The Typical Naija Kitchen
The common saying that, where a man’s stomach is, there also is his heart, goes to explain the importance attached to this age-long place that satisfies the cravings of the appetite and stomach.
We need not emphasize that food is one of the basic needs of man and that without food, life would cease to exist. Hence the focus on this all-important part of the home.
A kitchen is a room or that part of a building/apartment where different kinds of meals and delicacies are prepared. In most homes, the dining forms part of the kitchen.
Just like every dynamic aspect of our lives, the kitchen has undergone various forms of transformations through the years. However, it is also very important to note that how your kitchen looks and what is in your kitchen are functions of both your preferences and the depth of your pocket. Same way as the primitiveness or modernity of your kitchen depends on both your level of exposure and your adaptation to changes.
However, just like the common cliché goes, Naija people no dey carry last. The average Nigerian wants to be in tune with the trends in the global arena. Because of their catchup instinct in them, they try to measure up with their counterparts in other parts of the developed world. So as long as kitchen matters are concerned, there might not necessarily be much noticeable difference between the Nigerian kitchen and what obtains in other parts of the world.
Because food is a culture, there could be a bit of slight geographically-related differences in the items that are found in various kitchens where these foods are cooked. The kind of food being cooked or prepared in a home goes a long way to determining the kind of appliances or items that would be found in the kitchen.
Though these geographical and cultural differences are also gradually thinning out because of the presence of social media and man’s exploration instincts, on a general note, below are some of the basic items that are found in the average Nigerian kitchen. This can also serve as a guide for newlywed couples who might be wondering about a minimum list of what and what to equip their kitchen with. They are categorized according to their functions:
Food–preparation equipment
Chef’s knife
Paring knife
Knife sharpener
Bread knife
Chopping/cutting board
Kitchen scissors
Vegetable peeler
Garlic press
Grater
Kitchen scales
Measuring spoons/cups/jugs
Mixing bow
Pasta Strainers
Rolling pin
Sieve
Can opener
Foil paper
Pizza cutter
Bottle opener
Egg slicer
Lemon squeezer
Apron
Cooking Equipment
Frying pans
Kettles (electric/manual)
Rice cooker (optional)
Pressure pots
Pots of different sizes (nonstick/normal aluminum)
Saucepans
Ovenproof dish
Roasting tin
Baking sheet
Stirring spoon
Spatula
Tongs
Potato Masher
Balloon whisk
Oven gloves
Pot holders
Dish rack
Jug/mugs
Serving spoons
Plates
Whisk broom
Fruit bowl
Food trays
Mortar & Pestle
Storage Items
Plastic containers
Plastic zipper bags
Appliances
Oven
Fridge
Toaster
Mixer
Microwave
Coffee maker
Blender/juicer/processor
Washing machine
Rice Cooker
Stool/kitchen chair
Gas cooker/stove
Gas cylinder
Hand and automatic graters
Meat grinder
Kitchen scale
Cabinet/shelves
Transistor radio, though this has been disputed to cause a distraction, it is also reported to be better than having an earpiece on while cooking
Cleaning
Garbage can
Garbage bags
Broom
Duster
Mop
Cupboard liners
Hand towels
Floor rags
Pot scrubbers
Dish soaps
Sponges
Miscellaneous Equipment
Plastic wraps
Kitchen foil
Toothpicks
Kitchen tool organizer
Heat/Smoke Extractor
AC
Sink
Artwork
Digital Photo frame, etc
The majority of these appliances come with manuals, however, for a practical display of how to use them, the internet (youtube) should be your best option.
We would want to note here that the above has to do with an average kitchen in Nigeria. Some kitchens have more sophisticated appliances and items, while some have less, a clear indication that all hands are not equal.
You can add to the list by commenting below.
