9ja Buka Restaurant Newark NJ: Authentic Nigerian Cuisine & Daily Soups

9ja Buka Restaurant Introduce

9ja Buka Restaurant is a premier culinary destination in Newark, New Jersey, specializing in authentic and high-quality African, particularly Nigerian, cuisine. As both a full-service restaurant and a reliable delivery option, 9ja Buka serves as a vital cultural and gastronomic hub for the New Jersey community seeking genuine West African flavors. The mission is clear: to offer the most authentic and well-crafted dishes that evoke the true taste of the Motherland. From hearty soups and traditional 'swallow' meals to savory rice dishes and unique pepper soups, the menu is extensive and caters to both those familiar with the cuisine and newcomers eager to explore.

The restaurant prides itself on being a destination that appeals to all demographics. It's a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is suitable for solo dining, family outings, or groups of friends. The atmosphere is designed to be casual, cozy, and yet slightly trendy, providing a welcoming backdrop for an immersive dining experience. While customer feedback can be varied, as is common with authentic, complex cuisine, the majority of local New Jersey patrons celebrate the food quality, specifically highlighting standout dishes like the Ofada Rice and the constantly praised Jollof Rice. The commitment to daily specials and a wide variety of meals ensures there is always something fresh and exciting to try.

9ja Buka understands the diverse needs of its Newark clientele, offering comfort food while also integrating healthy options and small plates. The dedication to serving local specialties is a major draw, solidifying its place as an essential part of the New Jersey cultural dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

The restaurant is conveniently located at 666 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, making it easily reachable within the Newark area of New Jersey. This location on Springfield Avenue places it in a high-traffic area, accessible to locals and visitors passing through the city.

Accessibility is a key priority at 9ja Buka, ensuring a welcoming environment for all New Jersey patrons. The facilities include:

Wheelchair accessible entrance: Providing smooth and easy access into the main dining area.
Wheelchair accessible restroom: Ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.
Wheelchair accessible seating: Designated areas to comfortably accommodate diners with mobility aids.

Furthermore, for drivers in New Jersey, the location is supported by the availability of free street parking, which significantly enhances the convenience of a dine-in or takeout visit, eliminating the common hassle of finding city parking.

Services Offered

9ja Buka Restaurant offers a full spectrum of service options to meet the varying demands of its Newark-based customers, whether they choose to eat on-site or enjoy their meal at home.

Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience in the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full table service.
Takeout: A quick and easy option for those who prefer to pick up their favorite African dishes to enjoy elsewhere.
Delivery: As a recognized Delivery Restaurant, 9ja Buka brings the authentic taste of Nigeria directly to your door.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for parties, corporate events, and large gatherings in the New Jersey area.
Accepts Reservations: Patrons can plan ahead by calling to reserve a table, highly recommended for groups or during peak dining hours.
Flexible Payments: Accepts modern payment options including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction.

Features / Highlights

The features of 9ja Buka are deeply rooted in its culinary specialty and its dedication to accommodating all New Jersey diners.

Serves Local Specialty: The focus on authentic Nigerian and West African cuisine is a major draw, providing a genuine taste of the region, celebrated by the local community.
Extensive Soup Selection: A standout feature is the wide array of traditional soups and 'swallow' options like Egusi, Ogbono, and a rotating list of Daily Special Soups (e.g., Edikang Ikong on Mondays, Banga on Tuesdays, Afang on Thursdays) for variety and authenticity.
Frozen Soup Options: Unique for convenience, the offering of ready-to-heat Frozen Soup packages (e.g., Fisherman, Bitter Leaf, Afang) allows customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at home at any time.
Popular for All Meals: The menu is comprehensive, covering Breakfast (like Akara & Pap, Fried Yam & Egg Sauce), Lunch, and Dinner, making it a reliable choice throughout the day.
Diverse Offerings: The menu includes Comfort food, Healthy options, and Small plates, catering to different dietary preferences and meal sizes.
Atmosphere and Crowd: The setting is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, appealing to a Family-friendly crowd, Groups, and even Tourists seeking an authentic experience. The restaurant is also noted as being Good for kids.
Signature Dishes: Popular items include Jollof Rice, Ofada Rice & Ayamase Sauce, and specialty Chef Specialties like Whole Grilled Tilapia Fish and Peppered Snail.

