Does Egusi Have Pork In It? The Truth About Egusi Soup

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 5,000 years of culinary history show egusi seeds originating from West African cucurbit plants like melons and gourds. Many people wonder, "Does egusi have pork in it?" due to the inclusion of various meats, but the answer depends entirely on the specific recipe and the cook preparing it.

Quick Summary

Egusi seeds themselves are plant-based, derived from a melon plant, and are the main thickening agent in egusi soup. The presence of pork is not standard and is determined by the specific protein source a cook chooses to add. Many recipes feature other common meats like beef, goat, or smoked fish, and vegetarian options are also popular.

Key Points

Egusi Seeds Are Plant-Based: Egusi is the ground seed of a melon/gourd, and the seed itself contains no meat products.
Pork Is Not a Standard Ingredient: Pork is not traditionally used in egusi soup, and its inclusion is not common in regions where the dish originates.
Meat Choices Vary by Recipe: The protein source in egusi soup depends entirely on the cook, with common options including beef, goat, chicken, and various types of fish.
Egusi Can Be Made Halal or Kosher: As a plant-based ingredient, egusi can be used to make soup that adheres to halal or kosher dietary laws by using appropriate meats or fish.
Vegan Options Are Widely Available: For plant-based diets, egusi soup can be made with tofu, mushrooms, or other vegetables instead of meat.
The Only Sure Way to Know is to Ask: When eating out, always inquire about the specific ingredients in the restaurant's egusi soup to confirm its contents.

What Exactly is Egusi?

Egusi refers to the oil-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants, a family that includes gourds, melons, and squashes. The word egusi itself is a Yoruba term for these seeds. These seeds are a cornerstone of West African cuisine, particularly in Nigeria, where they are ground into a powder to thicken and add a rich, nutty flavour to soups and stews. By their nature, the egusi seeds themselves are 100% plant-based and do not contain any animal products at all.

The Role of Meat in Traditional Egusi Soup

While egusi seeds form the plant-based core of the soup, the protein added to the dish is what determines its non-plant-based ingredients. The choice of meat varies widely based on regional traditions, household preferences, and personal dietary needs. Pork is not a traditional or common meat for egusi soup due to cultural and religious factors in many of the regions where the dish is popular.

Commonly used protein sources include:

Beef
Goat meat
Chicken
Smoked turkey
Dried or smoked fish (like catfish)
Stockfish
Assorted offal (e.g., cow skin, tripe)

The specific combination of these meats and fish contributes to the unique flavour profile of different versions of egusi soup.

Comparison of Common Egusi Protein Options


Protein Type	Typical Flavor Profile	Religious/Dietary Suitability	Notes on Usage
Beef / Goat Meat	Rich, earthy, and hearty	Halal-friendly if prepared correctly	Adds a deep, robust base flavour; requires pre-boiling
Chicken / Turkey	Milder than red meat, slightly smoky (if smoked)	Halal-friendly if prepared correctly	Lighter alternative; excellent for absorbing surrounding flavours
Dried/Smoked Fish	Intense, savoury, and umami-rich	Versatile for many diets	Offers a distinct, traditional taste; rehydrate before adding
Assorted Offal	Chewy texture, complex flavour	Varies based on type and preparation	Contributes to a rich, traditional texture and flavour profile
Pork	Savoury, rich, fatty	Not Halal/Kosher; avoided in many egusi-making regions	Not a traditional ingredient; only included if specifically requested and culturally appropriate
Mushrooms	Earthy, umami	Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal	Excellent plant-based alternative for a meaty texture and flavour

Is Egusi Soup Always Halal or Kosher?

Since the egusi seed itself is plant-based, the soup can be made to fit various dietary requirements, including halal and kosher guidelines. The deciding factor is the type of meat and other ingredients used. Restaurants and home cooks catering to these dietary needs will ensure that the meat is certified halal or kosher and that no pork or other prohibited ingredients are included. When preparing egusi at home, it's easy to control the ingredients, but when ordering out, it's always best to ask the restaurant about their specific recipe.

Vegan and Vegetarian Egusi Options

For those who do not consume any meat, egusi soup can be easily adapted to be entirely vegan or vegetarian. Many plant-based recipes substitute animal products with alternatives while retaining the soup's classic flavour and texture. Common substitutions include:

Tofu: Replaces the chewy texture of meat.
Mushrooms: Provide a savory, meaty flavor and texture.
Seitan: A wheat-based meat alternative.
Assorted vegetables: Ingredients like garden eggs (eggplant) can mimic the feel of traditional protein chunks.
Vegetable broth: Used in place of meat stock to flavour the soup.

By omitting animal products and using vegetable broth, the foundational egusi seed-based soup becomes a healthy, protein-rich dish suitable for all diets.

The Importance of Asking Questions

When dining out or purchasing pre-made egusi soup, the only way to know for certain what ingredients are included is to ask. Chefs and servers at West African restaurants are typically very knowledgeable about their recipes and will be able to confirm whether pork or other specific types of meat are present. This is particularly important for individuals with dietary restrictions based on health, religion, or personal preference.

Conclusion: The Answer is in the Preparation

In short, egusi does not have pork in it by its very nature. Egusi is a plant-based seed that acts as a thickening and flavouring agent. The presence of pork is solely dependent on whether the cook chooses to add it to the soup, which is uncommon in traditional preparation. Most traditional recipes use other proteins like beef, goat, and fish, and many modern versions are easily adapted to be vegetarian or vegan. The egusi seed's versatility allows the soup to be a hearty, nutritious meal for people of many different dietary backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while meat is a common addition, egusi soup can be and is often prepared without any meat, using ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or extra vegetables to create a vegetarian or vegan version.

Common meat choices for egusi soup include beef, goat meat, chicken, and assorted offal. Smoked turkey and various types of smoked or dried fish are also frequently used.

Yes, egusi seeds are plant-based and highly suitable for vegan diets. When preparing vegan egusi soup, cooks simply omit any animal products like meat, fish, or shrimp and use vegetable stock.

Yes, you can and should always ask. While pork is not a traditional ingredient, asking ensures there are no misunderstandings and that your dietary preferences are accommodated.

Egusi seeds are derived from the wild melon fruit of certain plants in the cucurbit family, related to gourds and pumpkins. They are ground into a powder for use in soup.

Yes, the type of meat significantly impacts the flavor. Beef or goat meat provides a richer, earthier taste, while smoked fish adds a distinct, intense, and umami-rich flavour.

Yes, egusi soup is naturally compatible with halal dietary laws. As long as certified halal meat (such as chicken, beef, or goat) and no prohibited ingredients are used, the soup is considered halal.