My favourite food has been Jollof rice and chicken for most of my life. Maybe it’s a cliche Nigerian thing, but it is what it is, folks. Anyway, recently, I was about to order my work lunch and it occurred to me that I literally get Jollof rice every other day! That means I've had my share of bad experiences, but on some days, I’m blessed with rice that really bangs. So, naturally, as the sweet girl that I am, I’m here to share the top take-out spots to get truly quality Jollof in Lagos. And that’s on periodt.

Note: These recommendations are in no particular order of rank.

Firewood Jollof

As the name suggests, the good folks at Firewood Jollof are experts at creating that nostalgic feeling of going to a naming ceremony or funeral in a typical Lagos setting, smelling the smoke from the firewood mixed with the aroma of the rice from a mile off. This is what you get when you open a bowl of their signature rice. It hits every note.

I remember tasting Firewood Jollof for the first time and thinking yeah, this is it! The rice isn’t soggy, it’s very flavorful and they’ve perfected that smokey taste. The chicken could be bigger, though, and the portion of plantain was 👀😆 It was too minute to be satisfying, but oh well, plantain is plantain.

Generally, their portions need to be better, but the taste makes up for any shortcomings.

Price: N2000

Deyum Jollof

I saw what they did with their name immediately I tasted the J rice. When I opened the pack of food, it was like a blast from the past, when you visit that “big aunty” and she cooks a large pot of Jollof that everyone ends up fighting over (oh, just me? 🙃).

I ordered the lunch pack with ram meat, turkey and plantain, and for the first time, I felt like I really got my money's worth; my plate was packed! However, the plantain was super soft, not the exact way I like my plantain, but yet again, not mad about it. My fave part of this meal had to be the ram meat; it was so tender and so tasty.

The presentation and colour of the Jollof could be better, but I wouldn't change a thing about the taste.

Price: N6500

Just Jollof

Now, this is contemporary-style Jollof rice. The rice grains were super fine, the kind you imagine they cook in a fancy cast iron pot or an aesthetic-pleasing kitchen. It tasted boujee and was paired with plantain and the best goat meat I’ve possibly ever had — super tender, flavoursome and just the perfect accompaniment for the Jollof. I was initially a bit hesitant because of the price (see below), but when they delivered it, I was quite impressed.

Not only did it taste good, but the food was also overflowing — literally! I took my time with this meal because I wanted to enjoy every spoon (lol also shared it with my mum and she gave them a solid 9/10; that rating doesn't come easy!).

Just Jollof is definitely worth it.