6 Popular Northern Nigerian Snacks You Must Try

Warning!!! Reading this may cause sudden mouth-watering and cravings. Why? Because these Northern Nigerian snacks have never disappointed in winning the hearts of those who’ve tasted them.

From fried Grasshopper, and the popular kilishi to an indigenous Hausa milk candy that melts easily in your mouth.

These Northern Nigerian snacks will make you decline imported chocolate and cookies without thinking about it twice. Let’s get into it.

Fara: Fried Grasshopper

Fried Grasshopper, popularly called Fara in the Hausa language is a delicious, crunchy, and tasty snack. It is rich in protein, fats, minerals and vitamins.

Indigenously from Maiduguri, and now a local delicacy in many Northern Nigerian homes across the country, they can be eaten as a deep-fried or roasted, spicy snack. 

It is prepared by frying or roasting the grasshoppers with salt, and yaji pepper. And one thing is for sure, you’ll be coming back for more of this crunchy deliciousness. See how to prepare Fara or Fried grasshoppers HERE

ALSO READ: 6 Drinks in Northern Nigeria That You Must Try

Kantun Ridi: Sesame Seed Candy

A one of a kind snack experience. Kantun Ridi is an indigenous candy snack from Northern Nigeria. It is also known as sesame seed candy or more fondly called Beniseed Candy in other parts of the country.

This snack is made with some key ingredients namely; Ridi (sesame seed), groundnut, sugar, honey and a little vegetable oil. See how to prepare Kantun Ridi HERE

Kantun Ridi is usually made to be either crunchy or chewy and can be had at any time of the day. It’s a popular household snack in the Northern part of Nigeria. 

Kilishi: Nigerian Beef Jerky

Anyone who has travelled to or from the North would’ve heard the statement “Buy kilishi for me.” Kilishi is mostly considered a travel snack or a thoughtful gift from a journey, because of its ability to stay for long without going bad. But it is more than that. 

It’s the Nigerian version of Beef Jerky, and the younger one of the very popular suya, and this is because of similar processes and ingredients used in making them. But both have a different texture. While suya is mostly served hot and soft, kilishi is served cold and chewy.

Kilishi is usually made with beef or Ram meat. It is thinly sliced and spiced the same way as suya with salt pepper and spices, then smoked and dried to give your mouth a good time. See how to prepare Kilishi HERE

Alawar Madara: Milk Candy

If you have a sweet tooth then this is the snack for you. This indigenous Hausa candy is usually a small, milky white or yellow candy made from milk. It has a crumbly texture that melts easily in your mouth.

Alawar Madara also known as Tuwon Madara or Milk Candy is mostly made with just 3 ingredients namely, milk, sugar, and water. And can be made by boiling the sugar with a little water until it’s thick, then gradually adding the milk and mixing until it becomes a smooth dough. 

Here you require a little skill to turn the milk dough into milk candy. See how to prepare Milk Candy HERE

ALSO READ: 5 Worst Foods Nigerians Love To Eat

Kuli Kuli

There’s no way you’re Nigerian and you don’t know kuli-kuli. The main chick to Garri before groundnut came into the picture. Kuli Kuli is best served with Garri, while some Northerners enjoy it with Koko.

Kuli Kuli is rich in protein, essential nutrients and vitamins. It is made from grounded and spiced groundnut and deep-fried to become crispy with different flavours. 

Some are spicy, some are peppery, and some have a rich nutty flavour, but all of them will make your tastebuds ask for more. See how to prepare Kuli Kuli HERE

Dakuwa

This is one of those snacks that you just can’t forget its taste if you’ve tried it before. It’s another traveller’s favourite gift up North along with kilishi. 

Dakuwa also called Donkwa is a gluten-free Northern Nigerian snack, rich in protein with an unforgettable tasty experience and a nutty flavour. If you grew up in the North I’m pretty sure the name alone is already bringing back some core memories. 

Donkwa is made from a blend of groundnut and cornmeal (milled corn) alongside ingredients like sugar, chilli pepper, salt, vegetable oil, and water. It doesn’t require cooking but requires skill in turning the paste into Dakuwa dough balls. It has a crumbly texture that breaks and melts effortlessly in your mouth. See how to prepare Donkwa HERE

ALSO READ: 8 Best Foods to Try in Northern Nigeria

From fried grasshopper to crunchy kuli kuli, these Northern Nigerian snacks have never failed to impress at first bite. Some are crunchy, some are chewy, but all of them are absolutely delicious.

Join us in the Food and Drinks community on Fusion and tell us which one you’d love to try out, and also see the best Nigerian recipes to try out at home.