Nigerian fish variety in Canada

Fish is an excellent source of protein and is enjoyed all over the world. Nigeria is no exception, with popular seafood meals such as grilled catfish, stockfish (Oporoko) for soups, fish pies, sardines, and many more. When I first moved to Canada, I missed home and craved the taste of Nigerian grilled fish. I had no choice but to learn to make it myself in a new country.

Now that I have lived in Canada for over two years, let’s explore ten popular fish we enjoyed in Nigeria and where to find them in Canada, either fresh or canned.

Hake Fish

Hake fish are primarily caught along the Atlantic coasts. In Nigeria, it is also called “Panla,” which holds a special place in every kitchen and is a primary ingredient in making Oha, Banga, dried fish stews, native jollof, and other native Nigerian soups. Dried hake fish (Eja Kika) are readily available in markets across Nigeria. If you are looking for “Panla” in Canada, you can find it fresh or frozen in T&T supermarkets, African shops, and even Walmart. You might find it packaged and sold under Whiting Fish.

Croaker Fish

If you have been to Nigerian clubs, hotels, or parties, you know that you know Croaker Fish’s sweet flavour firsthand and why it is expensive. The fish is a must-have for any party to be complete. Crocker is cleaned thoroughly because of the scales and is mainly served grilled with a spicy sauce. To procure the finest croaker fish, we recommend visiting either an Asian supermarket or No Frills. Check out our recipe for croaker fish in coconut milk.

Catfish

Did you know “Point and Kill” became popular because it involved selecting a live catfish for immediate slaughter and consumption?

Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of African catfish, the ultimate ingredient for comfort foods in the country, like pepper soup, egusi soup, grilled fish, or nsala. Luckily, you can find catfish here in Canada in stores like Freshland Supermarket or Seafoodcity Supermarket. There are several varieties of catfish in Canada. Yellow catfish is the closest to the Nigerian variety (although not as fatty). It may be a pleasant surprise that you can find fresh catfish at a superstore, which usually cost around $20 per fish. Frozen is cheaper. We have fantastic catfish recipes that you can try right here in Canada. Click here.

Herring

Herrings are locally called shawa in Nigeria. Although it is not native to Nigeria, many people consider it the most popular imported fish in the country. The herring is mostly smoked or dried and used in stews or soups, bringing a distinctive aromatic flavour. Delicious and high in Omega-3 fatty acids at the same time. Herrings are available in Metro, T&T Supermarket, or Pacific Fresh Fish stores in Canada. You will always find them frozen, with up to a dozen in a pack. A pack, on average, costs about $10.

Tilapia Fish

Consuming tilapia is a staple on Africa’s western coast, especially in Ghana and Nigeria. It is a versatile protein with a mild taste that is easy to cook. Some dishes that come to mind include Banku and tilapia, Okra soup, Pepper soup, etc. You can find tilapia in mainstream stores like Walmart, Costco, T&T Supermarket, Freshco, and other local markets. It also happens to be one of the cheapest fish options you will find in Canada.

Mackerel (Alaran / Titus/)

Titus (alaran, scumbia) is the local name for Mackerel in Nigeria. Another heart-healthy fish with Omega-3 is the most used fish for daily cooking. Titus is a versatile ingredient utilized in cooking stews and soups and as the primary protein for carb-based meals like jollof or fried rice and pasta. You won’t have to miss Titus too much, as they are available in Sobeys, Asian supermarkets, or Loblaws. Ensure you buy the mackerel fish with the label “Atlantic mackerel.”

There is also chub mackerel, which stands out as a distinct type of mackerel with notable differences. You might also find another called horse mackerel, traditionally called “Kote” in Nigeria.

Cod (Stockfish / Okporoko)

Nigeria imports dried stockfish mainly from Norway, which is highly favoured by Nigerians of all tribes due to its delicious flavour, long shelf life, and rich content of essential vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids. It has a lot of lean protein, which makes it an excellent food for people who want to eat healthy.

Codfish has a flaky texture and a mild sweetness that complements various flavours. It is common in several local recipes, including the ever-popular Egusi soup, Okazi soup, and the delectable Efo Riro. You will find fresh cod fish fillets in Canada at most stores like Costco, Canadian Superstore, Metro, etc. If you are looking for dried cod, aka panla, you will find it at your local Nigerian store.

Horse Mackerel (kote)

The next fish on our list is the horse mackerel, often known as Kote. In Nigeria, kote is a popular ingredient, adding a particular depth of taste to classic foods like egusi soup, okra soup, and yam porridge. The flesh is rich and fatty, making it incredibly delicious. Kote is not only abundant and inexpensive in Nigeria, but it also has a strong taste profile. You will find kote at shops like superstores, Asian supermarkets, etc.

Snapper

Snapper is another popular fish in Nigerian food preparation, often prepared by grilling or adding it to pepper soup along with plantains. Large stores like Real Canadian Superstore and ethnic marketplaces like Sunny Supermarket carry snapper.

Sardines

Sardines are small, oily fish rich in numerous essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and protein. People frequently include sardines in stews and soups for their distinct flavour and high protein content, and they often eat canned sardines with bread in Nigeria. They can be found in local markets, supermarkets, and online grocery stores. Consuming sardines can help improve heart health, strengthen bones, and boost the immune system. Sardines are a sustainable food source because they reproduce quickly and have a minimal impact on the ecosystem. You can easily find sardines in any major grocery store in Canada, like Walmart or Metro.

When looking for Nigerian-style fish in North America, don’t be afraid to venture into your local Asian market. Canada is home to many of the fish that are popular in Nigeria. Equip yourself with the English names, and you will be able to find options easily.