, who suggested that Egusi soup from Cross River might be the best in the country. However, the seasoned traveler was quick to shut down any doubts, emphasizing that his extensive travels across Nigeria have exposed him to different regional variations of the dish.

A Well-Traveled Palate

This isn’t just a case of personal bias; the traveler insists that his experience is backed by actual visits and not just passing through these states. “I have been to 30 states in Nigeria, and when I say that, I mean I actually spent at least one night there—not just driving through,” he stated firmly.

He further explained that in each of these states, he has made a conscious effort to taste their local Egusi soup, whether at a hotel or a restaurant. And after all these experiences, none has impressed him as much as the one he had in Nnewi.

The States That Didn’t Make the Cut

While 30 states have been ticked off his list, he clarified that six states remain unvisited—or at least, unexperienced in terms of Egusi. These states include Kebbi, Zamfara, Borno, Kwara, Jigawa, and Katsina.

Interestingly, he mentioned that he has technically been to Katsina but did not leave the airport, meaning he never had the chance to sample the state’s version of the beloved soup. That distinction, he says, is crucial because his judgment is based on first-hand experience, not second-hand opinions.

Why Nnewi’s Egusi Stands Out

What exactly makes Nnewi’s Egusi soup superior? While he did not go into the intricate details of the preparation, food lovers familiar with the dish argue that Anambra-style Egusi soup is unique in its texture, seasoning, and the quality of ingredients used. Some speculate that the method of frying the Egusi before cooking, a common practice in Anambra, might be a key factor. Others point to the richness of proteins, such as well-seasoned meat and stockfish, that elevate the dish.

But not everyone is convinced. Those from Cross River, Ekiti, Ondo, and Delta—states also known for their flavorful Egusi variations—are not ready to surrender the title just yet.

Egusi: More Than Just a Soup

Egusi soup is more than just a meal in Nigeria—it is a cultural identity. Different regions have their own styles of cooking it, with some preferring a thick, richly spiced version, while others opt for a lighter, leafier approach.

With this debate heating up, some food lovers are calling for a national Egusi tasting competition, where different states would bring their best versions to be judged. Until then, the argument continues: Is Nnewi truly the home of Nigeria’s best Egusi soup, or is this just one traveler’s personal preference?

No matter which side you’re on, one thing is certain—Nigeria’s Egusi soup remains one of the most beloved dishes in the country, and the search for the ultimate bowl is far from over.