Bawa (Garden Egg / African Eggplant) Bawa is a small, round African eggplant commonly eaten fresh or lightly cooked in Nigerian homes. It has a mild, slightly bitter-sweet taste and a crunchy texture, making it perfect for pairing with peanut sauce, palm oil dip, or eaten alongside yam, rice, or swallow meals. Rich in fibre and antioxidants, it is valued both as a snack and as a traditional accompaniment to main dishes.