The Ultimate Guide to Nigerian Thanksgiving Meal Staples

Illustration by Destiny African Market

For Nigerians across the America, Thanksgiving is a cultural moment. In Nigerian and African culture overall, food is a powerful expression of identity, community, and celebration. Alongside fashion and grand weddings, food plays a central role in how we gather, honor traditions, and show love.

Thanksgiving becomes a beautiful extension of that: a feast where American traditions blend seamlessly with the flavors, spices, and dishes that remind us of home. When families look for an African grocery near me or visit Destiny African Market, they are preparing a cultural experience filled with memory and meaning.

Whether you’re preparing jollof rice, puff puff, or suya, these are the Nigerian Thanksgiving staples that always make the celebration complete:

1. Akara

A classic Nigerian breakfast food, Akara (fried bean cakes) are a must-have during holiday mornings. Their savory, crispy flavor makes them perfect for guests and early Thanksgiving prep. Akara is made by a yummy batter of peeled beans, peppers, adobo seasoning and one of our secret ingredients, You can find all your Akara-making ingredients at Destiny African Market , your trusted African grocery store in Massachusetts.

2. Moin Moin

You can call moin moin or moi moi a cousin of akara. We use the same blended batter from the akara but instead of frying it, we steam it in banana leaves or our custom cooking pouch. It pairs beautifully with jollof, fried rice, or grilled meats. Destiny African Market offers everything you need to make Moin Moin from scratch.

3. Puff Puff

Golden, fluffy Puff Puff is the life of any Nigerian celebration. It’s our national fried dough from which beignets and donuts derive from. Whether you prefer it lightly sweetened or spiced, this classic treat is a must-have Thanksgiving dessert.

4. Chin Chin

Crunchy, sweet, and addictive Chin Chin is one of the most popular African snacks enjoyed during the holidays. It’s like the chips version of puff puff. Serve it as a light snack before the main meal or package it as a festive treat for guests to takeaway.

5. Jollof Rice

No Nigerian Thanksgiving is complete without Jollof. If you’ve ever looked for Jollof Rice near me, you already know it’s the real star of the celebration. Smoky, spicy, and deeply flavorful this dish brings everyone together. Destiny African Market carries imported seasonings, grains, and spices to make your best pot yet.

6. Pounded Yam

Soft and fluffy, pounded yam is the comfort food of all comfort foods. Whether you're pairing it with egusi, okra soup, or efo riro, it’s a swallow you can always find at our African marketplace.

7. Okra Soup

Savory, rich, and slimy, Okra Soup is an acquired taste but okra is considered a superfood so its healthy for you. It pairs perfectly with pounded yam and adds warmth and tradition to your holiday meal.

8. Agege Bread

Soft, fluffy, semi-sweet and nostalgic Agege Bread has a permanent place at Nigerian gatherings. Destiny African Market offers authentic Agege Bread just like back home. We even have sardine-flavored Agege bread in various sizes!

9. Scotch Egg

Crispy and savory with a boiled egg center, Scotch Eggs are the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and always a crowd favorite. Plus you can fry them and cut them in half so it feeds two people.

10. Dodo (Fried Plantains)

Caramelized fried plantains, known as Dodo, bring sweetness, color, and comfort to the Thanksgiving table. If you’re shopping at an African market for plantains or plantain chips, Destiny African Market is always stocked.

11. Meat Pie

Flaky pastry filled with seasoned beef and vegetables meat pie is the perfect holiday appetizer or snack. They’re always the first to disappear from the Thanksgiving table especially since there are fish rolls and chicken meat pie as an alternative.

12. Suya

Suya is a iconic smoky. It’s like a spicy grilled beef skewer coated in suya pepper, a spicy grounded peanut mix. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, suya brings true Nigerian street food energy to Thanksgiving.