The colour comes from curry powder and a rich chicken or beef stock rather than soy sauce, and the rice is cooked until every grain is separate and fluffy. Diced carrots, green beans, sweetcorn and green peas go in near the end so they keep their bite, and traditional additions such as seasoned liver give the dish the depth Nigerian families expect at a Sunday table.
Because it carries very little heat, Nigerian fried rice suits children, guests who prefer mild food, and anyone easing into West African flavours. Order it on its own with chicken, or ask for the classic half-and-half plate with jollof so you can taste both of Nigeria’s signature rice dishes in one sitting.
Nigerian Fried Rice vs. Jollof Rice
Guests often ask us which to choose. Jollof rice is tomato-red, smoky and moderately spicy; fried rice is curry-gold, vegetable-heavy and mild. Jollof is the bolder plate, fried rice the gentler one – and at parties across Nigeria the two are always served side by side, which is exactly how we recommend ordering them.
Fresh Every Day at Covent Garden Market
We cook in small batches through the day at our stall inside Covent Garden Market, so your fried rice is hot, not held. Eat in at the market food court, take it to go, or phone (226) 980-5149 ahead and we will have it packed and ready for pickup on your way through downtown London.
Perfect Pairings and Party Trays
Add fried plantain or Nigerian grilled chicken to round the plate out. For birthdays, church events and office lunches around Downtown London, Woodfield and Old East Village we prepare large fried rice trays to order – just give us a little notice.
