How Do Nigerian Vegans Survive Christmas Season?
I bet you’ve never thought about this, have you? I doubt more than a handful of people living in Nigeria have veganism as an active thought in the course of their day. Meat is such a part of our identity that it goes beyond food. You cannot serve food without meat, especially not to an elder. There are some parts of the chicken that are still reserved for the supposed ‘man of the house’, and in some funny cases, his father when he visits. I’ve heard stories of whole family meetings convened because somebody ate the part of the chicken reserved for an elder, it’s ridiculous.
Meat is a way of life.
So what happens to those outliers who don’t eat meat, meat products or fish?
Just to clarify, we all know that vegetarians don't eat meat or any meat products, and fish. Some vegetarians drink milk and eat eggs, while some don't. Vegans don't eat any meat or fish or milk or cheese or anything that contains animal products at all.
This is peak meat-eating season; chicken, fish, turkey, beef, goat meat and all sorts of smaller meaty offshoots abound everywhere. Does this mean that vegans can’t eat anywhere? Are they doomed to stick with bland salads at every ceremony? Salads might not even be safe, because there are eggs and mayonnaise in the traditional Nigerian salad offering and that wouldn’t work for a strict vegan.
Let’s not even talk about all the explaining that comes with the lifestyle. Any aunty and uncle you tell about being vegan is going to make you a topic of gist at every gathering. People will speculate all sorts of nonsense and you’ll be the hungry one at the table almost all the time. It’s got to be exhausting at some point.
It’s not all hopeless, though. We have a surprising plant-based diet in Nigeria, even though we place more emphasis on the proteins that accompany the meal. That means that moi-moi, salads, puff puff and plantains usually available at every self-respecting feast this Christmas period is available for people living meat and dairy-free.
So, if you’re considering a vegan lifestyle but you have one eye on Christmas food, fear not. You can just make your meat-free version in the peace of your kitchen, and stick with the safe food when you go out. It’s not easy, but it’s simple. At least you won’t have to fight for food at any owambe.
Vegans in the house, I’m sure you have horror stories of eating at events in Nigeria. Do tell!