THINGS YOU CAN FIND IN A TYPICAL NIGERIAN MARKET

Nigerian market is one place where you can find almost everything you need for a good meal. From fresh vegetables to fish, meat, plantain and pepper, there is always something interesting to see.

One thing I enjoy about Nigerian markets is the variety. You can walk in with a simple shopping list and still discover many things you did not plan to buy.
Today, I want to share some of the things you can commonly find in a typical Nigerian market.

FRESH MEAT

Fresh meat is one of the regular sights in Nigerian markets. You can find different cuts of beef and also different parts of the animal, depending on what you want to prepare. Some people go to the market specifically for meat because they already have a particular soup or stew in mind. The meat seller will cut it into the size you want before you take it home.

^{Fresh beef and cow skin}

BUNCHES OF PLANTAIN

Green plantain is another common food item you can find in Nigerian markets.
It can be boiled, fried, roasted or used to prepare different meals. Personally, seeing a big bunch of plantain in the market always makes me think of the different delicious meals that can come from it.

^{Unripe plantains}

FRESH VEGETABLES

Vegetables are also an important part of the Nigerian market.
Different leafy vegetables are sold in bunches and are used to prepare soups and other dishes. They may not always look perfectly arranged, but they are fresh and ready to become part of someone's next delicious meal.

^{Different leafy vegetables}

SMOKED FISH

Smoked fish is something you will hardly miss in many Nigerian markets. It gives soups and stews a special smoky flavour, and different sizes and types are usually available. The smell can even tell you that you are getting close to the fish section of the market.

^{Different species of smoked fish}

FRESH FISH

If you prefer your fish fresh rather than smoked, Nigerian markets have plenty of options too.
Fresh fish is often sold whole, and the seller can clean and cut it according to what you need. It is one of those market purchases that can quickly turn into a very tasty pot of soup or stew.

^{Fresh fish, commonly known as ice fish}

FRESH CATFISH

Catfish is another popular choice. It is often kept in large bowls or containers of water while waiting to be sold. Whether it is being used for pepper soup, grilling or another meal, catfish has definitely earned its place in Nigerian cooking.

^{Fresh catfish}

These are just a few of the many things you can find in a typical Nigerian market. There are also tomatoes, onions, yam, cassava, rice, beans, fruits, spices and so many other food items. Nigerian markets are more than places where people buy food.

They are busy, colourful places filled with different foods, voices, smells and people going about their daily business.
What is the first thing you usually look for when you enter a Nigerian market?