Contact Information

For Newark and New Jersey residents wishing to order, reserve a table, or inquire about catering, please use the following details:

Address: 666 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103
Phone: (862) 291-6464
Mobile Phone: +1 862-291-6464

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing 9ja Buka Restaurant is choosing an authentic and immersive Nigerian dining experience unparalleled in the Newark, New Jersey area. While one negative review points to an isolated poor experience, the overwhelming positive feedback highlights that the food is generally "really great," "Well made," and "worth every penny." Customers enthusiastically recommend staples such as the Jollof Rice, calling it "practically the best Jollof in Newark," and praise the Ofada Rice and Ayamase sauce as "fantastic." The staff are consistently reviewed as "very welcoming and Friendly," fostering an atmosphere of warmth and exceptional customer service that makes the drive worthwhile, even for those coming from Trenton.

The depth of the menu is a major draw, particularly the focus on soups and 'swallow'—a cornerstone of Nigerian cuisine. The introduction of different Special Soups every day of the week, plus the added convenience of Frozen Soups for home, shows a dedication to both tradition and modern customer needs. This focus on variety and quality ensures that every visit, whether for a quick Akara breakfast or a large group dinner featuring a Combination Platter, offers a deep, satisfying taste of West Africa. For New Jersey food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors, excellent service, and a complete cultural experience that caters equally to families, groups, and solo diners, 9ja Buka on Springfield Avenue is undoubtedly the top choice.

9ja Buka Restaurant Food & drink

Frozen Soup
Fisherman $37.25
A delightful seafood soup, offering a comforting blend of ocean flavors, ideal for a cozy meal.
Banga Soup $32.50
Rich and savory soup made with palm nut extract, offering a taste of authentic Nigerian cuisine.
Afang Soup $32.50
Afang soup: A savory Nigerian delicacy with leafy greens and spices, perfect for a hearty meal.
White Soup (Ofe Nsala) $32.50
A classic Nigerian soup with a rich, hearty broth, offering a comforting and authentic taste.
Black Soup (Edo Esan Soup) $32.50
Rich Edo Esan soup with scent leaf, bitter leaf, and palm nut extract for a unique, hearty flavor.
Edikang Ikong Soup $32.50
A savory Nigerian soup featuring pumpkin leaves and waterleaf, offering a rich and hearty taste.
Bitter Leaf Soup (Onugbu Soup) $32.50
Traditional Nigerian soup with bitter leaf, known for its earthy flavor and rich, satisfying taste.

Drinks
Schweppes Bitter Lemon $5.00
Zobo {Hibiscus Flowers} $7.00
A tangy, floral drink made from hibiscus flowers, delivering a refreshing and vibrant flavor.
Vita Milk $4.00
Fresh milk beverage.
Malt $4.00
Bottled Water $1.50
Soda $3.00
Refreshing carbonated beverage to quench your thirst.

Mains
Jollof Rice $28.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Ofada Rice & Ayamase Sauce $28.25
Spaghetti Jollof $28.25
Rice & Bean With Buka Stew $28.25
Savor rice and beans paired with Buka stew, a rich, spicy Nigerian sauce for a hearty meal.
Shrimp Fried Rice $28.25
Shrimp fried rice served with your choice of chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
White Rice & Buka Stew $28.25
Savory buka stew with palm oil, onion, and iru, served with white rice and your choice of chicken, turkey, or goat.

Soups & swallow
Vegetable Soup (Efo Iriro) $28.25
Vegetarian. Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Okoro $28.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Egusi (Melon) $28.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Ogbono Soup $28.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Gbegiri And Ewedu $30.25

Special Soup (Everyday)
Fisherman Soup $40.00
Red snapper with crab, snail, and uziza leaf for a rich, flavorful seafood delight.

