Surviving Newark Winter with Spicy Nigerian Cuisine

Photo Credit: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

January in Newark comes with intense cold—The Brick. It is called "The Brick" for a reason. What you get is that biting cold that hits you the moment you step onto Clinton Avenue. As the windchill drops and the Jersey sky turns that familiar shade of grey, a cold sandwich just won’t cut it. What you need is a meal that fights back. You need a meal that has enough heart to keep you moving from Broad Street to the Ironbound and back home again.

At this point it isn’t just about flavor; it’s about survival. Did you know that the spices in authentic Nigerian cuisine do more than just dance on your tongue? Science calls it "thermogenesis," but we call it the "Inner Fire" at Ounje Alabeke. The local spices in our kitchen act like a natural space heater for your soul. So when you dive into a bowl of our Efo Riro, Efo Elegusi, and others, you aren't just eating; you're fueling your body to raise its internal temperature. It’s the Newark way to stay warm without turning up the thermostat.

Having been around for years, we know the Newark hustle. You’ve braved the commute, dodged the slush on the sidewalk, and worked a full shift in the cold. The last thing you want to do is stand over a stove. That’s where we come in. Our takeout service is designed for residents who want the comfort of home without the wait. Whether it’s our Smokey Jollof Rice that carries the heat of a Lagos afternoon or Pounded Yam and Ogbono that sticks to your ribs and keeps you full until morning, we are your winter sanctuary.

Here’s a tip from us. Don't let the Newark winter win. Beat the chill with the boldest flavors on Clinton Avenue.

So are you hungry? Don't brave the cold. Order your favorite Nigerian winter fuel for takeout today and bring the heat home from Ounje Alabeke.