Indigenous Foods of Imo State: Traditional Meals Eaten by Ndi Imo

27

If you have ever eaten a well-prepared plate of Ofe Owerri, you will understand why many people say Imo dishes speak before the person cooking them does.  

The indigenous foods of Imo State reflect the lifestyle of the people of Imo. These meals originate from farm produce, rivers, and forests and have been passed down from one generation to the next. 

In this guide, you will learn about the traditional foods eaten by the Imo people and why they remain essential to everyday life.

 

Signature Soups of the Imo People

Among the Imo people, soups are simmered with care and ingredients that carry profound meaning. 

These soups are common in homes, at ceremonies, and during special visits, and they reflect the authentic taste of the land.

Ofe Owerri

Ofe Owerri is the most famous soup from Imo State. Many people call it the pride of Imo cooking. What makes this soup stand out is its rich mix of ingredients. 

It usually contains assorted meats, stockfish, dried fish, palm oil, local spices, and vegetables such as ugu or oha.

The soup is thick, colourful, and flavourful. It is often served during essential occasions such as weddings, festivals, and special family gatherings. 

This soup is best eaten with pounded yams or fufu, and it leaves a strong impression on anyone tasting it for the first time.

Ofe Ugba

Ofe Ugba is a traditional soup made with ugba, also known as oil bean seeds. Ugba is sliced, fermented, and added to soups to impart a strong, distinctive flavour. 

This soup is popular in many Imo homes, especially in rural areas.

Ofe Ugba is known for its earthy flavour and satisfying texture. It is often cooked with palm oil, crayfish, local spices, okra and assorted meat. 

The soup is filling and reflects the Imo people’s love for food made from local produce.

Ofe Okazi

Ofe Okazi is a thick vegetable soup made from okazi leaves, which are finely sliced and dried. The leaves are tough, so they are cooked carefully to bring out their flavour. This soup is typical in Imo State and neighbouring Igbo areas.

It is usually prepared with palm oil, stockfish, dry fish, crayfish, and assorted meat. Ofe Okazi is known for its deep taste and heavy texture. 

It is a soup that stays in the stomach for a long time, making it suitable for long days of work. It is often eaten with fufu or eba.

Ofe Oha

Ofe Oha is a well-loved soup among the Imo people, especially during the rainy season when fresh oha leaves are available. 

The leaves are soft and have a slightly bitter taste that complements the richness of the soup.

People often use cocoyam as a thickener in this soup, along with palm oil, meat, fish, and spices from the area. Ofe Oha is gentle, tasty, and comforting. 

 

Popular Indigenous Main Dishes of the Imo People

Beyond soups, the Imo people relish substantial, self-sufficient meals. Some are eaten as full meals, while others are served at gatherings, on market days, and on special occasions. 

Ukwa (African Breadfruit)

Ukwa is one of the most loved indigenous foods in Imo State. It is made from African breadfruit seeds, which are cooked until soft and rich. 

Ukwa can be prepared as a plain meal with palm oil and spices or cooked with meat, fish, and stock to make it more filling.

This dish is popular because it is nutritious and very satisfying. Ukwa is often eaten in the morning or afternoon and is commonly served to guests as a sign of respect and care.

Nkwobi

Nkwobi is a spicy cow foot dish enjoyed widely across Imo State. It is thick, rich, and full of flavour. The meat is cooked until very soft, then mixed with palm oil, ground spices, and local seasonings.

Nkwobi is often served in joints, bars, and during social gatherings. It is commonly eaten with friends and paired with palm wine or cold drinks. 

Though it is not eaten every day, it remains one of the most popular special dishes among the Imo people.

Abacha (African Salad)

Abacha, also known as African salad, is a well-known dish made from shredded cassava. The cassava is dried, soaked, and mixed with palm oil, ugba, vegetables, and local spices.

Abacha is common in Imo homes, markets, and ceremonies. It is light, tasty, and can be eaten at any time of the day. Many people enjoy it with seafood or meat, making it a favourite casual meal.

