Moving to Canada doesn't mean you have to give up the foods you love. The Nigerian diaspora community has grown significantly, and with it, access to authentic Nigerian food products.
Where to Find Nigerian Food
African Grocery Stores
Cities like Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and the Niagara region now have dedicated African grocery stores. Sheyimerry Global Stores in Thorold serves the entire Niagara region and ships Canada-wide.
Online Ordering
The most convenient option. Order from the comfort of your home and have Nigerian groceries delivered to your doorstep.
Essential Pantry Staples
Every Nigerian home in Canada should have these items stocked:
- Rice (Ofada, Basmati, or long grain)
- Garri (white or Ijebu)
- Palm oil (unrefined red palm oil)
- Ground egusi or ogbono
- Crayfish (ground)
- Pepper (Cameroon pepper, dried ata rodo)
- Seasoning cubes (Maggi, Knorr)
- Stockfish or dried fish
- Beans (honey beans or brown beans)
- Yam flour or pounded yam flour
Substitutes When You Can't Find the Real Thing
- No scotch bonnet? Habanero peppers are very similar
- No locust beans? Miso paste gives a similar umami depth
- No fresh ugu? Spinach works as a substitute in most soups
- No palm oil? There's really no substitute — order it online!
Cooking Tips for the Canadian Kitchen
- Buy frozen items in bulk when available — they keep well
- Canadian winters can solidify palm oil; just warm it gently
- Most Nigerian dishes freeze beautifully — cook in batches
- Connect with local Nigerian communities for tips on finding specialty items
At Sheyimerry Global Stores, we understand the diaspora experience. That's why we stock everything you need to recreate the taste of home, right here in Canada.