Benue Food Festival 2025

 

Benue Food Festival (BFF) – Celebrating Culinary Heritage and Global Flavors

 

The rich and diverse culinary heritage of Benue State, Nigeria’s acclaimed “Food Basket of the Nation,” will take center stage at the Benue Food Festival, a vibrant celebration designed to showcase, expose, and export indigenous Benue cuisines to the global stage.

Kicking off from May 28th to May 31st, the festival will bring together chefs, food enthusiasts, and cultural ambassadors from across Nigeria and beyond for a deliciously curated four-day experience.

Event Highlights:

May 28th – Arrival of Guests/Chefs: The festival begins with the grand arrival of culinary experts and special guests at Cassa Vida, setting the tone for an immersive cultural and culinary journey.

May 29th – Registration & Cooking Activities: Participants will register and take part in culinary exhibitions and live cooking sessions at Benue Hotels, Makurdi.

May 30th – Competitions & Food Displays: indigenous Chefs and Cuisines will compete in cooking contests that highlight the uniqueness of Benue ingredients, culminating in a vibrant showcase of traditional dishes.

May 31st – Gala Dinner & Awards Night: The festival concludes with a glamorous Gala Dinner and Award Night, honoring culinary excellence and cultural preservation.

“The world is beginning to recognize the value of indigenous cuisine, and Benue cannot be left behind,” said Dr Levi Orhii, festival coordinator. “Our goal is to ensure Benue dishes like pounded yam and egusi soup, Okpehe rice, Pocho, kyegh sha Ishwa, okoho, and the world-famous Benue yams take their rightful place on international menus.”

This event not only serves as a culinary celebration but as an economic and cultural platform to promote food tourism, stimulate local agriculture, and connect Benue to global gastronomy.

For media inquiries, sponsorships, and registration, please contact:

https://www.instagram.com/benuefoodfestival?igsh=MXg5dWkwZDRxN3hpNg==

 

Takeaways

Tantalize Your Taste Buds at the First-Ever Benue Food Festival – Where Culture Meets Cuisine!

Benue is about to get extra spicy – and no, we’re not just talking pepper soup!

From May 28th to 31st, the heart of Nigeria’s Food Basket will beat to the rhythm of sizzling pots, mouthwatering spices, and age-old recipes passed down through generations. The Benue Food Festival is more than an event – it’s a cultural movement designed to take our beloved Benue dishes from local kitchens to global menus!

Here’s what’s on the plate:

Day 1: May 28th – The Chefs Are Coming!
It all begins at the stunning Cassa Vida, where chefs and food lovers from across Nigeria and beyond will converge for what promises to be a historic culinary celebration.

Day 2: May 29th – Let the Cooking Begin!
Expect fire, flavor, and fierce competition as cooking activities heat up at Benue Hotels, Makurdi. From local delicacies to creative twists on classics, Benue will be cooking up a storm.

Day 3: May 30th – Taste, Vote, Enjoy
Competitions and food displays take center stage. Watch as indigenous Chefs and Cuisines go head-to-head, serving up iconic dishes like oka (cornmeal), eba with gboko ogbono, ayoola soups, and Benue-style fish stew.

Day 4: May 31st – Glam Night, Great Food
Cap it off in style with the Gala Dinner and Awards Night. Dress to impress, dine like royalty, and celebrate the culinary heroes putting Benue on the global food map.

Why it matters:
Benue’s food isn’t just delicious—it tells a story of identity, resilience, and abundance. As the “Food Basket of the Nation,” it’s time we proudly share our flavors with the world.

Ready to eat, vibe, and celebrate culture?
Follow @benuefoodfestival on all platforms for updates and registration details!