Frozen Soup
Afang Soup $32.50
Afang soup: A savory Nigerian delicacy with leafy greens and spices, perfect for a hearty meal.
White Soup (Ofe Nsala) $32.50
A classic Nigerian soup with a rich, hearty broth, offering a comforting and authentic taste.
Bitter Leaf Soup (Onugbu Soup) $32.50
Traditional Nigerian soup with bitter leaf, known for its earthy flavor and rich, satisfying taste.
Edikang Ikong Soup $32.50
A savory Nigerian soup featuring pumpkin leaves and waterleaf, offering a rich and hearty taste.
Black Soup (Edo Esan Soup) $32.50
Rich Edo Esan soup with scent leaf, bitter leaf, and palm nut extract for a unique, hearty flavor.
Fisherman $37.25
A delightful seafood soup, offering a comforting blend of ocean flavors, ideal for a cozy meal.
Banga Soup $32.50
Rich and savory soup made with palm nut extract, offering a taste of authentic Nigerian cuisine.

Special Soup (Native Soup)
Bitter Leaf Soup $30.00
Served with assorted meat, dried fish, and stockfish. Swallow of pounded yam, amala, eba, or wheat.

Special Soup (Native Soup)
Afang Soup $30.00
Afang soup made with stock fish, dried fish & assorted meat

Pepper soup
Tilapia Fish Spicy Pepper Soup $30.25
Spicy. Fresh tilapia in spicy pepper soup with local spices and boiled yam for a bold, zesty experience.
Chicken Spicy Pepper Soup $25.25
Spicy.
Boiled Yam $10.00
Optional.
Catfish Spicy Pepper Soup $25.25
Spicy.

Breakfast Menu
Fried Yam & Egg Sauce $28.25
Crispy yam paired with a rich egg sauce, offering a delightful breakfast experience.
Fried Plantains, Fried Egg & Pap $30.25
Fried plantains and egg served with ogi (pap), a tangy fermented corn pudding.
Akara & Pap $28.25
Crispy akara paired with creamy pap, a classic Nigerian breakfast delight.
Boiled Yam & Fish Sauce $28.25
Tender boiled yam paired with a savory fish sauce for a delightful breakfast experience.
Akara Only $12.25
Savory bean cakes, a popular Nigerian breakfast delight, perfect for a light and tasty start to your day.
Indomine, Mixed Veg & Fried Eggs $28.25
Indomine noodles with mixed vegetables and fried eggs for a hearty start to your day.

Special Soup (Native Soup)
White Soup $37.50
Goat meat soup with fresh pepper and local spice, offering a rich taste of Nigerian cuisine.
Black Soup $37.50
Popular. Black soup proudly edo delicacy, made with fresh Titus fish, stock fish, dried fish.

Special Soup (Everyday)
Fisherman Soup $40.00
Red snapper with crab, snail, and uziza leaf for a rich, flavorful seafood delight.

Break Fast Menu
Fried Plantains, Fried Egg & Pap $30.25
Fried plantains and egg served with ogi (pap), a tangy fermented corn pudding.
Boiled Yam & Fish Sauce $28.25
Tender boiled yam paired with a savory fish sauce for a delightful breakfast experience.
Akara Only $12.25
Savory bean cakes, a popular Nigerian breakfast delight, perfect for a light and tasty start to your day.
Akara & Pap $28.25
Crispy akara paired with creamy pap, a classic Nigerian breakfast delight.
Friedyam/ Fried Plantains & Egg Sauce $28.25
Crispy yam paired with a rich egg sauce, offering a delightful breakfast experience.
Indomine, Mixed Veg & Fried Eggs $28.25
Indomine noodles with mixed vegetables and fried eggs for a hearty start to your day.

Special Soup (Everyday)
Fisherman Soup $37.25
Red snapper with crab, snail, and uziza leaf for a rich, flavorful seafood delight.
Goatmeat Pepper Soup $30.00
Packed with tender goat meat chunks and an aromatic blend of spicy peppers and seasonings.

