A Taste of Home: Kilichi That Took Me Back

Taste of Home: Kilichi That Took Me Back

Last week was my birthday, and among all the beautiful presents I received, one stood out the most, a package from my sister. She had told me beforehand that she was adding something special, something that would instantly remind me of home. And she was absolutely right.

Inside was Kilichi, Nigeria’s famous spiced, dried beef.

Growing up, Kilichi was always a big deal in my family. Anytime my mum went to the market, she would bring some home, and it instantly became a treat we all looked forward to. The smoky aroma, the spicy kick, and that chewy texture made it unforgettable.

Since moving to the UK, Kilichi hasn’t been something I could easily find, and honestly, I hadn’t had it in years. So unwrapping it on my birthday felt like opening a piece of home. One bite, and it was as if I was back in Nigeria again, those familiar flavors, those little family moments, all rushing back.

It’s amazing how food carries memory, comfort, and identity. This Kilichi wasn’t just a snack, it was a reminder of where I come from and why this project, Taste of Home, means so much to me.