Egusi vs. Ogbono: Which One Makes the Better Soup?

If there’s one debate that can scatter a Nigerian dining table, it’s this one: Egusi or Ogbono, which soup reigns supreme?

Both are beloved. Both are comfort food. Both remind us of home in the deepest way. But they’re not the same, and everyone has their own loyalty.

Let’s talk about each one honestly. The taste, the texture, the vibe, and even how they pair with different swallows. By the end, you’ll know exactly why this debate will never end (and why that’s a good thing).

 

Egusi Soup: Rich, Thick, and Full of Attitude

Egusi is that soup with presence. When you walk into a kitchen and smell egusi frying with palm oil, onions, and seasoning, you know something serious is happening. Egusi feels like a celebration. It’s the soup you eat when you want to spoil yourself or impress someone.

Here’s what makes egusi special:

• It is thick and hearty: the melon seeds create a natural richness.

• It is versatile: you can make it lumpy, fried, thickened with vegetables, or cooked with tomatoes.

• It is a crowd pleaser, even picky eaters love it.

• Perfect with almost any protein- beef, goat meat, smoked turkey, panla, stockfish, catfish.

 

Ogbono Soup: Smooth, Drawy, and Comforting

Ogbono is a completely different experience. It’s soft, silky, slightly slimy, and incredibly comforting. When it draws, your heart draws with it. Haha. Ogbono is humble, warm, peaceful. It tastes like home on a rainy day.

Why people love Ogbono:

• It is smooth and soothing with almost no chewing required.

• It has an incredible flavor, especially when cooked with smoked fish, stockfish, and palm oil.

• It is perfect with swallow, especially amala, eba, fufu, and pounded yam.

• It is fast to cook, so, it's a lifesaver for busy days.

Texture: Thick vs. Drawy

• Egusi is thick, grainy, and bold.

• Ogbono is smooth, slippery, and stretchy.

The one you prefer depends on your mood. Some people want that satisfying thickness. Others want the gentle slide of ogbono.

 

Taste: Spiced Energy vs. Calm Comfort

• Egusi carries layers of flavor, from seasoning cubes, crayfish, pepper, vegetables, sometimes tomatoes.

• Ogbono has a deep, earthy flavor that comes alive when you add smoked fish, stockfish, and palm oil.

Egusi is loud. Ogbono is calm. Both are delicious. Is that not amazing? Hehe

 

Which Swallow Works Best?

Egusi goes best with:

• Pounded yam

• Eba

• Semolina

• Fufu

• Wheat

 

Ogbono goes best with:

• Amala

• Eba

• Fufu

• Pounded yam

If you're using amala, ogbono wins. If you're using pounded yam, egusi enters with confidence.

 

Nutrition Talk (Short & Simple)

• Egusi is rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals.

• Ogbono supports digestion and is known for its healthy fats and fiber.

Both are good for you- moderation is the key!

 

So Which One Is Better?

The honest answer: It depends on you.

• If you want thick, spicy, rich, and satisfying, go for Egusi.

• If you want smooth, comforting, fast-cooking, and drawy, choose Ogbono.

There is no clear winner and that’s why this debate will continue forever.

 

Cooking Any of These Abroad? We’ve Got You.

Whether you’re Team Egusi or Team Ogbono, you don’t need to beg people traveling from Nigeria to help you bring soup ingredients. At My Sasun African Market, we stock everything you need:

For Egusi Lovers

• Melon seeds (whole & ground)

• Palm oil

• Crayfish

• Stockfish

• Panla

• Smoked turkey

• Ugu leaves

For Ogbono Lovers

• Ogbono seeds (whole & ground)

• Palm oil

• Catfish

• Stockfish

• Dried panla

• Seasoning cubes

• Fresh vegetables

 

And the best part? We deliver anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Shop Some Soup Ingredients Here

FAQs

Q: Is Egusi healthier than Ogbono?
Both soups are healthy. Egusi has more protein, Ogbono has more fiber.

Q: Can I mix Egusi and Ogbono together?
Yes! Many Nigerians cook Egusi-Ogbono and it’s delicious.

Q: Can I cook Ogbono without palm oil?
It’s possible, but the palm oil is what brings out the real flavor.

Q: Which is faster to cook?
Ogbono cooks much faster than Egusi.

 

Final Thoughts

Egusi and Ogbono are not just soups for Nigerians. They are memories, comfort, healing, and identity. No matter where you live today, these soups still carry the same magic.

And thanks to My Sasun African Market, you can cook both with ease, fresh ingredients, authentic taste, delivered right to your door.

Shop Your Favorite Nigerian groceries here.