King Charles declares Nigerian jollof ‘best in Africa’ at Windsor banquet
Windsor Castle had a distinctly West African flavour on Wednesday as King Charles III welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to a state banquet — and boldly declared that Nigerian jollof rice is the best in Africa.
In his speech, the King revealed that he had recently hosted a “Jollof and Tea” gathering at St. James’s Palace for members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK. “I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically I cannot remember!” he quipped, earning laughter from the audience and proving that jollof rice wars know no borders.
The monarch’s playful declaration highlighted the culinary pride shared across West Africa, where each country stakes its claim to the perfect jollof recipe — from the smoky Nigerian version to the slightly tangy Ghanaian style, and the subtly spiced Senegalese variation, known as ceebu jen.
King Charles used the lighthearted moment to praise the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom, acknowledging the cultural, economic, and social bridges they have built between the two nations.
“Afrobeats filling our concert halls, Nollywood captivating our screens… and stars competing in our Premier League,” he said, tying the playful jollof debate to a larger celebration of Nigerian influence abroad.
The King’s remarks were part of his address celebrating Nigeria-UK ties, which also touched on trade partnerships, education collaborations, and shared security goals. But for many guests, the highlight of the evening was the “jollof diplomacy” moment, where the monarch’s declaration that Nigerian jollof reigns supreme offered a relatable, joyful pause amidst formalities.
Social media quickly picked up the King’s pronouncement, with fans jokingly urging him to form a “royal jollof tasting panel” to settle the long-standing culinary rivalry once and for all. The post even sparked friendly banter among Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Senegalese living in the UK.
The banquet closed with King Charles proposing a toast to the President and people of Nigeria: “Naija no dey carry last!” — a fitting tribute to the enduring friendship, vibrant culture, and undeniable spirit of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
