I had high hopes for my experience and unfortunately, there were a few things that I felt weren’t really reflective of the amazing reviews. I’ve had some amazing Nigerian cuisine across Columbus. However, I live pretty far from some of my favorite spots. So I decided to order from Fork in Nigeria, as it is only a few miles away. I ordered the popular Egusi Soup and Pounded Yam. I recognize that despite a shared culture, everyone prepares their food differently. I immediately noticed that my Pounded Yam was in aluminum foil. That looked to maybe be stored in/on something warmed as the foil had a dark mark on it. Unfortunately, the yam was drier/stiffer than I’m used to. The ones I’ve had before are usually stored in plastic wrap, to seal the moisture. The flavor was still good. The Egusi looked great, but I got more of a burnt/smoky flavor than a rich, savory flavor. I had to add my own seasonings to it. A pinch of salt helped. I also added on a piece of Stewed Chicken and I must say that was my favorite part of the order. It was delicious, perfectly seasoned and cooked very well! I got their Jollof - another dish where I had to add a little salt. The texture of the rice was a bit dry/overly chewy. It reminded me of undercooked boxed yellow rice. I had a few bites, but moved on. I do like the hot sauce that comes on many of their dishes. Lastly, I ordered Sauteed Vegetables. I was SHOCKED to receive a container of vegetables swimming in oil. In other pictures I’ve seen it looks like they’ve strained it. I don’t want to disparage cultural food practices, but I just couldn’t bring myself to eat soupy-oily vegetables. Sauté was the wrong descriptor. I’m glad that other people enjoy this establishment and I’m glad to see that they are building their brand, but it was just not my speed.
Fork in Nigeria
Excerpts
I had high hopes for my experience and unfortunately, there were a few things that I felt weren’t really reflective of the amazing reviews. I’ve had some amazing Nigerian cuisine across Columbus. However, I live pretty far from some of my favorite spots. So I decided to order from Fork in Nigeria, as it is only a few miles away. I ordered the popular Egusi Soup and Pounded Yam. I recognize that despite a shared culture, everyone prepares their food differently. I immediately noticed that my Pounded Yam was in aluminum foil. That looked to maybe be stored in/on something warmed as the foil had a dark mark on it. Unfortunately, the yam was drier/stiffer than I’m used to. The ones I’ve had before are usually stored in plastic wrap, to seal the moisture. The flavor was still good. The Egusi looked great, but I got more of a burnt/smoky flavor than a rich, savory flavor. I had to add my own seasonings to it. A pinch of salt helped. I also added on a piece of Stewed Chicken and I must say that was my favorite part of the order. It was delicious, perfectly seasoned and cooked very well! I got their Jollof - another dish where I had to add a little salt. The texture of the rice was a bit dry/overly chewy. It reminded me of undercooked boxed yellow rice. I had a few bites, but moved on. I do like the hot sauce that comes on many of their dishes. Lastly, I ordered Sauteed Vegetables. I was SHOCKED to receive a container of vegetables swimming in oil. In other pictures I’ve seen it looks like they’ve strained it. I don’t want to disparage cultural food practices, but I just couldn’t bring myself to eat soupy-oily vegetables. Sauté was the wrong descriptor. I’m glad that other people enjoy this establishment and I’m glad to see that they are building their brand, but it was just not my speed.
This is a little hole in the wall diner with no seating. Only carryout. My daughter swears it's the best Nigerian food ever. I ordered the Egusi with goat meat and Fufu. The flavor of the Egusi was decent. The goat was only a little meat and a lot of bones. The big disappointment was the Fufu. It was quite pasty like it had a lot of wheat flour in it. Not sure on that but definitely was not the silky smooth Fufu I'm used to. My daughter told me I don't know how to order 😌 food correctly. She said that every place in Columbus when you order goat you get a bunch of bones. She said to order their Jollof Rice and get beef or chicken. So I'll update when I go again.
This is a little hole in the wall diner with no seating. Only carryout. My daughter swears it's the best Nigerian food ever. I ordered the Egusi with goat meat and Fufu. The flavor of the Egusi was decent. The goat was only a little meat and a lot of bones. The big disappointment was the Fufu. It was quite pasty like it had a lot of wheat flour in it. Not sure on that but definitely was not the silky smooth Fufu I'm used to. My daughter told me I don't know how to order 😌 food correctly. She said that every place in Columbus when you order goat you get a bunch of bones. She said to order their Jollof Rice and get beef or chicken. So I'll update when I go again.
I just had the egusi soup with goat meat , not to mention fufu, and wow! Just right. Not too spicy but I requested for the flame to be medium and it was. I loved that I was able to see inside the kitchen while my food was being made 😋..Over all Food was great and great atmosphere 👌.. I would try something new next time.