Are you 18 or above at the time of submitting this application?

Yes

Are you able to submit your entry in English?

Yes

Do you agree to the "Favorite Food Challenge" Terms and Conditions

Yes

What Ashoka team(s) are you on?

Changemakers

Are you applying from a Desktop or Mobile device?

Desktop

What Continent are you located?

North America

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Photo of Your Favorite Food

3715

Your Favorite Food

Jollof Rice

Flavors and Textures: How would you describe the flavors and textures of your favorite food? What about these flavors and textures make it one of your favorite things to eat?

My favorite food is jollof rice, and the flavors are a mix of spicy, smoky, and a bit sweet from the tomatoes. It has a rich taste, with each grain of rice absorbing the spices and stew. The texture is just right—soft but not too mushy. I love it because it’s always packed with flavor, especially when you have a crunchy layer at the bottom (party jollof).

Meal Prep: How is your favorite food prepared? Is it easy to source and prepare, or is does it require skills or patience?

To make jollof rice, you need to fry a spicy tomato and pepper base first, then cook the rice in it until it’s soaked up all the goodness. It’s easy to find the ingredients—tomatoes, peppers, onions, and rice—but you need patience to get that perfect taste and color. The real skill is in balancing the flavors and making sure the rice doesn’t burn too much.

Cultural Significance: How does your favorite food reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of your community? Share examples of its context and importance to you.

Jollof rice is a big part of our celebrations here in Nigeria. It’s not a party unless there’s a pot of jollof on the table. During weddings, birthdays, and festivals, it’s always the star of the menu. It brings people together, and there’s even friendly competition over who makes the best jollof—whether it’s Nigerian or Ghanaian! For me, it’s a reminder of family gatherings and joyful moments.