Without street food, life in Lagos and Nigeria would be incomplete. Most Nigerians enjoy it, whether it is around lunchtime, during the commute to work, or as a way to unwind after a long day.
In Lagos, street food is a big business. It is available everywhere and supports the livelihoods of thousands of people from all over Nigeria and even from abroad. Although there are many commercial snacks available to commuters, Lagosians have a specific affection for freshly prepared street food like okpa, are cherished for its traditional taste and flavours, transporting consumers back to their roots. Some, like akara, are loved for being served hot and fresh (and delicious). So what is street food?
Table of Content hide 1What is street food? 2Top 10 Nigerian street foods 2.1Suya 2.2Ewa Agoyin 2.3Abacha 2.4Fried yam, potatoes and plantain 2.5Roasted corn 2.6Ofada rice and sauce 2.7Akara 2.8Roasted plantains 2.9Mai Shayi’s treat (Noodles, fried eggs, bread and tea) 2.10Plantain ChipsWhat is street food?
Street food is prepared food or beverages sold by hawkers or vendors on the streets or in other public settings like markets or fairs. It is frequently offered for immediate consumption and sold from a mobile food booth, food cart, or food truck. While many street cuisines have expanded outside of their original locales, some are localized in nature. Most street food is fast and finger food, often less expensive than dining out. Street food varieties vary greatly between areas and cultures in various nations worldwide.
A 2007 Food and Agriculture Organisation survey found that 2.5 billion people worldwide consume street food daily. Particularly in developing nations, most middle-class consumers depend on street food’s easy accessibility and affordable service for daily sustenance and employment prospects.
Top 10 Nigerian street foods
In Nigeria, street food is a little more than simply a simple snack. It serves as a symbol of culture, place, and so much more. Every state and even local government in the nation has its regional street meals, but Lagos is the place where Nigeria’s street food is at its most beautiful. The commercial centre of Nigeria is home to a diverse population of Nigerians from all ethnic groups and various street dishes unique to Lagos alone.
Most street food is sold at parking lots and bus stations along routes across the city, although some sellers bring their wares to buses and cars during rush hour. In Lagos, there are many delicious traditional cuisines to select from, but below is a list of ten of the greatest and most popular ones.
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Suya
Suya is Nigeria’s version of the kebab, cooked beef threaded onto sticks. When you approach the sellers—the northern Nigerians who typically sell this food—you cannot help but smell the roasted meat’s aroma on hot charcoal. Suya is typically spiced with hot peppers, spice-infused groundnut powder, and diced onions.
Ewa Agoyin
If you’ve ever declared, I don’t like beans, without having eaten Ewa Agoyin in Lagos, you might want to reconsider your stance.
For many people, beans are now a more appetizing meal due to this tasty street food. The meal can never go wrong with Agege bread when served with palm oil and black fried sauce. Some prefer theirs with yam and plantain, while others prefer garri.
The good news is that if you look closely after seeing an Ewa Agoyin hawker, you will see a bread vendor approaching from behind her. You never get lost! Requesting ponmo, beef, or fish to be placed on top of your Ewa Agoyin will elevate your dining experience. I’ll start by saying thank you.
Abacha
Abacha is one of the many gifts the cassava plant has given to the world of street food. It is an African gift that keeps on giving in variety.
Almost any Lagos street will have hawkers willing to treat you with shikini (a minimal amount) money for this Eastern Nigerian dish.
Abacha is typically sold alongside fresh vegetables, onions, a special sauce made from palm oil, and a variety of protein options, primarily ponmo (cow skin) and smoked fish.
For the best Abacha, seek out the hawkers between mid-afternoon and early evening (they are fairly easy to find with their transparent boxes).
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Fried yam, potatoes and plantain
Another delectable street meal in Lagos. There is usually a stall where you can buy fried chops virtually every few streets or intersections. Usually, they come with a fried sauce that makes you want to lick your fingertips.
P.S. You’re not at the right location if the vendor does not offer your fries in old newspapers or textbooks before placing them in a nylon bag! Go front small.
Roasted corn
You have to sample this seasonal street dish, even though corn is typically harvested during a specific time of the year.
Pro Tip: You’re in the perfect place for good roasted corn when you notice a small, locally produced charcoal grill and a woman continuously waving her fan at the setup.
Although roasted corn can be eaten on its own, it is typically sold with coconut and the African pear, or Ube, as it is more commonly known.
The lovely thing about this street cuisine is that it is everywhere on the streets of Lagos when it’s in season.
Ofada rice and sauce
Although it originated in the town of Ofada in Ogun State, this dish is a must-try when visiting Lagos.
Ofada is available in upscale eateries and canteens in Lagos, but it hits differently when purchased from street hawkers.
Typical ofada is served with a fried sauce that tastes like it was crafted from heaven and various meat alternatives wrapped in dry green leaves.
There is not a lot with Ofada. You might have egg, shaki (tripe), ponmo (cow hide), roundabout (intestines), edo (liver), beef, fish, and orishirishi (assorted meats) to go with your rice.
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Akara
Another well-liked street cuisine in Lagos is akara, which deserves to be mentioned.
Typically, this delectable dish is offered for breakfast in the morning. Best served hot with Pap or koko, as it is known locally, while some like to eat theirs without bread.
Beans, pepper, and more ingredients are used to make akara. It is also typically served for breakfast on Saturday mornings in Nigerian homes.
Roasted plantains
This popular road meal, known as “Bole” locally, may be found in many different parts of Lagos. Even though roasted plantain is a seasonal delicacy, it is a must-try on the streets of Lagos whenever it is available.
It is frequently sold with roasted peanuts or, in other situations, with sauce accompanying roasted yam. Based on preference, both ripe and unripe plantain can be roasted as Bole.
Mai Shayi’s treat (Noodles, fried eggs, bread and tea)
In Lagos, you can’t talk about street food without mentioning the sweets from the “Mai Shayi,” which is Hausa for “the one who brews tea.”
Most of these street food concoction vendors are folks from Northern Nigeria whom we affectionately refer to as Aboki (friend) or Mallam.
They typically begin preparing the dish in the late evening or early morning. The aroma of the fried eggs is primarily what draws your attention. They typically have stacks of noodles, bread, and egg cartons on their tables.
Depending on what you order, the Aboki will create your meal while you wait, and just like big restaurants, you can either eat-in or take away.
Plantain Chips
This crunchy street snack is an oldie, yet goldie. Originally, only unripe plantains were deep-fried and served as chips, but this practice has now changed to include ripe plantains, which are sweeter and more flavourful. Small bits are chopped or diced, seasoned, and deep-fried before being wrapped in nylon. Additionally, plantain chips could be available in flavours like onion or pepper.
