COW MEAT, GOAT MEAT, RAM MEAT, CHICKEN, OR SNAILS—which one of them should you eat? What Nigerian dishes do they go better with? Let’s dig in!
COW MEAT:
Let’s start with cow meat (beef). The most famous and available protein. Everyone knows it, everyone eats it, everyone loves it!
But why do people like cow meat? What makes it special.
Well, from my point of view, it's versatile. It fits into all kinds of meals, all kinds of culture and recipes. You can cut it into parts like shaki, abodi, roundabout, kidney, pomo, and my personal favourite,: Agemawo.
Additionally, it has a different range of textures! If you want chewy, soft, tender, or something in between, you can find it in Cow meat.
Best enjoyed in: Jollof rice, Ofada rice, Egusi soup, Ogbono, Efo riro, Ogufe pepper soup, and plain stew with white rice.
GOAT MEAT:
This one speaks for itself. It's got a strong flavour that some refer to as “goaty” or “gamey”, which makes it stand out.
Goat meat is loved most by the Easterners (Igbo people) and the Middle Belt region.
Also, it's leaner than cow meat, so it's perfect for you if you're watching your fat intake.
Best enjoyed in: Nkwobi, pepper soup, rice and stew, yam porridge, or roasted in suya style.
RAM MEAT:
Ram meat is like the rich cousin to goat meat that only visits during Eid. But when it shows up, it steals the show. Hausa and Fulani communities are the top ram lovers in Nigeria, but during Sallah, everyone enjoys it.
It has a more intense flavour than goat and cow, some would say it is “bold”. A little tougher if not cooked well, but when seasoned and grilled or boiled right? It's delicious!
It's meaty and flavorful. Some even say it's more "filling" than regular beef.
Best enjoyed in: Tuwo shinkafa and miyan kuka, or grilled ram chops served with pepper sauce. Works beautifully in stews and jollof too.
CHICKEN:
This particular protein speaks class all the time. It's beyond national, it's protein that's globally loved and enjoyed.
It’s soft, cooks fast, and adapts to any spice blend. Plus, it’s often considered “cleaner” and more “fitfam” than red meats.
The South-South and South-East people of Nigeria especially, love chicken in their native soups.
Best enjoyed in: Fried rice, stew, jollof, afang, oha soup, white soup, and as peppered grilled chicken.
SNAILS:
The protein for the Soft Life Gang. Snails are for the bougie eaters. Is it expensive? Yes. But is it worth it? Absolutely.
The people who love snail do so because of it's chewy texture, it's richness, and the way it holds spices easily. Also, snails are low in fat but high in protein. Fitfam people, take note.
Best enjoyed in: Oha, Ofe akwu, Afang, Banga soup, or simply as peppered snail on its own.
So, which one should you choose? Honestly, it depends on your mood.
If you want comfort and casual? Go for cow meat.
If you want flavour and traditional? Go for goat meat.
If you're feeling festive? Go for ram meat.
And if you're just craving something chill and easy? Go for chicken.
And if you just want to flex or treat yourself to something nice, go for snails.
For me however,
Cow meat always wins, especially Agemawo. The way it soaks in stew, its chewiness, the way it sits pretty on top of a full plate of rice, no other meat gives me that kind of joy.
Now it’s your turn!
Which one is your absolute fave and why? Drop it in the comments, we’d love to hear your take!
