ZAINAB PODCAST

Nigerian cuisine has become an important part of the UK's food scene. Nigerian flavors, including palm oil, tomatoes, onions, and indigenous herbs, create a unique and diverse taste. Supermarkets are now stocking Nigerian ingredients to meet the growing demand. Nigerians living in the UK have found it easier to find the ingredients they need to recreate their favorite dishes. There is a sense of community and celebration of culture through food. Nigerian cuisine in the UK is not just a trend, but a celebration of diversity. Welcome to my podcast on My Foodie Journey, where we explore the vibrant history of global flavors that have woven their way into the heart of the UK. I am your host, Zainab, and today we are diving into the rich and diverse world of Nigerian cuisine and its growing presence in the UK. Joining us are a talented chef, representative from local supermarkets, and Nigerians living right here on the streets of the UK. Our first guest today is Chef Lade. She's an expert in Nigerian cuisine. Chef Lade, could you share with our listeners the essence of Nigerian flavors and how you've brought them to the UK? We use ingredients like palm oil, tomatoes, onions, and indigenous herbs, which further enrich the flavors, creating a harmonious balance between savory, spicy, and aromatic elements. This unique blend of spices, herbs, and ingredients forms the foundation of the rich and diverse flavors found in our Nigerian cuisine. Our ingredients are sourced from African markets locally, and at times directly from Nigeria. Thank you. We are also joined by supermarket representative Ali, who is here to shed light on how Nigerian ingredients are making their way onto the shelves of local supermarkets, how has the demand of Nigerian products evolved, and what efforts are being made to meet the growing interest? Thank you very much. How do you ensure a consistent supply of these items, and how do you observe any changes in demand? Do you have any partnership with local suppliers or direct imports from Nigeria? No, no, I have a partnership with the local supplier. Okay, thank you. What measures does your supermarket take to ensure the quality and freshness of Nigerian ingredients and raw foods? Raw foods. How do you get the fresh ones? Yeah, I take from supermarkets, and some of them, vegetable markets, and some of them local suppliers, they bring from me. Thank you very much. Now, let's take it to the streets. We are joined by Nigerians living in the UK. Can you tell us about your experiences finding Nigerian ingredients here, and how you've adapted your recipes to the local thing? Sure. Initially, it was a bit challenging, but as the demand increased, more stores started stocking Nigerian products. Now, it's much easier to find what I need to recreate my favorite dishes. Absolutely. It's not about the ingredients. It's the sense of community. There are local markets and events where Nigerians come together, share recipes, and celebrate our culture through food. It's a beautiful experience. It's indeed a beautiful experience. As we wrap up today's episode, it's clear that Nigerian cuisine has become a vibrant and integral part of the UK's culinary landscape. From passionate chefs introducing authentic flavors to supermarkets, expanding their offerings and the Nigerian community, finding a taste of home. The presence of Nigerian cuisine in the UK is more than just a trend. It's a celebration of diversity and shared experiences. Thank you to our guests for joining us today, and thank you listeners for tuning in. Join us next week as we continue our journey exploring the global tapestry of flavors right here in the UK. Until then, happy cooking and happy listening. Bye.