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Local food map
Abuja (Nigeria)
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Snack
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
300kcal
25gProtein
8gCarbs
20gFat
2gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Kilishi
How to order / say it
Say it
Kilishi — [kee-lee-shee]
Order
I'd like some Kilishi, please.
Locally
Ina son kilishi, don Allah.
Say locally
Thinly sliced beef spiced and dried to a crisp.
Why try it?
Kilishi is a traditional treat in Abuja, offering insight into preservation techniques and local flavors. It's a must-try for its cultural significance and its balance of spicy and savory notes, truly representing Abuja's snack culture.
How it tastes
Kilishi is intensely spicy with a smoky aroma, and a crunchy texture that gives way to a chewy interior. It captures the bold and varied flavors typical in Nigerian street food.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Dating back to the 19th century, Kilishi originated from nomadic tribes needing preserved food. It became popular in markets across Abuja and remains a beloved snack.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥩 300 g beef
- 🥜 50 g ground peanuts
- 🧂 1 tbsp chili powder
- 🧂 1 tsp ginger
- 🧄 1 clove garlic
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
Method
- 1 Thinly slice the beef and pound with a mallet.
- 2 Mix ground peanuts, chili powder, ginger, garlic, and salt.
- 3 Coat beef slices with mixture and dry in the sun or oven.
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