West Africa · Drink
Kunu Zaki (Spiced Fermented Millet and Ginger Drink)
A velvety, naturally sweet fermented northern Nigerian millet tonic fragrant with fiery ginger and cloves.
The story
Originating among the Hausa and Fulani peoples of northern Nigeria, Kunu Zaki is a cooling, nutrient-dense cereal beverage consumed during hot afternoons and communal gatherings. It is revered for its restorative and digestive qualities across the savanna belt. The secret to its distinct runny, creamy texture lies in amylase-rich malted grain or sweet potato enzymes, which liquefy and naturally saccharify gelatinized millet starch during the resting period without clumping.
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