Only in Lagos!
Lagos, the hub of Nigeria’s economy, is a city ever bustling with vibrant culture – think New York, London, Paris. As with every thriving city, Lagos prides itself on a rich local cuisine: a variety of countrywide meals prepared, served and enjoyed with a uniquely Lagosian twist.
Below are ten of the most delicious delicacies to try in Lagos:
10. Boli – Using one of Lagos’ most loved ingredients – plantain, – Boli (or Bolè, as some would argue) is a snack made by grilling or roasting plantains. This tasty snack is quick and easy to prepare, a condition that perfectly suits the ever-moving lifestyle of the city. Wrapped in paper and served with groundnuts, this snack is enjoyed on street corners and corporate offices alike.
9. Dundun (Oniyeri) – This crispy fried yam served with a spicy sauce is another popular street snack. Served hot – fresh off the fire, literally – dundun is best enjoyed with a cold drink in the evening after a long day at work for a finger-licking treat.
8. Akara (African Bean Cake) – Akara is made from ground bean paste. Spiced generously with pepper and onions – local chefs’ primary ingredients – the paste is fried into a delicious crunchy brown ball. For a delicious breakfast, crush some akara balls into a loaf of locally made bread and wash it down with a bottle of soda.
7. Ewa Agonyin– This is another bean dish, made from mashed beans and served with fried tomato and pepper sauce. Originally from the Ghanaians and Togolese people, this sauce has evolved into a must-have local topping for these mashed beans, creating an unrivaled taste. The clarion call of Ewa agonyin hawkers rings through the streets of Lagos early in the morning and late into the afternoon.
6. Amala and Abula – Traditionally from southern Nigeria, Amala is a thick brown paste made from yam or plantain flour, while Abula is a mixture of Gbegiri (Bean Soup), Ewedu (draw soup made with a special leaf) and pepper sauce. The allure of this lip-smacking meal is such that local restaurants are filled to the capacity with corporates in suits at lunchtime, unashamed of digging into a plate of hot Amala and Abula on a workday.
5. Catfish Peppersoup – If you’ve ever heard the term ‘Point and Kill’ and thought to take cover, don’t be alarmed – only the ingredients are harmed in the making of this meal.
Our number five dish is a special delicacy made with Catfish, so called because the fish are displayed in a bowl from which customers ‘point’ at their choices, after which the fish are ‘killed’ and prepared. The fish are then served in a bowl of spicy peppersoup. Catfish peppersoup is best enjoyed with a group of friends at a local bar.
4. Puff Puff – Just as the name implies, Puff Puff is a puffy, fluffy and spongy snack made from deep fried dough. One could argue that the only difference between this and doughnuts is the hole in the middle. Served hot and fresh-off-the-pan, this is a delicacy that very many Lagosians have sworn allegiance to. The little round balls are easy to toss in the mouth; a sumptuous side snack to keep you going during the workday.
3. Nkwobi – A popular meal that originates from Eastern Nigeria, Nkwobi is a dish made with spicy cow foot mixed in vegetables, onions and pepper served in a small calabash or bowl. As gruesome as that may sound to the uninitiated tourist, Nkwobi is a truly mouthwatering dish. Served as an appetizer or a dessert, it is so irresistible that only the strong-willed can keep from ordering several bowls in one sitting.
2. Asun – Literally translated to mean, ‘smoked’, Asun is a spicy barbecued goat meat dish served with a selection of aromatic spices – and, of course, pepper. Celebrations are never quite complete without a bowl of Asun to share with friends.
1. Suya – At the top of our list is Suya, unrivaled and by far the most popular snack in Lagos. Suya is locally skewered meat that originates from northern Nigeria.
Similar to the shish kebab, Suya is sliced thinly, pre-cooked in generous helpings of native northern pepper, and grilled over live coals until well done. It is served with a special blend of peppers, onions and tomatoes, as well as a Northern ground spice called ‘Yaji’.
The rich aroma of Suya is one of the signatures of the Lagos nightlife. It is the perfect round table snack to share with friends at local bars, clubs and even at home with your family.
Welcome to Lagos!
//Credits
Featured Image: AWGZ | http://awgzz.shutterchance.com
Dundun – Nigerian food tv ,Youtube.
Catfish pepper soup – wivestownhallconnection.com
akara – avartsycooking.com
Ewa Agonyin – Afrolems.com
puffpuff – avartsycooking.com
Suya – splendidtable.com
