Lagos has earned its reputation as the most interesting state in Nigeria and this can be attributed to many factors. Apart from being the economic capital of the country, Lagos is also a boiling pot of people and cultures.
You might not agree but I strongly believe that Lagos street food is one of the reasons why people love the place so much. If you don’t believe it, that’s okay, I promise you’ll change your mind by the time we’re done with my list of the top 10 street foods to try in West Africa’s busiest city.
Ewa Agoyin
Your identity as a Lagosian is questionable if you haven’t tried the delicacy called “Ewa Agoyin.”
This food belonged to our neighbours in the west but it has secured a spot and a name on the streets of Lagos. Popular among artisans as breakfast because of its filling nature, Ewa Agoyin has been saving lives since 1965 and is still delivering on its mandate till date. Even people who don’t like beans cannot deny the yumminess of this meal made from beans with pepper sauce and palm oil. It is commonly paired with soft Agege bread and pepsi (for artisans), yam or plantain, while others prefer having it with garri. Any way you swing, you get value for money spent on this street food because you may not need another meal until much later in the day.
Noodles, Bread, Fried Eggs And Tea
What’s a list of Lagos street food without the infamous “Meshai” noodles, bread, fried eggs and tea? I’m talking about those roadside mallams that are skilled at whipping up this delicacy in the shortest time possible. I don’t know how they do it but with limited resources (ingredients), they take this basic meal a notch higher than what you’ll cook in your home. So, you can either select bread and fried egg and tea or noodles and egg. Their meals have this special aroma that one can hardly resist and the best part, these guys are everywhere! Just follow the aroma and you’ll arrive safely at the spot. You should try it whenever you’re in Lagos.
Bean Cakes (Akara)
Popularly known as “Akara” across the streets of Lagos. It is native to Western Nigeria and Africa, made from pureed beans, pepper, onions, some seasoning and deep fried in oil till it achieves a golden brown colour. Akara is a common breakfast option on the streets especially during the rainy season. It can be paired with bread, pap, some people pair it with garri and others snack on it just like that. Whatever your preference, the streets ain’t the same without akara in it.
Pro Tip – Just know the Akara is good when you see a big-sized woman frying it in a big-sized pan.
Suya
The G.O.A.T. of street food! The only one capable of uniting Africa! Any issue that cannot be resolved over a plate of Suya may never be resolved. Suya is a northern delicacy made from grilled cow meat, garnished with pepper, some spices and vegetables. It is usually sold at night by roadside vendors.
So, if you’re taking a stroll at night and looking to snack on something light, Suya is your guy! Any suya that comes out during the day is fake. Please ensure you ensure you have a budget before going to buy suya or else you just might end up spending your savings at the suya spot.
Abacha
This local eastern dish also known as African Salad has made its way into the streets of Lagos and isn’t going away anytime soon. It is made from Cassava, some green vegetables, Garden eggs, Onions and dressed with seasoned palm oil. While Abacha is really filling, it can cause food poisoning if not handled properly. So before buying this street food, ensure to patronize a trusted vendor and don’t eat it if you’re wearing white.
Boli (Roasted Plantain)
Roasted plantain (also called Bole) is a native dish from Southern Nigeria that has gained popularity on the streets of Lagos. It is often paired with groundnuts or spicy stew and fish, and it’s quite filling. If you’re really hungry and need a quick fix, Boli is your plug.
Boiled/Roasted Corn
Popularly called “Agbado” is a local street delicacy made by grilling or boiling corn on the cob. Both boiled and roasted corn are banging snack that can be had at any time of the day and they are filling too. Roasted corn can be enjoyed as it is but can be spiced up with corn or roasted pear (aka Ube). If you’re looking to elevate your boiled corn snack to another level, pair it with margarine and suya spice, don’t just take my word for it, try it and thank me later.
Small chops (Puff puff, Spring rolls….)
This street food started out as just puff puff but over the years, it has evolved to accommodate some more recent delicacies like spring roll, samosa and the likes. The best puff puff on the streets of Lagos are made by men and it is not up for debate.
Roasted/Fried Yam, Potato…
Back in the day, roasted (grilled) yam and potatoes were popular as street food and were usually paired with pepper and palm oil sauce. Nowadays, fried yam and potatoes are on the front burner of street food. They are the local version of small chops and they’re living up to the expectation of the people, just pair this delicacy with suya spice or some nice sauce and some roadside chicken. Blissful!
There’s a long list of foods that are absolutely amazing and available across the streets of Lagos. One unique thing about Lagos street foods is that they have a distinct taste that is dissimilar to what you’ll make in your house, they’re very affordable, readily available and caters to everyone’s need.
I hope you make the right choice whenever you need to indulge some street food craving. For more food tips and tricks, join Fusion’s Food and Drinks Community, and share your love for food with us.
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