Are you feeling overwhelmed about what to pack for your big move? As a Nigerian relocating to Canada, maintaining a connection to your culinary roots can provide comfort during your transition. While Canada offers diverse food options, some Nigerian food may be hard to find or more expensive. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back — especially with international payments to Nigeria. Here’s a list of essential food items you should consider packing without airport drama!
Spices and Seasonings
Ground pepper soup (spice mix)
Suya spice
Dried crayfish powder
Ogbono seeds
Ehuru (calabash nutmeg)
Iru (locust beans)
Dry pepper
Cameroon pepper
Knorr cubes
Pepper soup spices (uda, usakirisa, uziza)
Egusi (melon seed paste)
Ogiri (fermented melon seeds)
Maggi chicken
Ugba (shelled melon seeds), Omorogun (soup thickener)
Palm nut concentrate (for banga soup)
Dried Herbs and Leaves
Dried uziza leaves
Dried bitter leaf
Dried okazi leaves
Dried ugu
Dried okra
Dried ukwa (breadfruit)
Dried mushrooms
Atama leaf
Oha and other various Nigerian vegetables (dried)
Grains and Flours
Garri (both ijebu and yellow)
Beans flour
Plantain flour
Yam flour (for making amala)
Millet or guinea corn flour
Semolina, Rice,
Beans
Fufu flour
Puffpuff mix
Golden Morn cereal
Milo
Ofada Rice
Elubo (yam flour)
Other Food Items
Stockfish
Dry fish
Snail
Plantain
Palm oil, Coconut oil
Yam
Ede pupa (red crayfish)
Omorogun
Illarun (soup thickener)
Ugba
Tin Tomatoes
Dry fish and snails
Indomie noodles
Ewedu (vegetable soup ingredient)
Milo (chocolate drink powder)
Coconut oil, Shea butter
Dried fish (Shawa, catfish), Periwinkle, Stockfish, Tapioca,
Akamu or Ogi (Pap)
Snacks
Dried plantain chips
Kilishi (dried spiced meat)
Kulikuli/Robo (groundnut cake)
Groundnuts
Chinchin
Beverages
Zobo leaves (hibiscus)
Prekese (Aidan fruit)
Kitchen Utensils and Appliances
Pots
Garri turner
Sieve
Moimoi plate
Hand blender
Personal Care
Xpression attachment
Relaxer
Aboniki
Ori
Funbat A
Neoskin
Hair net
Shower cap
Bathing sponge
Bathing soap (Dudu Osun)
Comb
Roll-on
Alum/Potassium
Medications
Augmentin
Flagyl
Malaria medicine
Loratadine, Paracetamol, Atadyn, Prednisolone
Multivitamins
Cough syrup
Olbas oil
Documents and Personal Items
Transcripts
Medical records
Drivers Licence
Immunization cards and letter
Reference letters
Family albums and pics
Natives
Allowances and Restrictions
Be mindful of your baggage allowance and focus on essential items. Travelers can bring 23kg per bag, with six bags allowed for three people.
Meat and meat by-products are not permitted.
Milk and some dairy products may not be allowed.
There are mixed opinions on bringing palm oil. Some say it’s possible if frozen and well-packaged, while others advise against it due to issues at the airport. Oil pouches are very recommended for carrying palm oil.
Packaging and Labeling
Use transparent nylon bags (like Ziploc) for food items.
Label all food items, especially white powders, for declaration at customs.
Ensure food items are well sealed and packaged to prevent spills or leaks.
Consider bringing recipes that use these ingredients.
General Advice
Start packing dry items early. Some medications and herbs may not be shippable, so consider carrying them. Check Canadian customs regulations for food items before traveling. Focus on bringing spices, dried ingredients, and snacks that are harder to find in Canada. Consider using sea cargo to ship heavier items after arrival. Stock up on essentials when you arrive instead of bringing too much food at the start.
While bringing these items can help you maintain your Nigerian culinary traditions, also be open to exploring Canadian cuisine. You can find many ingredients for Nigerian dishes in Indian, Chinese, or African grocery stores in Canada. But having these essentials will ease your transition and provide a taste of home as you settle into your new life in Canada.