Ji Ugba

Ji Ugba is a meaningful but straightforward dish made with boiled yams and ugba. The yams are sliced and mixed with palm oil, ugba, pepper, and salt. Sometimes, vegetables or fish are added.

This meal is often eaten in homes and during traditional gatherings. Ji Ugba represents simplicity and tradition, showing how basic ingredients can still produce a satisfying meal.

Ona

Ona is a traditional Imo delicacy made from bitter yams, not cocoyams. The bitter yams are carefully peeled, boiled, and prepared to reduce their bitterness. 

It is then eaten with a special sauce made from palm oil and ugba (oil bean seeds), sometimes mixed with pepper, salt, and local seasonings.

This dish is more common in rural communities and is usually eaten by adults who are familiar with its taste.  

Isi Ewu

Isiewu is a spicy dish made from goat head that holds a special place in Imo food culture. The meat is cooked until tender, then mixed with palm oil, pepper, and local spices to create a rich, thick sauce.

Isi Ewu is popular at celebrations, bars, and evening gatherings. It is often shared among friends and enjoyed slowly, making it more than just a meal but a social experience.

READ MORE

• Imo State Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Local Food, Festivals, and Travel Tips
• Best Restaurants in Owerri Every Food Lover Should Try
• ISI-EWU – Your Ultimate Guide to Goat Head Delicacy 

 Local Snacks and Traditional Drinks of the Imo People

Snacks and local drinks are an essential part of everyday life in Imo State. These foods are simple, filling, and made with ingredients easy to acquire in local homes.  

Agbarati

Agbarati is a traditional snack made from grated cassava mixed with palm oil and sometimes pepper or salt. The mixture is shaped and cooked until firm. It is simple but very satisfying.

This snack is typical in villages and is often eaten during farm work or long journeys because it keeps the stomach full for a long time.

Akara

Akara is a well-known bean cake made from ground beans, pepper, and onions. It is fried until golden brown and crunchy on the outside. In Imo State, akara is eaten with pap, bread, or on its own as a quick snack.

It is popular in the morning and evening and is widely sold by roadside vendors and in markets.

Palm Wine

Palm wine is the most popular traditional drink among the Imo people. It is tapped from palm trees and can be taken fresh or slightly fermented.

Palm wine is often served at traditional ceremonies, weddings, and social gatherings. It is usually enjoyed with snacks like akara, ugba, and local meat dishes.  

 

Conclusion

The indigenous foods of Imo State tell a clear story of the Imo people. Every soup, main dish, snack, and local drink reflects patience, care, and a deep connection to the land.  

These foods are not just eaten for survival. They are shared during visits, prepared for celebrations, and passed down through generations.  

Try these dishes on your next visit to Imo state and feel the greatness.

Let your taste buds travel — explore authentic Nigerian dishes and food traditions on Rex Clarke Adventures.

 

FAQs

1. What Are the Indigenous Foods of Imo State?

The indigenous foods of Imo State include Ofe Owerri, Ofe Oha, Ofe Okazi, Ukwa, Abacha, Nkwobi, Isi Ewu, Ji Ugba, Ona, local snacks, and palm wine.

2. What’s the Most Popular Soup in Imo State?

Ofe Owerri is the most popular and well-known soup in Imo State.

3. What Is Ukwa Made From?

Ukwa is made from African breadfruit seeds cooked until soft and rich.

4. What’s Ona in Imo State?

Ona is a dish made from bitter yams, eaten with a special palm oil and ugba sauce.

5. What Local Snacks Are Common in Imo State?

Typical local snacks include Akara ji akwu, agbarati, and akara.

6. What Traditional Drink Is Popular Among the Imo People?

Palm wine is the most popular traditional drink among the Imo people.

7. Are Imo Foods Very Spicy?

Most Imo foods are well-seasoned but not overly spicy. Spice levels depend on personal taste.