Efo riro: the Yoruba spinach stew

Efo riro is a vegetable stew from the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria. It’s green and rich, and it’s one of the most-liked dishes on our Uber Eats menu.

What the name means

In Yoruba, “efo” means leafy vegetables and “riro” means stirred. So efo riro is, more or less, “stirred greens”.

What goes into it

Efo riro is usually made with:

• leafy greens, most often spinach or African spinach
• a base of blended peppers and onions, cooked down in palm oil
• locust beans (iru), which add a strong, savoury taste
• meat, fish or both

At K’s Spice, our efo riro is spinach cooked with herbs and fish.

Efo riro or egusi?

Both are green, both come with swallow, and people often ask which to choose. Egusi is thickened with ground melon seeds, so it’s grainy and nutty. Efo riro has no seeds in it, so the greens and the pepper base come through more. Our guide to egusi soup has more on that one.

What to eat it with

Efo riro is eaten with a swallow. On our menu it comes with your choice of pounded yam, amala or eba, and your choice of beef, assorted or fish. Some people also eat it with white rice.

Good to know

Efo riro on our menu contains fish. Tell us about any allergy before you order.

Try it

Find efo riro in the main dishes on our menu, then book a table or order for collection or delivery.