THE SHORT VERSION / What to eat in Lagos
The foods to try in Lagos during Detty December are party jollof, suya, amala with ewedu, pounded yam with egusi, ofada rice with ayamase, asun, pepper soup, small chops, moi moi and boli with fish. Wash them down with zobo or a chapman.
- Must-try
- Party jollof, suya
- Swallow
- Amala, pounded yam
- Late night
- Suya
- Recovery
- Pepper soup
- Drinks
- Zobo, chapman
- Where
- Bukas, spots, owambes
The 15 Nigerian foods to try in Lagos
Rice dishes
- Party jollof: smoky, tomato-rich rice cooked over firewood for parties. The Nigerian side of the jollof war.
- Ofada rice with ayamase: local unpolished rice with a spicy green pepper stew. Big flavour.
- Fried rice: the other half of every Nigerian party plate.
Swallows and soups
- Pounded yam and egusi: smooth pounded yam with melon-seed soup. A classic.
- Amala with ewedu and gbegiri: a Yoruba favourite, often called "abula" when served with both soups.
- Eba with okra or ogbono soup: everyday comfort food.
- Pepper soup: spicy goat or catfish broth. The go-to recovery meal.
Grills and street food
- Suya: thinly sliced beef rubbed with spicy yaji and grilled. Essential after a concert.
- Asun: smoky, peppery grilled goat meat. A party favourite.
- Boli and fish: roasted plantain with grilled fish and pepper sauce, a Port Harcourt classic popular in Lagos.
Snacks and small chops
- Small chops: puff-puff, samosas, spring rolls and gizzard skewers. Every event starts here.
- Moi moi: steamed bean pudding.
- Akara: fried bean cakes, the best Saturday breakfast with pap or bread.
Drinks
- Zobo: chilled hibiscus drink, often with ginger and pineapple.
- Chapman: Nigeria's signature fruity party mocktail.
Where to eat in Lagos
- Bukas: local canteens serving swallows and soups at local prices.
- Suya spots: roadside grills that come alive at night.
- Restaurants in VI, Ikoyi and Lekki: modern Nigerian menus and fusion dishes.
- Owambes: the best jollof in Lagos is usually at a party. Get invited.
Lagos food by budget
| Budget | What you get |
|---|---|
| $ | Buka plates, suya, akara, small chops from vendors |
| $$ | Casual restaurants and lounges with Nigerian menus |
| $$$ | Fine dining in Ikoyi and VI, chef's tasting menus |
Food safety tips
- Choose busy spots: high turnover means fresh food.
- Drink bottled or sealed water.
- Start mild: Nigerian pepper is serious. Ask for "not too hot" if you need it.
- Carry cash or be ready to transfer: many food vendors prefer bank transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular food in Lagos?
Jollof rice is the most popular party dish in Lagos, alongside suya, pounded yam and egusi, and amala with ewedu.
What is suya?
Suya is thinly sliced beef (or chicken) rubbed with a spicy peanut-based seasoning called yaji and grilled over an open flame. It's a Nigerian street-food staple.
Is Nigerian food spicy?
Often, yes. Many Nigerian dishes use hot peppers. Ask for less pepper if you prefer milder food.
