Nigeria has claimed the ultimate culinary crown, earning the bragging rights as the country with the best Jollof rice in West Africa at the highly anticipated 2025 Onga Jollof Battle, held in Accra, Ghana.
According to myjoyonline.com, organized annually by Onga to celebrate World Jollof Day (22nd August), the competition brought together six countries Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire, to settle the age-old question: Who cooks the best Jollof?
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After 2 hours 30 minutes of live cook-offs, tasting sessions, and fierce yet friendly rivalry, Nigerian chef Judith Oluwafunmilola stole the spotlight with her Ongalicious, flavour-packed, authentic Jollof that wowed both the judges and the audience. “It feels absolutely incredible to bring the crown home! Jollof is more than food, it’s pride, identity, and culture,” Judith said after her big win. For their victory, Nigeria received ₵50,000 out of a total cash prize pool of ₵90,000, along with the bragging rights as the official Jollof Champion of West Africa.
Speaking at the event, Category Lead, Culinary at Promasidor Ghana, Fifi Intsiaba, reaffirmed Onga’s commitment to celebrating African heritage through food. According to him, “Onga is more than a seasoning, it is Africa’s helping hand in every kitchen. The Onga Jollof Battle is about more than rivalry. It’s about uniting Africans through food, showcasing culinary talent, and celebrating our culture. This year’s edition proved that while each country has its unique flavour, what truly unites us is our love for authentic African cooking.” The event was packed with excitement, featuring, Live cook-offs with three contestants from each country, Jollof tasting zones for guests and fun games and entertainment that kept the crowd buzzing. This year’s edition once again highlighted how Jollof rice is not just a meal but a symbol of cultural pride and unity across West Africa.
