This might be the most expensive soup in Nigeria

When it comes to different delicacies, Nigeria is one country that has so many options.

From our different kinds of soups to porridge, rice etc, there is no doubt the Nigerian cuisine is quite interesting.

Most prominent among the Nigerian delicacies are the different kinds of soups that are peculiar to the many tribes across the country.

Among these soups, one seems to stand out and is commonly referred to as one of the most expensive to prepare.

Most expensive soup in Nigeria

This soup is the “Ofe Owerri", a soup common in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Ofe means soup while Owerri is the capital of Imo State.

Ofe Owerri is deemed quite expensive to cook that there is a popular song by the late highlife musician, Bright Chimezie, where he says; “Onye ne jiho ego adi heri ofe owerri” which translates to "A poor man cannot eat Ofe Owerri."

In fact, in some Igbo communities, it is said that pretty ladies are usually likened to Ofe Owerri as it is that special soup that will leave a deep hole in your wallet.

Ingredients to make Ofe Owerri

So, what exactly makes this soup so expensive? The answer is simply the ingredients required. To cook a pot of Ofe Owerri, you'll need;

1. Variety of meat and fish, some of which include;

   - Assorted meat including beef, goat meat, cow tripe (shaki), and offals.

   - A mix of fresh fish, stockfish, and sometimes smoked fish, adding to the expense.

2. Periwinkles

3. Snails

4. Crayfish and prawns

-These seafood items add to the soup's rich flavour but also its cost.

5. Vegetables such as the Uziza leaves

-Popular for its distinct flavour.

6. Cocoyam

-Used as a thickener, these tubers add to the overall expense, particularly when they are out of season.

Putting all of these in one pot, usually in large quantities, is the main reason Ofe Owerri might be one of the most expensive soups in Nigeria. The same goes for Fisherman soup which uses almost the same ingredients required to prepare the Ofe Owerri.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree this is the most expensive soup to cook in Nigeria?