The Best Holiday Catering for Your Nigerian Gathering

Photo Credit: Mitchell Luo

December is here, and for the Nigerian community in Newark and across Essex County, that means one thing: the holiday gathering season is officially open. Whether it's the Christmas Day lunch or an end-of-year family get-together, the pressure is on. Although the camaraderie, the music, the fashion, and the gisting are all good, the kitchen is where the real war is fought. 

Rather than spend the entire week of Christmas break standing over a massive pot of Jollof, the smartest decision you can make this holiday season is to outsource the feast. Here is Ounje Alabeke's guide to securing the best holiday catering for your Nigerian gathering right here in Newark.

1. The Big Three: What Must Be Catered

Focus your budget on the dishes that are most labor-intensive and challenging to scale for large numbers of people.

A. The Jollof Rice Debate

The difference between a jollof cooked for a small family and one cooked for a hundred is vast. To avoid pale, sticky rice, you need assurance of color, flavor, and texture. You also need to determine whether to use hardwood or gas.

B. The Swallow & Soups (Egusi and Ogbono)

Making a large pot of Egusi or Ogbono is manageable, but grinding the seeds and managing the consistency for huge volumes is a headache. In addition to this, a high volume of fresh, quality eba, pounded yam, or amala is required. Caterers specializing in Nigerian cuisine excel at making large batches of soup that taste better the next day, ensuring consistent, rich flavor that’s impossible to replicate quickly at home.

C. Large Proteins (The "Meat War")

The highest value item you can outsource is the protein:

• Assorted Meat Stew: Perfectly cooked goat meat, beef, and shaki, ready to pour over rice or pair with soup.
• Peppered Snails/Fish: Essential small chops that disappear quickly.
• Whole Roasted Fish: A crowd-pleaser that adds a premium touch to your spread without you needing to fire up the backyard grill in December.

2. Finding Your Perfect Caterer

The Newark/Essex area is a culinary treasure trove for African cuisine. When vetting a catering service for your holiday event, consider:

• If the caterer has handled events for 100+ people before.

• If they deliver in your neighborhood.

• If the caterer will keep the food piping hot and safe throughout the party by providing and managing the chafing dishes and warming trays.

• If the caterer has a deep knowledge of regional Nigerian dishes, such as understanding the difference between Efo Riro and Afang.

• If the caterer’s policy includes adding last-minute trays 48 hrs before the event.

By trusting a local, specialized caterer, you ensure your guests enjoy delicious, authentic Nigerian food while you focus on what truly matters: spending time with your family and celebrating the blessings of the past year.

From the entire team at Ounje Alabeke, we wish the Newark community a joyous, peaceful, and absolutely delicious holiday season!