Nigerian Cookery Class: Iyan, Egusi and Efo Riro

Dive into delicious flavours in this Nigerian cooking class in London.



3 hours

Class size 1 to 12 (public classes), 12 to 30

  £85 - £105 (£85 for Weekends; £105 for Weekdays) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Discover Specialist Ingredients

Discover Specialist Ingredients

From the ingredients responsible for Nigerians signature umami taste to the cuisine's spicy reputation, you'll connect with authentic Nigerian ingredients and learn how to use traditional Nigerian cooking tools!


Cook the Perfect Egusi

Cook the Perfect Egusi

Learn how to toast and blend melon seeds and transform them into a creamy, nutty soup that's both comforting and protein-rich.


Prepare Fresh Efo Riro

Prepare Fresh Efo Riro

Build your efo riro based by blending onions, peppers and more then work with spinach leaves and learn the best way to stew them and maintain the vibrant green leaves.


Master the Art of Iyan

Master the Art of Iyan

Learn the technique of pounding fresh yam, working quickly to achieve that signature smooth, stretchy texture without lumps.


Balance the duo

Balance the Duo

Understand how these efo riro and egusi complement each other and learn the traditional way of serving them together on one plate.


Take a Seat at the Table

Take a Seat at the Table

Enjoy your iyan feast with both soups, served in the traditional style with cookbook author Lopè Ariyo.


Smootħ and pillowy soft pounded yam served with a duo of soups is the ultimate Nigerian comfort food. It's the dish that is supposedly responsible for giving Nigerians the highest twin rate in the world! In this immersive class, you'll learn to make the perfect pounded yam (iyan) alongside two classic soups, vibrant efo riro and nutty egusi, discovering the techniques that transform simple ingredients into a harmonious feast.
This class is welcoming and suitable for all skill levels. You don’t need experience with Nigerian cooking, everything is explained step by step, with plenty of guidance, storytelling, and practical tips along the way. You’ll gain both confidence in the techniques and a deeper understanding of the food’s cultural significance.
What to expect:
Learning what iyan is and how to prepare it in its different forms.
Making two traditional soups:
  • Egusi – nutty egusi seed soup
  • Efo Riro – a vibrant spinach in pepper sauce
Choosing a protein option to suit your diet:
  • Chicken
  • Oyster mushrooms
Enjoying complimentary soft drinks:
  • Zobo (hibiscus, ginger, pineapple)
  • Chapman (cucumber, orange, lemon, blackcurrant)
  • Water and tea available throughout the class
By the end of the session, you’ll leave with practical skills, cultural insight, and the confidence to recreate this comforting Nigerian classic at home. More than just a cooking class, it’s a chance to connect with food, tradition, and flavour and to enjoy a generous, nourishing meal made by your own hands!
Dietary notes: Classes can be adapted for vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets. Please note that all ingredients are prepared in a shared kitchen where common allergens may be present.
What you'll get
  • All ingredients, equipment, and aprons provided.
  • Easy-to-follow demonstrations before you start cooking.
  • Hands-on cooking at your own station.
  • Working in pairs to recreate the dishes together.
  • Sitting down to enjoy your Iyan feast together (or packing a box to take home).
  • A digital recipe pack sent after class so you can recreate everything at home!
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
No requirements.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Father's Day gift or gift for couples.

Location

Kemble House Photography Studio, Stanstead Road, London

Nigerian Cookery Class: Iyan, Egusi and Efo Riro location
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Your teacher

Lope Ariyo
Lope Ariyo

4.8 (6)
Instagram followers 4k followers
female Women-owned

The Lope Ariyo Cookery School is all about West African food and the food from other cultures that share similar ingredients because of history: the Caribbean, the American South, and Afro-South America. For now, we're starting with West Africa, but we'll be expanding our class offerings soon.
Founded by Lopè Ariyo, author of Hibiscus, Observer Rising Star in Food, and Gourmand Food Award shortlistee, the school exists because these cuisines deserve recognition and proper teaching.
We opened our doors for our first class in February 2026. Yes, we're that new. In that time, we've already taught over 100 students in a fun, no-pressure environment. Classes cover street food, breakfasts, jollof, soups, and stews, all taught by instructors who know these dishes properly. It doesn't matter if you've never cooked West African food before. It doesn't matter if you have. We want you at one (or more) of our classes regardless. No wahala.

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