If you’re an Igbo native longing for the taste of home or a food lover seeking to explore Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions, Abuja has an impressive lineup of restaurants and bukka spots serving authentic Eastern Nigerian delicacies, often accompanied by nkwu elu (palm wine), a traditional favorite.
From abacha to nkwobi, isi ewu, ofe onugbu, and freshly tapped palm wine, here are the best places in Abuja to experience the taste of the East:
Eastern Local Dishes in Abuja
1. Raffia Palm Abuja
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Location: 1st Avenue, Gwarinpa, Abuja
Raffia Palm is one of the top destinations in Abuja for a premium palm wine experience. This charming spot offers a rustic, Eastern ambiance, think raffia, bamboo decor, clay pots, and traditional stools paired with a menu full of Igbo favorites.
Open:
- Monday – Saturday from 10am
- Sunday from 1pm
Address: No. 1 Ugheli close area 2 Garki Abuja.
Phone: +234 813 970 2392
Instagram: @raffia_palm
2. Abacha Villa
Abacha Villa lives up to its name. It’s an abacha lover’s paradise, popular for its creative twists on the Eastern staple. The setting is more casual and down-to-earth, but the food is the star.
Open:
-
Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
-
Sunday: 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Address: Boulevard Park, Maitama
Instagram: @abachavillang
Phone: 07061887939
3. Owambe by Kuik Nosh
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📍 Location: 24 Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja
While Owambe leans slightly toward upscale party food, they deliver surprisingly delicious Eastern meals with modern flair. Their palm wine is sweet and crisp, served chilled, and their food presentation is impeccable.
Must-try:
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Isiewu platter
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Palm wine cocktails (yes, they offer twists!)
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Egusi and fufu
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Cow leg pepper soup
Address: Area 8 Recreational park Garki Abuja
Instagram: @owambe_by_kuiknosh
4. Village Chief Abuja
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Village Chief is fast becoming an authority on well-curated traditional Nigerian dishes, with a cozy, artsy interior and an open-air lounge. The chefs are deliberate about using indigenous ingredients and preserving authentic flavors.
Open: Monday – Sunday from 7am – 10pm
Address 1: Matambella garden, Opposite Rockview Royal, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Address 2: Gudu Road, Lokogoma, Abuja, FCT.
Phone: 0805 215 0719
Instagram: @villagechief_abj
5. Osuofia Kitchen & Bar
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If you want hearty Eastern food, Osuofia Kitchen is a hidden gem. It’s named after the legendary Nollywood character and the restaurant definitely gives that home-away-from-home, Igbo uncle’s house kind of energy.
Open: Monday – Sunday from 8am – 8pm
Address 1: 24 crescent, Gwarinpa, Abuja
Address 2: 32 Ohafia street Phase 3, Kubwa, Abuja
Phone: 09065593668 or 09063446055
Instagram: @osuofiakitchen_bar
6. Coal City Bukka Abuja
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Coal City Bukka specializes in Enugu-style cuisine. Their grilled items are exceptional, and their menu includes some lesser-seen Eastern delicacies. It’s not fancy, but it hits the spot.
Open:
- Mon – Sat from 9am -10pm
- Sun from 11am – 10:00pm
Address 1: 926, Abubakar Koko Avenue, before Stella Maris college Lifecamp, Abuja
Phone: 09060008108
Address 2: Plot 20 Chief Goddy Ogbaga street, 111 road off 3rd avenue Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Phone: 09134445536
Instagram: @coalcitybukka_lifecamp
Instagram: @coalcitybukka_gwarinpa
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Local Dishes in Abuja
1. Where can I get authentic palm wine in Abuja?
You can enjoy fresh, authentic palm wine at places like Raffia Palm Abuja, Village Chief Abuja, and Coal City Bukka Abuja. These spots are known for offering chilled palm wine in a vibrant, local atmosphere.
2. Which restaurants in Abuja serve traditional Igbo dishes like Abacha, Nkwobi, or Oha soup?
For true Eastern delicacies, head to Abacha Villa, Osuofia Kitchen & Bar, Raffia Palm, and Owambe by Kuik Nosh. They offer popular native dishes such as abacha (African salad), nkwobi, isiewu, bitterleaf soup, and more.
3. Are these restaurants suitable for group outings or hangouts?
Yes! Most of the listed spots, like Village Chief Abuja, Owambe by Kuik Nosh, and Raffia Palm, are designed for social gatherings and hangouts with friends. Some even host live music and local entertainment.
4. Can I order these local dishes for delivery in Abuja?
Many of these spots offer delivery services either directly or through food delivery platforms. It’s best to call ahead or check their Instagram pages for ordering details.
5. Do these restaurants only serve Eastern Nigerian food?
While the focus is on Eastern dishes, most of the restaurants also serve a selection of other Nigerian delicacies and even continental options to suit different tastes.
Final Thoughts
Abuja may be a cosmopolitan capital, but its food scene is richly steeped in Nigerian tradition and nowhere is that more evident than in these spots serving palm wine and Eastern local dishes.
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