Image: Suya vendor. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lagos, the ever-busy commercial city in Nigeria, and a melting pot for all ethnic groups in the country is a food haven for all who crave a stimulating culinary delight. On every corner and at every location around the city there exist several spots where one can relish tasty delights at pocket-friendly costs.
On the streets of Lagos, there is always a meal readily available for each meal time of the day. From the breakfast delight of Akara (Bean Cakes) and Pap, or Fried Yam and Plaintain with hot peppered stew, to the sumptuous delight of Jollof rice or Cooked Beans with Plantain, and at dinner time, you can enjoy a hot steaming bowl of Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam.
But if you are less concerned about a food routine and just want to experience all the food the streets of Lagos have to offer, rest assured that you are in for a unique culinary experience.
In Lagos, food from every ethnic group is represented. Here are some meals you are bound to experience when exploring food delights in Lagos;
Pounded Yam, Akpu, Eba, Amala and Soup
Image: Pounded yam and vegetable soup. Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you are the energetic type with a long list of activities lined up for the day, then a meal of either pounded yam, akpu, eba or amala along with varying types of soup like egusi, ofe oha, nsala, ewedu, vegetable and many others are just right for you.
Not only are these meals healthy and satisfying, they are also guaranteed to give you the required nutritional energy to carry you throughout the day.
Jollof Rice
Image: Jollof rice with fried fish and plantains. Source: Wikimedia Commons
No one foodie who visits Nigeria and has not tasted the Nigerian Jollof rice can truly say they have experienced the culinary delights of the country. The Nigerian Jollof rice is the Holy Grail, the National Anthem for all families, and the bone of contention for food battles between Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana.
Made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and an array of spices, the Nigerian Jollof rice is a work of art when looking for a richly satisfying meal on the streets of Lagos.
Suya
Image: Suya take away. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Originally restricted to cow meat, Suya is now prepared from a variety of cow, goat, ram, and sheep meat as well as from chicken, and turkey. Coated with a mixture of grounded peanuts and spices, Suya is barbecued over open flames and chopped up into edible bits. Enjoyed by friends, acquaintances, and families, Suya truly defines street food.
Boli (Roasted Plantain) With Groundnut or Smoked Fish
Image: Boli and groundnut. Sourc: Wikimedia Commons
Boli also known as roasted plantain is a street snack for those looking to nibble on something without having to stretch their wallets. Boli is eaten side by side with groundnuts but for those with extra resources to spare, it can be enjoyed with barbecued fish which leaves a delightful taste in the mouth.
Abacha
Image: A plate of homemade abacha. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Made from shredded Cassava, Abacha is a meal to savour on the streets of Lagos. The pocket-friendly nature of the meal makes it easily appreciable by all. Mixed with palm oil sauce, vegetables, onions, smoked fish, and ponmo (cow skin), Abacha is a delightful treasure to enjoy on days when one’s wallet is not so buoyant.
Ofada rice and Sauce
Image: Ofada rice and sauce served on a leaf. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ofada rice has the exclusive right to be the only meal that is eaten from wrapped green leaves along with a fried mixture of tomato and pepper sauce in a bowl. Unlike other rice brands in the country, Ofada rice has a distinctive taste and aroma unique to itself. The meal has become so popular that many large-owned restaurants even have it on their menu.
It is one meal everyone who has an opportunity to taste would not miss for any reason.
Ewa Agoyin and Agege Bread
Image: Ewa agoyin with plantains and agege bread. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Popular amongst construction and heavy-duty workers, this rich mixture of beans dipped in palm oil and sauce is enjoyed with freshly baked and popular Agege Bread. Pocket-friendly and easily accessible, this meal is a must taste when exploring the culinary delights of Lagos.
There are several other meals one can find while exploring the streets of Lagos, and though every meal might have a historical root of its origin, it is not unusual to find it being embraced and enjoyed by all irrespective of status.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. nextquestservices@gmail.com
