Roasted corn, coconut, and ube (African pear) are more than just street snacks in Nigeria.
These trio are a timeless symbol of age long South Eastern traditions, cultural identity and community life, which has over the years, dovetailed into a national, continental and global phenomenon.
Very popular during the rainy season, this combination is enjoyed across Nigeria’s eastern, southern and central regions. This culinary combo represents a shared culinary tradition that cuts across ethnic, social, and generational lines, making it a powerful candidate for global recognition by UNESCO.
Roasted corn is also referred to as grilled corn in many parts of the world, but come to Nigeria, and understand that this popular street snack is well relished as a well-known street food. This is because eating so much can be filling and wholesome.
The same roasted corn becomes grilled corn when you use your grill, your oven and microwave to get the golden brown colour that will set the corn apart for munching.
Although we simply say roasted corn – the yoruba will say agbado, the ibo will say oka, while the hausa will say masara. And of course, other Nigerian ethnic groups have their names as well.
The ‘cornfull’ season between March and September of every year is always delightful as women and men are seen around the Nigerian community selling the yellow coloured ‘agbado’ while corn lovers are also seen buying and munching what is popularly known as ‘mouth organ’.
To make this a complete delicacy, roasted corn usually would be accompanied by freshly sliced coconuts and hot or warm African pear, which is known as Ube. Any of this two nutritious accompaniments or both can be used alongside the corn.
Described as people’s favourite filling snack especially here in Nigeria, roasted corn becomes a traditional and cultural delight as small scale and large scale corn sellers are seen all over the place, roasting the popular food over charcoal embers on street corners, beckoning at passers-by to come and a bite! This is why the combination of these trio should be comfortably considered for the UN list.
These humble trio are deeply woven into Nigeria’s food culture. As they evoke strong memories of rainy days, school breaks, village visits, and communal eating under makeshift roadside stalls and even lately, parties and owambe delights.
These seasonal delicacies that brings people together, whether as quick street snacks, or a means of communal and villiage bonding moment with elders, or even as a treat during road travel, corn and his two jolly friends of coconut and ube, have impacted the culinary landscape of the Nigerian and African society -their cultural value lie in their simplicity and universality among Nigerians.
The health and nutritional benefits of these foods further strengthen their global relevance. Corn is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, coconut provides healthy fats and hydration, while Ube, African pear is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils. Together, they form a locally sourced, minimally processed superfood, perfect for today’s movement toward healthy, sustainable eating.
Preparation and consumption of this combo are rooted in traditional knowledge. Roasting corn over hot coals, softening ube in warm water or embers, and selecting the right maturity of coconut are practices passed down informally through generations. Street vendors, mostly women, use age-old techniques to deliver the perfect balance of flavour and texture — a culinary heritage kept alive in daily routines.
Beyond nutrition and tradition, this food trio is linked to oral storytelling, proverbs, and folk wisdom. Vendors and elders often share stories while serving customers. Children hear sayings like “Ube na oka bu nri ndi Igbo” (Pear and corn is Igbo food), reinforcing identity and belonging. These cultural expressions add layers of meaning to the experience of eating these foods.
With proper documentation, including videos, photos, recipes, and community testimonies, this tradition can be safeguarded and promoted globally.
To achieve UNESCO recognition, the voice of community involvement, and government backing, roasted corn, coconut, and pear could proudly stand alongside other global food traditions, as a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural pride and culinary excellence.
