/ˈɡɑː.ri/
Definition:
GARRI is a staple West African food made from fermented and roasted cassava flakes. It is usually eaten in two main forms: either soaked in cold water with sugar, milk, groundnuts, and sometimes coconut, or prepared with hot water to form a swallow (Eba) eaten with soup.
- Synonyms: “Cassava flakes”, “Eba” (when prepared with hot water)
- Antonyms: “Rice”, “Wheat flour” (non-cassava staples)
Hear how native speakers pronounce GARRI in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “GARRI no dey ever fall hand, na real survival food.” (GARRI does not disappoint; it’s a survival food.)
- Formal: “GARRI production employs millions of Nigerians in rural areas.”
- Idiomatic: “If money no dey, GARRI go dey.” (If there is no money, there will be GARRI.)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The word “GARRI” is believed to have originated from the Ijebu-Yoruba word “gari”, which refers to cassava granules. It has long been part of Nigerian culinary history, tracing back centuries to when cassava was introduced from South America to Africa by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.
Cassava was quickly adopted by many West African communities due to its versatility and drought resistance. Over time, people developed various ways to process it, one of which became GARRI. The name and preparation method vary slightly across tribes, but the process of fermenting, drying, and frying the cassava pulp remains consistent.
Regional Usage:
GARRI is consumed across Nigeria and West Africa — notably in Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Sierra Leone. In Nigeria, each region has its variation:
- Ijebu GARRI (Yoruba): Sour and crispy, often soaked in cold water.
- White GARRI (Igbo): Neutral in taste, mostly used for Eba.
- Yellow Garri (Delta/Urhobo): Fried with palm oil for a richer flavor.
No matter the region, GARRI is seen as a survival food—cheap, accessible, and filling. It’s a go-to option for students, families, and low-income earners and is sometimes humorously referred to as “the pride of the broke.”
You don soak GARRI today? Drop your GARRI combo in the comments – milk, groundnut, sugar, or just cold water straight? Make a sentence with the word GARRI and tell us how you sabi use am!