Onugbu Soup

Onugbu soup is a rich, deeply flavorful traditional Nigerian soup made primarily from onugbu (bitter leaf). It originates from the Igbo people of South-Eastern Nigeria, where it has been prepared for centuries as part of everyday meals, ceremonies, and special gatherings. While its exact “founding” cannot be traced to a single period, the soup evolved from indigenous Igbo culinary practices that emphasized herbal leaves, palm produce, and locally sourced proteins.

Onugbu soup is most common in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi States, but it is widely enjoyed across Nigeria today. In recent years, it has become increasingly trending and popular, especially on social media, food blogs, and Nigerian restaurants at home and abroad. Many people now celebrate it as a cultural delicacy, appreciating its unique bitter-sweet balance and its reputation as a nourishing, satisfying soup.

Traditionally, Onugbu soup represents heritage, resilience, and identity in Igbo culture. It is often served at important occasions such as weddings, festivals, family gatherings, and visits from respected guests. The careful washing of the bitter leaf to reduce but not completely remove the bitterness symbolizes patience, skill, and respect for tradition passed down through generations.