Pursuing your aspirations can be an intimidating feat, particularly when it entails bidding farewell to cherished ones and familiar environments. I can vividly recall the sense of displacement I experienced when I departed from home at the tender age of sixteen. Witnessing my sister's tearful farewell made me realise the gravity of my decision. As I watched Abuja gradually fade into the distance from the airplane window, I could not help but acknowledge that what I would miss most was the delectable cuisine that I had grown accustomed to.

Food, glorious food

I possess a profound affection for food. Its comforting warmth and delightful aroma serve as a reminder of cheerful moments filled with laughter. In my college years, I stumbled upon the realisation that laughter can work wonders in mending a broken heart. One may find it in various ways, such as spending time with friends, going out clubbing, indulging in literature, putting pen to paper, spending quality time with loved ones or even studying. However, I find the utmost joy in the art of cooking. The intricate process of skillfully blending different ingredients to create a single dish is an activity that brings me immense pleasure.

^{Cooking for friends and family can create cheerful and memorable moments}

To further explain this point, I am Nigerian, and in my culture, being able to cook is not only a necessity but also a significant milestone. It was a valuable skill that proved useful when I first moved to Belfast. As I mentioned earlier, I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to create a delicious meal. However, my initial stockpile of ingredients that my mother had packed for me was depleted within a few months, leaving me with the daunting task of finding a reliable source to replenish my supplies.

After much searching, I discovered several shops that provided quality ingredients at affordable prices, all close to my place of stay. Furthermore, the staff at these stores were incredibly kind and helpful, providing me with valuable advice and recommendations on how to use certain ingredients in my cooking.

"I discovered several shops that provided quality ingredients at affordable prices, all close to my place of stay."

My recommendations

Mama Bobo Africa -138 Lisburn Rd, Belfast

This shop is particularly useful for the African students in the BT9 area, especially for females. It can be extremely expensive for women to braid their hair, and if one finally finds a suitable hairstylist, the price of the kanekalon used would be too high to purchase. This shop offers a wide range of kanekalon, from brands such as expression and lush, with varying colors and lengths. Furthermore, the shop provides hair accessories like the African wooden bead, plastic beads, rubber bands and hair pins. Stud earrings that never turn bronze can also be purchased at this shop for less than £10! I strongly recommend this shop for everyone because the shop offers more than enough to suit any cravings for home.

^{African wooden beads are available at Mama Bobo Africa}

Yambo's Food - 158 Ormeau Rd, Belfast

This store is in BT7. This is especially useful for the African students that reside in and around the area because it is within walking distance. This shop has all the food items that can make you remember home for affordable prices. I usually buy Peak evaporated milk to use for my cereal and coffee because it is just fantastic. In preparation for meals like lunch and dinner, I can buy yam, palm oil, and maggi cubes, this is a recipe for delicious yam pottage. If you are in the mood for snacks, plantain chips can be purchased for less than £2. For individuals who enjoy spicy food, ‘atarodo’ or ‘shombo’ are available for affordable prices and can be used to elevate the taste of any dish. Preparing a meal after a strenuous day might be impossible, hence buying a carton of indomie noodles can be lifesaving. These noodles are long lasting, tasty, and easy to make.

^{Treat yourself to plantain chips and indomie noodles from Yambo's Food!}

A recipe for students

One of the recipes that have sustained me throughout my two years in Northern Ireland is the Potato and egg sauce, this is an easy and tasty meal that is suitable for any tastebuds. This was the meal I wrote about in seventh grade, I love it so much. It is usually Yam and egg sauce, but Yam can be expensive here, so I substitute the yam with potatoes, and it works so well!

Ingredients

• 2 medium sized potatoes
• Atarodo (scotch bonnets)
• Tomato
• Onions/ spring onions (either is fine)
• Salt to taste
• One maggi cube
• Vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• Garlic

Recipe

• Wash the potatoes and peel and cut them into cube shapes
• Place a pot with boiling water, add salt and the diced potatoes
• Boil potatoes till tender (this can be checked by using a fork to pierce the potatoes)
• Drain water out of the potatoes using a strainer
• Place potatoes into the pot and cook for 2 minutes
• Chop tomatoes, onions, garlic and put oil in a heated frying pan
• Pour the chopped vegetables into the hot oil and stir slowly
• Add maggi cube for taste
• Beat the two eggs till fluffy then pour into the frying pan
• Continue mixing the egg into the frying pan until scrambled
• Plate the meal and enjoy with a cup of tea!

Side note: I usually cook the potatoes first and as it cooks, I start with the egg sauce.

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