Groundnut Candy

Halaka Kobo, also known as Balla Kobo or sometimes grouped under groundnut candy traditions like Sisi Pelebe, is a classic Northern Nigerian snack with deep roots in Hausa culinary culture. It is believed to have evolved from the long-standing practice of roasting groundnuts and preserving them with sugar for energy, affordability, and shelf life. Over generations, it became a popular street delicacy, especially among schoolchildren, travelers, and market goers.

The snack is most commonly found in Northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zaria, and Sokoto, where it is sold by hawkers in transparent wraps or stacked neatly on trays. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and crunch. The caramelized sugar binds the roasted groundnuts into a brittle candy that delivers a strong nutty flavor balanced by sweetness. Because groundnuts are energy dense, Halaka Kobo has long been enjoyed as a quick snack that keeps people full for hours, especially during long days at the market or farm.

Halaka Kobo is often served as a standalone snack, shared casually among friends, or eaten alongside tea in the evenings. It is also popular during festive seasons, travel stops, and informal gatherings, representing the ingenuity of Northern Nigerian street food culture and its focus on accessible ingredients transformed into something memorable.