INTRODUCTION
Food in Nigeria has always been more than just what’s on the plate. It’s culture, memory,
discipline, respect. And if you grew up hearing things like “Don’t whistle while cooking” or “Leave
the fish head for your father”, then you already know — kitchens were classrooms, and food
came with its own rulebook.
Some of these rules were passed down with serious faces, others with a knowing smile. But
even today, many of them still shape how we interact with food. Some make us laugh, others
spark debate, and a few still govern what happens when the pot hits the fire.
Let’s dig into some of these traditional beliefs around food, where they came from, what they
meant, and whether they still hold their ground in today’s world.
“Don’t Whistle While Cooking”
The belief: Whistling while cooking could bring bad luck, invite spirits, or ruin the taste of the
food.
The context: In many Yoruba and Igbo households, this rule wasn’t up for debate. The kitchen
was considered a sacred space, especially when food was being prepared for elders, guests, or
religious ceremonies. Whistling, which was sometimes associated with wandering spirits or
trickster energies in folklore, was believed to disturb that sacred process.
But beyond the spiritual interpretation, there was something else: discipline. Cooking required
attention, precision, and care. Whistling was seen as a sign of distraction, and distraction could
lead to burnt stew or sour soup — both culinary sins in most Nigerian homes.
Modern view: While we now know that whistling has zero spiritual effect on your egusi, many
still avoid it out of habit or respect. Some even say that a quiet kitchen brings a better focus and
rhythm to cooking. That said, music has taken over, with people now blasting Burna Boy or Asa
while slicing onions. As long as you’re not burning the plantain, you’re good.
“Children Shouldn’t Eat Snails”
The belief: If a child eats snails, they’ll become slow — slow to walk, slow to talk, or slow in
general.
The context: This one has been told in nearly every region. It often came from aunties trying to
protect the younger ones from “bad behavior” (or maybe just from finishing the snail before the
adults did). Snails were expensive delicacies, and telling kids it would make them dull might’ve
just been a creative way of keeping them off the good stuff.
There’s also a symbolic layer to this belief. Snails are slow-moving creatures, so in the
metaphorical minds of elders, that slowness could be passed on to children who ate them. The
belief gained momentum from association rather than science.
Modern view: Nutritional science actually praises snails. They’re rich in protein, low in fat, and
full of iron, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Perfect for children’s growth and
brain development. So, if your child is eating snails and speaking full sentences at 2, feel free to
let grandma know.
“A Menstruating Woman Shouldn’t Cook”
The belief: A woman on her period should not prepare food, especially not for her husband or
guests.
The context: In parts of northern Nigeria, and even some southwestern homes, this belief still
quietly exists. It’s based on the idea that menstruation is unclean, both spiritually and physically.
Some cultures saw menstruating women as temporarily impure and restricted them from
religious rites, food preparation, or even sleeping in the same room as their husbands.
It’s a belief that’s not unique to Nigeria. From Hindu households in India to traditional homes in
Ethiopia, this idea shows up in different ways around the world. The thread tying them together?
A lack of understanding of menstruation and the cultural elevation of purity, particularly in
spaces like the kitchen.
Modern view: Thankfully, this belief is increasingly being challenged. Menstruation is a natural,
healthy biological process. It doesn’t affect a woman’s ability to cook — unless she’s tired,
cramping, or needs rest. In that case, rest isn’t just allowed, it’s necessary. Not because of
tradition, but because well-being matters.
“Don’t Eat the Head of a Fish”
The belief: The fish head is sacred, and not everyone should eat it.
The context: In many Yoruba, Igbo, and Edo households, the fish head carries weight —
literally and symbolically. Often reserved for fathers, elders, or honored guests, it’s seen as a
mark of respect and rank at the table. Children, and sometimes younger adults, were told not to
touch it, not for health reasons, but because “they hadn’t earned it yet.”
Some variations of the belief go even further: eating the head might make a child “too wise” or
outspoken — something seen as disrespectful in cultures that value humility.
Modern view: Today, many households are more flexible. If you bought the fish, you’re free to
claim the head. Still, the tradition lives on in some families as a quiet sign of respect.
Interestingly, science backs the fish head as a nutritional gem, rich in omega-3s, protein, and
minerals that support brain and heart health. So, whether you’re passing it along or enjoying it
yourself, the message is clear: food in our culture often speaks louder than words.
“Don’t Eat Twin Bananas If You’re Pregnant”
The belief: Pregnant women who eat twin bananas or yams are more likely to give birth to
twins.
The context: This one’s a mix of fertility myth and food symbolism. In some Igbo and Yoruba
communities, twin fruits were seen as a sign — a possible omen that you might carry double if
you’re expecting. It was often said with a half-joke, half-warning tone.
Now here’s the twist. Yoruba women actually have one of the highest twin birth rates in the
world. Igbo-Ora in Oyo State is even dubbed “Twin Capital of the World.” Researchers have
looked into this and found a possible link between the local diet (especially white yam) and
multiple ovulations. So maybe, just maybe, that yam story has some weight to it.
Modern view: Science says twin births are largely genetic and tied to factors like maternal age
and hormonal makeup. But symbolic food beliefs still play a big role in how people approach
fertility, and as long as no harm is done, they can coexist with modern knowledge.
“Serve Elders First”
The belief: Never serve yourself before the elders at the table.
The context: This one cuts across nearly all ethnic groups in Nigeria. Whether Yoruba, Hausa,
Igbo, Idoma, Tiv, or Ibibio — this belief is deeply rooted in African values of respect and
hierarchy. The first serving is reserved for elders as a show of honor. It’s one of the earliest
ways children are taught to show respect — through food.
Modern view: Even in homes that no longer follow all traditional rules, this one often survives,
especially during special occasions. It reinforces gratitude and humility. And when the amala hits
the table, you know grandma eats first. It’s not just tradition. It’s love, wrapped in respect.
Final Thoughts
Food is never just food. Not here. In Nigeria, food tells you who you are, where you belong, and
who you should respect. Our traditional food beliefs may sound funny today, but they weren’t
simply random warnings. They were tools for teaching values, creating order, and even
protecting people’s health.
Sure, some were based on superstition or a misunderstanding of science. But many carried
lessons we still need today: pay attention when you cook, honor your elders, don’t be greedy,
and take care of your body.
So next time someone tells you not to whistle while turning the soup, smile, and maybe don’t
whistle. Not because it’ll ruin the food, but because, sometimes, the memory is the seasoning.
And that’s what makes food in our culture so special. It doesn’t just feed the body, it feeds the
soul, the family, and the future.
