What it is
A smooth, lightly sweetened, non-alcoholic drink made from grains such as millet, sorghum or rice, or from tiger nuts, soaked, blended and strained into a thin, milky liquid. It is served chilled and has a mild, slightly grainy taste with hints of ginger or spices depending on the variety.
Key ingredients
- Millet or sorghum or tiger nuts
- Water
- Ginger
- Sugar
A list of what goes in, not a recipe. Quantities and method vary by household.
How it is eaten
Drunk cold, straight from a cup or sachet, on its own as a refreshment or alongside snacks such as kosai (bean cakes) or masa. It is commonly sold by street vendors and is popular for breaking the daily fast during Ramadan.
Cultural significance
Kunu is a traditional Hausa drink from northern Nigeria, made in several regional variants, and is widely consumed as a refreshing everyday drink, including during the fasting month of Ramadan when it is used to break the fast. It has since spread across the country and is now sold widely outside northern Nigeria.
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