Few things ease homesickness like a proper Nigerian meal. The good news is that with a bit of know-how you can find most of the ingredients you miss — egusi, garri, palm oil, dried fish, spices and more — right here in Korea. Here is where and how.
Itaewon — the heart of African groceries in Seoul
If you are in or near Seoul, Itaewon (and the nearby areas) is the go-to. Around there you will find African and halal grocery stores stocking staples such as:
- Egusi, melon and other soup ingredients
- Garri, pounded yam flour, semolina and fufu flours
- Palm oil and groundnut oil
- Dried fish, stockfish and crayfish
- Maggi, spices, scotch bonnet alternatives and seasoning
- Plantain and other produce when in season
These shops are also community hubs — a great place to ask for tips and meet others.
Other cities
Beyond Seoul, look for:
- Foreign-food and halal markets in cities with international populations (around universities, industrial areas and places like Ansan, which has a large foreign community)
- African or international restaurants, whose owners often know where to buy ingredients locally
Online and delivery
More and more African foodstuffs are sold online with nationwide delivery, which is a lifesaver if you live far from a big city. Sellers operate through Korean marketplaces, dedicated shops and community groups. Because links and shops change over time, the best source of current sellers is the NIDO community itself — ask members where they order from now.
Smart substitutes from Korean shops
When an exact ingredient is hard to find, Korean supermarkets and Asian groceries offer good substitutes:
- Korean chilli (gochugaru) and fresh chillies for heat
- Spinach, kale or other greens in place of some soup leaves
- Dried anchovies and seafood for depth, similar to dried fish
- Sweet potato, yam and taro depending on the dish
- Goat, beef, chicken and offal from butchers and large supermarkets
Buying smart
- Buy dry staples in bulk (garri, flours, spices) to cut down on delivery costs
- Group orders with other members save on shipping — the NIDO directory is perfect for finding people nearby to share an order with
- Check halal shops for meat prepared to your preference
- Freeze portions of hard-to-find items so they last
Cooking and community
- Many members share recipes and cooking tips adapted to Korean ingredients
- NIDO events and gatherings are a wonderful place to eat home food and learn where others shop
- If you run a small food business or sell ingredients, the community is a ready and grateful market
A note for newcomers
In your first weeks, do not stress about recreating every dish. Start with a few staples, lean on Korean substitutes, and ask the community — someone nearby has almost certainly solved the exact problem you are facing.
For Seoul, head to Itaewon for African groceries. Everywhere else, lean on online delivery and group orders, and use Korean substitutes in a pinch. The fastest answer to where do I buy this is always to ask your fellow members.