Nigerian restaurants in America serve better-quality dishes than those in Nigeria — Beverly Naya

Actress Beverly Naya has stirred reactions after admitting that she sometimes prefers eating Nigerian food in America over dining at some Nigerian restaurants in Nigeria.

Speaking on the One54 Podcast, the actress described her opinion as “controversial,” saying, “I sometimes prefer Nigerian food in America to in Nigeria.”

Explaining herself, Beverly clarified that she wasn’t referring to home-cooked meals but restaurant food.
“I’m not talking about like home-cooked food, I’m talking about some restaurants. I feel like because we don’t have as many Nigerian restaurants here, it’s like they have to impress you,” she said.

According to her, the competition abroad forces restaurant owners to maintain higher standards.
“They need to make sure they’re getting the customers… the food has to be good. No one’s going to go back, and then your restaurant’s going to close down. So the standard is a bit higher for that reason,” she added.

Beverly also praised the variety available overseas, revealing that dishes like oxtail stew are easier to find there.
“You don’t get that in Nigeria. I’ve never had oxtail stew in Nigeria,” she said.

Despite her comments, the actress made it clear she still has favourite local delicacies she believes are best enjoyed at home. Declaring herself “a pounded yam girl,” she said Amala is her favourite swallow before naming Yoruba Jollof rice as the best.

“There’s no Jollof rice that competes with Yoruba Jollof rice… in my opinion,” she said, while noting she is yet to try Senegalese and Liberian versions.

When asked about her overall favourite meal, Beverly picked grilled tilapia and plantain.
“You can sell me with that, that’s my favorite dish,” she said, adding that she enjoys it even more “with extra Egusi.”