Special Soup (Native Soup)
Banga Soup $37.25
Rich soup with assorted meat, dried fish, stockfish, and fresh catfish, paired with pounded yam, amala, eba, or wheat.

Combination Platter
White Rice, Beans, And Plantain $32.25
Enjoy a hearty platter with white rice, beans, plantain, and your choice of chicken, turkey, or goat meat.
Ewa Aganyin Sauce & Plantains $32.25
Savory ewa aganyin sauce paired with sweet plantains for a delightful taste of Nigerian cuisine.
Jollof Rice/Fried Rice/Plantain $32.25
Choice of jollof or fried rice with plantain, served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.

Chef Specialties
Ayamase Stew (42oz Size) $50.00
Blended chilies along with green and red bell peppers, fried in palm oil, and miniature-sized beef, assorted meat, and hard-boiled eggs.
Whole Grilled Tilapia Fish $28.25
Served with fried yam-dundun or grilled plantain-bole, and sauce made from fresh tomatoes, pepper, and onions-ata dindin.
Whole Red Snapper $40.00
Served with fried yam-dundun or grilled plantain-bole, and sauce made from fresh tomatoes, pepper, and onions-ata dindin.
Peppered Snail $30.25
Spicy snails seasoned with pepper for a bold, savory experience.
Stewed Crocker Fish (10 Pcs) $67.50
Egusi (42oz Size) $50.00
Mouthwatering Traditional West African dish made with ground melon seeds, seasoned and cooked with bitter leaf and spinach vegetables.
9jabukaSuya $25.25
Beef grilled with a savory mix of herbs and spices for a flavorful bite.
Stewed Chicken (10 Pcs) $67.50
Tender chicken stewed with ginger, fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, and a hint of pepper for a savory delight.
Efo Riro (42oz Size) $50.00
Stewed Nigerian dish with leafy greens, offering a hearty and flavorful blend of spices.
Smoked Dried Fish $25.25

Break fast Menu
Fried Yam & Egg Sauce $30.25
Crispy yam paired with a rich egg sauce, offering a delightful breakfast experience.
Boiled Yam & Fish Sauce $30.25
Soft boiled yam paired with a savory fish sauce.
Fried Plantains, Fried Egg & Pap $30.25
Sweet plantains paired with a fried egg and served with tangy fermented corn pudding.
Akara Only $15.00
Savory bean cakes, a popular Nigerian breakfast delight, perfect for a light and tasty start to your day.
Indomine, Mixed Veg & Fried Eggs $30.25
Indomine noodles with mixed vegetables and fried eggs for a hearty start to your day.
Akara & Pap $30.25
Crispy akara paired with creamy pap, a classic Nigerian breakfast delight.

Sides
Stewed Chicken $6.00
Jollof Rice Only (Small Size) $10.00
Simmered rice with tomato paste, onions, bell peppers, and chicken stock, offering an authentic smokey party flavor.
Fried Rice Only (Small Size) $10.00
Savory rice dish with a blend of flavors, mixed vegetables and Shrimps.
Goat Meat $10.00
Grilled and stewed goat meat with onions, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, and tomatoes for a rich, savory taste.
Side Of Fried Plantain $5.00
Thinly sliced plantains, crispy on the outside and tender within.
Stewed Croaker Fish $8.00
Stewed croaker fish, simmered to perfection for a rich, savory taste.
Extra Wrap Of Swallow $5.00
Any extra wrap of either our white yam-iyan, yam flour-amala, eba, or wheat.
Stewed Beef $7.00
Tender beef stewed with tomato, onion, and thyme for a hearty, savory delight.

