Ever gone to the market and the seller says “Madam, eja kika wa ni?” and you stand there blinking, trying to understand what was said. Funny right?, but the truth is; many of us grew up mixing English food names.
Knowing both names makes shopping easier, and it’s a fun way to stay connected to our roots. Whether you’re a market regular or someone who orders food online, this guide will help you identify what’s what the next time you’re shopping for fish, fruits, or vegetables especially in Yoruba land, precisely Lagos.
Why Knowing Yoruba Food Names Matters
Aside from impressing your market woman, knowing food names with their local names has real benefits.
1. Cultural Connection
It helps preserve food heritage.
2. Market Advantage
You’ll avoid buying the wrong item or getting overpriced.
3. Smarter Cooking
You’ll understand recipes better, especially those shared by your aunties or food bloggers.
4. Family Learning
Kids can learn both English and local names early, making them bilingual in kitchen talk.
Let’s explore some common foods and their local names in Yoruba.
Common Fish And Their Yoruba Names
- English Name – Mackerel
- Yoruba Name – Titus or Ayila
- English Name – Croaker
- Yoruba Name – Eja Kika
- English Name – Catfish
- Yoruba Name – Eja Aro / Eja Ologbo
- English Name – Tilapia
- Yoruba Name – Eja Oore
- English Name – Sardine
- Yoruba Name – Shawa
- English Name – Stockfish
- Yoruba Name – Panla
- English Name – Smoked Fish
- Yoruba Name – Eja Dindin
Common Fruits And Their Yoruba Names
- English Name – Orange
- Yoruba Name – Osan
- English Name – Pineapple
- Yoruba Name – Ope Oyinbo
- English Name – Banana
- Yoruba Name – Ogede
- English Name – Watermelon
- Yoruba Name – Bara
- English Name – Pawpaw (Papaya)
- Yoruba Name – Ibepe
- English Name – Guava
- Yoruba Name – Goi
- English Name – Mango
- Yoruba Name – Mangoro
- English Name – Coconut
- Yoruba Name – Agbon
- English Name – African Star Apple
- Yoruba Name – Agbalumo
Pro tip: Buy fruits in season, they’re cheaper, juicier, and taste fresher.
Common Vegetables And Their Yoruba Names
- English Name – Spinach
- Yoruba Name – Efo Tete
- English Name – Fluted Pumpkin
- Yoruba Name – Ugu
- English Name – Bitter Leaf
- Yoruba Name – Ewuro
- English Name – Water Leaf
- Yoruba Name – Gbure
- English Name – Jute Leaf
- Yoruba Name – Ewedu
- English Name – Scent Leaf
- Yoruba Name – Efirin
- English Name – Curry Leaf
- Yoruba Name – Efirin Oyinbo
- English Name – Garden Egg Leaf
- Yoruba Name – Efo Igba
- English Name – Basil
- Yoruba Name – Efirin Wewe
Common Roots, Tubers, Grains And Their Yoruba Names
- English Name – Yam
- Yoruba Name – Isu
- English Name – Sweet Potato
- Yoruba Name – Dundun Isu
- English Name – Cassava
- Yoruba Name – Ege
- English Name – Maize (Corn)
- Yoruba Name -Agbado
- English Name – Rice
- Yoruba Name – Iresi
- English Name – Beans
- Yoruba Name – Ewa
- English Name – Fonio
- Yoruba Name – Igbado funfun
Common Herbs, Spices, Condiments And Their Yoruba Names
- English Name – Ginger
- Yoruba Name – Ata Ile
- English Name – Garlic
- Yoruba Name – Ayu
- English Name – Turmeric
- Yoruba Name – Ata Ile Pupa
- English Name – Pepper
- Yoruba Name – Ata Rodo
- English Name – Onion
- Yoruba Name – Alubosa
- English Name – Crayfish
- Yoruba Name – Epo Eja
- English Name – Locust Bean
- Yoruba Name – Iru
In Conclusion
Yoruba markets are full of poetic names. For example, Efo elewe dudu means “dark leafy vegetable,” while “Eja to lagbara” means “meaty fish.”
It is important to know that some names differ slightly by region. “Efo Tete” in Lagos may be called something different in Ibadan.
Food names may sound funny, but they carry stories, culture, and history.
Now that you know both English and Yoruba food names, your next market visit will be smoother than ever, right? You’ll talk like a pro and buy with confidence “Iya Risi, e fun mi ni kilo kan eja kika ati efo tete jare!” lol!
Knowing your local food names is a small but powerful way to stay connected to our roots while embracing modern living.
Stay connected with Iyaloja Direct for more food information, tips and hacks.
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