Ope Amosu, the son of Nigerian immigrants and a Rice University grad, was making a stir with his fast-casual West African pop-up for years before opening a stall in downtown’s POST Market. Now, ChòpnBlọk puts a fun spin on traditional West African favorites. Its most popular dish, Trad, is a plate heaping with jollof rice, plantains, and yaji vegetables. For a snack to bring back to the office, ChòpnBlọk also has savory hand pies and gourmet popcorn.

Caju Abuja, named for Nigeria’s capital, offers dishes like spicy smoked goat meat with chopped onions, fresh peppers, and a side of rice. Lighter options include abacha, a salad of dried, shaved cassava seasoned with African spices, and served with fried mackerel.

West Houston restaurant, Komchop is known for its soup-heavy menu. In addition to whole tilapia and fried rice, offerings includes designer stew, made with green bell peppers, locust beans, and meat, as well as ukodo, a yam and pepper pottage, which Komchop serves with goat meat.

Amala Joint Restaurant, known for an enticing menu of dishes like efo riro, okra stew, and jollof riceis, is worth the trek to Sugar Land. The coconut rice with gbegiri, a Nigerian bean soup, is also worth a try.

Like pho or ramen, Trinity’s piping hot goat soup is a treat to have year-round. The yam porridge with meat or fish is also not to be missed. Check out the $10 weekday lunch special, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vegans, rejoice — Fabaceae African Cuisine offers a full vegan menu of West African staples, including jollof rice, fufu with tofu soup, and blackeye pea porridge made with vegetable stock. Meat-eaters can find plenty to enjoy as well. The scotch eggs, suya, and flaky meat pies filled with beef and potato are house favorites.

The brain child of Tiffaney and Rasak Odewale, who also own Jollof Rice King, Taste of Nigeria was opened to provide more Nigerian food options in the community. It’s a hub for the West African immigrant community, thanks to its vast number of meat and seafood offerings, Nigerian pepper soups, and delicious plantains.

Jollof Rice King is a fast-casual version of Taste of Nigeria, from the same owners. Try the coconut rice with stewed goat; the efo riro, a Nigerian spinach stew; and the jollof rice, a classic and beloved one-pot rice dish.

Citizens of Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana have, at times, playfully argued over who has the best jollof for centuries. Baba Jollof removes some of the lighthearted competition by offering darn good jollof that would appeal to anyone. Baba Jollof’s Hookah Lounge is also worth a visit.

Like many Houston restaurants, United Sisters has an unassuming appearance alongside its strip mall neighbors. However, once you walk in, the smell of spices and grilled meats offers a hint of what’s to come. Find heaping portions of okra soup and suya, as well as more traditional dishes from Southern Nigeria, like edikaikong soup and afang soup.

Another suya-friendly spot, Suya Hut combines beef and chicken suya with jollof rice and plantains, and features offerings tilapia pepper soup, and whole roasted hen for $20. Meat lovers, unite.