Special Soup (Native Soup)
Bitterleaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu) Wednesdays Special $32.50
Bursting with hearty flavors, this native Nigerian soup is crafted with fresh bitterleaf, chunky meats, and seasoned with traditional herbs( ogirir) for a savory delight.
Black Soup (EDO ESAN Soup) Friday Special $32.50
Rich, aromatic soup infused with native spices, leafy greens, and a blend of traditional herbs. A true culinary treasure that brings the essence of EDO cuisine to your palate!
Nkwobi (Cow Leg) Friday & Saturday's Special $35.00
Tender cowleg pieces immersed in a rich, savory sauce with a delightful blend of spices and herbs.
Banga Soup With Fresh Catfish Tuesday Only $32.50
Brimming with fresh catfish, earthy spices, and a hint of local herbs, Banga soup offers rich, tangy flavors. Available Tuesday only.
Afang Soup Thursday Special $32.50
Dive into a rich medley of finely shredded Okazi leaves and waterleaf, combined with assorted meats and stockfish, delivering hearty flavors with every spoonful!
White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Friday Special $32.50
A hearty bowl of White Soup (Ofe Nsala) brimming with tender pieces of fish, aromatic utazi leaves, and a hint of ogiri for deep, savory notes. Perfect for Fridays!
ABACHA SATURDAY $30.00
Abacha mixed with garden vegetables, ground crayfish, ponmo, and titus fish.
Fisherman Soup EVERYDAY SPECIAL $37.25
Fresh seafood, including succulent fish, plump shrimp, crab, and snails, enhanced with aromatic herbs and a hint of spice.
Edikaikong Soup Mondays Only $32.25
Rich blend fresh vegetables with assorted meat, dried fish, and stockfish, paired with your choice of pounded yam/ Amala/, Eba/ or wheat.

Beans
Ewa Aganyin & Sauce Only $20.00
Savory beans with a rich, spicy sauce, enhanced by a hint of ginger for a unique flavor experience.
Ewa Riro Only $17.25
Traditional Nigerian beans dish.
Ewa Riro $28.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Beans With Fried Plantain $32.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.
Yam Porridge (Asaro) $28.25
Served with chicken, turkey, assorted meat, or goat meat.

Pastries
Agege Bread (Whole Loaf) $6.00
Baked whole loaf with flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, and salt for a soft, traditional taste.
Meatpie (2 Pcs) $10.00
Baked pastry filled with ground beef, onions, and potatoes, offering a hearty and savory delight.
Chin Chin (1 Lb) $12.50
Fried dough bites with flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and nutmeg for a sweet, crispy treat.
Peanut (African Groundnut) $12.50
Eggroll (2 Pcs) $10.00
Moi Moi (2 Pcs) $8.00
Nigerian bean cakes enriched with titus fish, offering a savory delight.
Royal Bread $8.50
Freshly baked bread with a luxurious, rich flavor.

9ja Buka Restaurant Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking

9ja Buka Restaurant Photos

9ja Buka Restaurant Location

9ja Buka Restaurant

New Jersey Essex County Newark West Side Springfield Avenue

666 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA

9ja Buka Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 365 user reviews.

nigerianafrican foodjollof ricepricesthe environmentdelicaciesstewayamaseefo riropounded yam

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Terrible food quality, terrible food presentation, everything looked dried and not taste. The native rice was just terrible. Hard. Not fresh. And red stew was flavor less.
August 25 · Moses
Food is really great.Well made African and Nigerian dishes.I tried Ofada rice and the sauce and it was fantastic.Also got a takeout the jollof rice which is always amazing.Food can be pricey but its worth every penny.
October 12 · Samuel Oghogho
Bland taste. Worst African food I ever tried in Newark. Ayamase sauce was not saucing. The rice was cold as hell. The customer service was very poor. DOH needs to come visit this place . Ayamase 0/100, rice 2/100 . Very poor
May 11 · Lateefat Odunuga
The lady serving the food was very rude and lack customer service and for what ever reason, in a rush to take the customers orders. I went into this restaurant to purchase food for myself and a friend that was visiting from out of state and was embarrassed by the service that was provided. The character of the lady was extremely poor and tasteless. To the owner please train your staff and employees on how to deal with the public no matter where your customers are from. The treatment was unacceptable and becuase of this I will never patronize this restaurant again.
August 03 · Sonia
I just got my Uber eats order and was extremely excited. Then boom I eat my food and it taste horrible and old the only thing that tasted fresh was the pounded yam a 44 dollar order down the drain smh high priced trash. This is my first and last time eating here
November 30 · Renatta