Nigerian dish earns annual festival celebration in Brazil

Abdullateef Fowewe

A traditional Nigerian delicacy, Bean Cake, well called Akara, has become a staple of Brazilian cuisine, so much so that it is now celebrated annually as the ‘Acarajé Festival’.

The deep-fried cake, which traces its roots to West Africa, was brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans who were transported across the Atlantic centuries ago.

In West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Akara is majorly served with other foods such as pap, bread, or custard.

The bean cake is either deep-fried with vegetable oil or palm oil.

As reported by TRT Afrika, Acarajé has grown into a beloved street food in Brazil, particularly in the northeastern state of Bahia.

Traditionally prepared and sold by the Baianas, women who proudly uphold the culinary heritage of their enslaved ancestors, the dish has become a symbol of Afro-Brazilian culture and resilience.

TRT Afrika wrote, “These slaves, mostly of Yoruba heritage from western Nigeria, were abducted from their homelands and taken across stormy seas to Bahia.

“After the abolition of slavery in the late 19th century, the sale of Acarajé grew in popularity and became an important source of income for descendants of enslaved people.”