United Sisters

In Houston, immigrants from the African continent make up nearly seven percent of the foreign-born population, with many coming from West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Jollof rice—a one-pot dish of long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes and chilies—which is claimed as both Nigerian and Ghanaian, may also today be claimed as Texan or at least Houstonian. 

While there are several new-school West African restaurants in the Bayou City, United Sisters is a humble, unornamented go-to for familiar Nigerian dishes. Set in a nondescript strip mall, the restaurant’s interior is well-worn but homey. Southern Nigerian specialties also make an appearance on the menu: try creamy egusi soup, made from the egusi melon seed, and edikaikong soup—an earthy soup of seafood and pumpkin leaves. 

The standout dish is jollof rice paired with goat stew or chicken stew along with plantains and vegetables. Those who are looking for a more meat-centric meal may also seek out the suya, a skewered Nigerian kebab dusted with a proprietary spice blend with groundnuts, chiles, garlic, and other seasonings. Portions are generous and affordable, and food comes out quickly.