Bread Bun Recipe: How to Make Nigerian Buns (Poki) on the Stove
Bread Bun Recipe: How to Make Nigerian Buns (Poki) on the Stove
Almost every Nigerian child has a memory of munching on these soft yet crunchy treats, whether bought on the streets or prepared at home.
Unlike the famous Agege bread or sugar bread, which are baked in tins, bread buns are fried to golden perfection. The result?
A snack that is crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside, and so filling that it can keep you satisfied for hours.
No wonder Nigerians still treasure it as one of the most popular flour-based snacks, alongside puff puff, doughnuts, chin-chin, and Nigerian buns.
Why Nigerians Love Bread Bun Recipe (Poki)
The charm of Nigerian bread buns is in their simplicity. With just flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder, you can create something crunchy, delicious, and budget-friendly.
Unlike other complicated pastries, this bread recipe can be done right on your stove without an oven, making it accessible to everyone, even students or beginners in cooking.
Interestingly, while they are fried most of the time, some adventurous cooks also bake them as a healthier alternative. Either way, this snack is one of Nigeria’s most cherished comfort foods.
Ingredients for Nigerian Bread Bun Recipe
To prepare these yummy fried bread buns (Poki), you’ll need the following:
- 750g all-purpose Flour (about 6 cups leveled)
- 100g Sugar
- 3 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1½ teaspoons Salt
- 250ml Water
- 2 medium Eggs
- 50ml Cooking Oil (for mixing)
- Vegetable Oil (for deep frying)
How to Make Nigerian Bread Buns on the Stove
Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfect poki bread buns every time:
- Sift your flour: Pour flour into a large bowl and sift to remove lumps.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs and cooking oil.
- Add flavor: Stir in sugar and salt, then add a little water.
- Incorporate dry mix: Add sifted flour and baking powder gradually.
- Form dough: Add remaining water in small amounts until dough comes together.
- Knead well: Place dough on a flat surface and knead until soft, elastic, and smooth.
- Shape the buns: Divide the dough into small pieces, roll into logs, flatten slightly, and cut into desired shapes.
- Fry the dough: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. Fry the dough until golden brown, flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Serve hot: Remove, drain excess oil, and enjoy with tea, soft drinks, or pap.
And just like that, your homemade Nigerian bread buns (poki) are ready!
Bread Buns vs Bread Rolls – Key Differences
While they sound similar, bread buns and bread rolls are not the same:
- Bread rolls are baked, fluffy, and often pulled apart into rolls.
- Bread buns (poki) are crunchy and sold mostly as Nigerian street snacks.
This difference is why bread buns are perfect for quick snacking, while bread rolls are usually served at the dining table.
Variations of Nigerian Bread Buns Recipe
- With Yeast: Replace baking powder with yeast for a lighter, airier version. Allow the dough to rise before frying.
- Baked Bread Buns: For a healthier twist, bake instead of frying.
Other Popular Breads in Nigeria
Apart from the Bread Bun Recipe, Nigerians also enjoy:
- Agege Bread – soft, stretchy, and slightly sweet; Lagos’s iconic bread.
- Sugar Bread – Nigeria’s number one bakery bread, affordable and sweet.
- Fruit Bread – a richer bread with dried or fresh fruits for a flavorful bite.
Final Thoughts on Bread Bun Recipe (Poki)
If you’re craving a simple, filling, and deeply nostalgic treat, then Nigerian bread buns are the perfect choice.
They are easy to prepare, require very few ingredients, and taste irresistible.
Now that you know how to make bread buns on the stove, you never have to wait for street vendors again.
Try this recipe at home, and you’ll have your family asking for more.
Until next time, enjoy your homemade poki (Nigerian bread buns) with a chilled drink or a hot cup of tea.
