No Nigerian party is complete without finger foods. Finger foods, also known as appetizers or, more colloquially, small chops, are light foods eaten just to whet the appetite or to keep the mouth moving, while you wait for the main dish.
Finger foods also include snacks that you can eat when you do not want to cook or eat something too heavy.
Depending on the setting, finger foods can satisfy your hunger, at least for a while.
One thing about these finger foods is that they are usually very tasty or sweet, depending on what they are made from.
They are also eaten with the hands, hence the name finger foods.
In Nigeria, finger foods are sold everywhere, from fancy restaurants to roadside kiosks. This is why they are very popular and everyone has their favourite finger food.Â
In today’s post, we would be exploring some of the popular nutritious finger foods in Nigeria.Â
1. Chin Chin
Chin chin is a tasty, crunchy snack that comes in small bits and is usually eaten in handfuls.
While they are sold in stores, many people prefer to make theirs because of how easy it is.
The ingredients for chin chin include flour, sugar, butter, milk, water, and more.
All of this is mixed together and chopped into small bits, which is then fried in hot oil.
It is then left to cool before it can be enjoyed, although some like theirs hot.Â
Because of how small it comes, chin chin is a popular finger food in events like weddings and birthday parties.Â
Oven-baked chin chin (made with whole wheat flour) is a healthier version of the classic snack.
2. Puff Puff
Puff puff is another popular finger food that is very sweet.
It is made from dough which is fried in the form of small balls.
The dough consists of ingredients like flour, sugar, sugar, and so on, with yeast, which makes the dough rise.
Many people prefer to eat puff puff as a snack because it is very satisfying, and eating it alone or, more commonly, with a bottle of soft drink, can keep one full for a long time.Â
3. Buns
Buns looks very similar to puff puff, except that while puff puff has a soft brownish form, buns has rougher flesh, which is specifically why many people prefer it.
Buns is also a more common snack because it is easier to prepare.
Like puff puff, buns has a very sweet taste and can be very satisfying.
Nigerian buns is also one of the most common finger foods in Nigeria, because it is very affordable.
4. Gizdodo
Gizdodo is made from gizzard and dodo (fried plantain), hence the name Gizdodo.
The gizzard and plantain are fried separately.
They are then mixed in a very rich, often spicy sauce.
This gives it a very rich taste. Gizdodo is often served at events but is also sold in restaurants as well.
Because of the easy process involved in making it, many people prefer to make theirs at home.Â
5. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls is more common at parties and events.
It has a Chinese origin, which is quite evident. Spring rolls are pastry rolls that contain vegetables and meat.
The rolls are usually small and light. The beauty of this snack is the filling.
The composition of the filling depends on personal preference, although it is more common to use vegetables like cabbage and so on.Â
6. Garden Egg with Groundnut DipÂ
If you grew up in Nigeria, you already know this snack is a cultural treasure. It is also known as Garden egg and groundnut paste (Anara and Okwo osé)
Garden egg, with its slightly bitter but refreshing crunch, pairs beautifully with the rich, nutty taste of groundnut paste.
What makes it even better is how healthy it is. Garden egg is low in calories but packed with fiber, which keeps you full without weighing you down. Groundnut dip adds protein and healthy fats, turning this into a balanced, guilt-free finger food.
It’s the kind of snack you can enjoy while chatting with friends, and you won’t even realize how much goodness your body is soaking up.
7. Fruit Kebabs
Fruit kebabs are the life of any healthy snack table.
Imagine skewers loaded with pineapple chunks, watermelon cubes, slices of pawpaw, and juicy mango.
Not only do they look like edible art, but they also deliver a burst of vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration in every bite.
They’re perfect for hot afternoons, kids’ parties, or even as a light dessert after a heavy Nigerian meal.
The best part? You don’t need sugar or extra sweeteners, nature already did the job. Just cut, skewer, and enjoy.
Other Healthy Finger Foods in Nigeria:
- Plantain chips
- Donkwa
- Roasted corn and pear (ube)
- Banana and groundnut
- Watermelon and pineapple
- Cashew nuts
- Samosa.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
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- 5 Healthy Nigerian Foods for Pregnant Women
- 5 Healthy Nigerian Cereals
- 5 Healthy Nigerian Alkaline Foods
- 7 Healthy Nigerian Foods for Hypertensive Patients
- 12 Nigerian Foods That Boost Breast milk Production
- 8 Healthy Nigerian Foods for Babies
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
