A concerned Nigerian has voiced a frustration many of us share: the habit of translating the original names of our beloved foods. This isn't just about semantics; it’s about cultural identity and respect. When we call Akara "bean cake" or Garri "cassava flakes," we strip these dishes of their rich heritage and unique story.
This article, originally shared as a heartfelt message, argues that our food names, just like Italian Pizza or Japanese Sushi, deserve to be called by their proper names. It's a powerful call to action to take pride in our culinary traditions and share them with the world in their most authentic form.Akara Is Not "Bean Cake,"
Moin-Moin Is Not "Bean Pudding,"
Abacha Is Not "African Salad,"
Garri Is Not "Cassava Flakes/Flour,"
Akamu Is Not "Pap,"
Eba Is Not "Baked Cassava Flour."
Respect Our Culture And Stop Translating The Names Of Our food To What You Don't Know.
After All, You Buy Pizza And Spaghetti (Italian Names) And Call It With Their Italian Names...
So Why Not Leave Our "Akara And Moin-Moin" To Bear Their Original Names, So It Can Tell Where It Originated From anytime Foreigners Sees Them...
If A Friend From USA Or UK Asks You What You Had For Breakfast, Lunch Or Dinner. Tell Him You Had Abacha, Eba Or Akara And Akamu...
And If They Don't Know It, Let Them Google About It. After All, That's Also How We(Africans) Read About Their Food On The Internet too....
Telling Them You Had "Bean Cake Or Pap," Doesn't Mean You Are Exposed And Educated, It Only Shows How little You Take Yourself And Your heritage ..... Nigeria 🇳🇬
So, the next time you're asked what you had for dinner, don't say you had "African salad." Say you had Abacha. When they ask what that is, let them discover it. Let them google it, just as we google to learn about their cuisines. This isn't about being difficult or unaccommodating; it’s about taking pride in who we are and where we come from.
Think about it: no one calls sushi "raw fish rice" or pasta "wheat tubes." We use the original names—Pizza, Spaghetti, Tacos, and Curry—because these names carry the essence of their origin. They tell a story of a place, a people, and a heritage.
Our food names deserve the same respect. When we call Akara by its proper name, we’re not just naming a dish; we’re honoring the generations of hands that perfected it. We’re celebrating the Nigeria and the vibrant markets where it's a staple. We’re inviting others to appreciate the authenticity of our culture, not just a simplified translation.
Our food is a cornerstone of our heritage. By using its true name, we preserve its legacy and teach the world that Nigerian cuisine is not a mere translation—it is a global language of flavor, history, and pride. Let's own our narrative, one dish at a time.