6 Street Eats You Have to Eat in Nigeria Before the World Ends
We all have goals or bucket lists or is this is me just assuming? Mine mostly have to do with food. I have more than a few items on my food to-do list that I plan to do before I move on from earth. Many of us get caught up in work and the stress of Lagos, but good food is one way to take the edge of.
There are lots of things beyond the shores of Nigeria that are on my food to-do list but beyond that I got to travel to Kaduna recently where I tried Balango. It got me thinking what are some of the top tier street foods in Nigeria that YOU have to try. Another thing is that the world may end in 17 months so I’m here to inspire you to get to eating quickly.
This list is based on my experience so please also share with us any ones we’re missing. We’d love to create a big geographical map titled Street Foods of Nigeria and Where to Find Them
What? Bole
Where? Port Harcourt
Denise swears that the way we citizens of Lagos eat boli, sorry bole is absolutely wrong and should be banned. In her defence though, eating boli with a sauce made with fish transcends eating it with groundnuts. That boli/ sauce duo? Native to Rivers state. It’s kind of a big deal in Port Harcourt. This is absolutely one Nigerian street food everyone should try at least once.
What? Balangu
Where? Kaduna
I thought I’d had good suya in my life before I went to Northern Nigeria. However, I promise you that what is sold to us as suya here pales in comparison to what is sold in the North. Balangu is a type of suya that is made from (mostly) ram meat. The trick is to roast it slowly in its own juices after it’s been killed, of course. I never thought I'd see the day I would relish eating gamey meat, but honestly, this was a real treat. 10/10 recommend.
Tip: if you’re ever in Kaduna, try the guy that sells Balangu at Murtala Square.
What? Dambu Nama
Where? Kaduna, or any Northern state
Another meaty treat, dambu nama is literally dried and shredded meat. It is spiced (obviously) and can be eaten as a snack or used to cook.
What? Akara
Where? Lagos
If this doesn’t make this list, then what exactly would? Akara is elite street food. It is so versatile, it can be eaten alone, or with bread (best with agege bread), or with ogi, or with (drinking) garri. I’m not sure if it’s sold in other states, but I know that it is a speciality in Lagos. It’s (usually) sold with dundun, puff-puff, and fried sweet potatoes. Like I said, elite.
What? Sisi Pelebe
Where? Lagos island
Reminiscent of childhood memories along with Goody Goody and Baba Dudu; Sisi Pelebe is a tasty snack made from roasted groundnuts and sugar. I recently found these again in Ikeja and oh the joy! It is absolutely something everyone should try at least a million times.
What? Ekuru
Where? Ibadan
Ekuru is made pretty much the same way moi-moi is made, from beans. The difference with Ekuru is that the beans are peeled and ground without the addition of pepper and spices. It is instead eaten with a rich palm oil stew. it is common among people from Kwara and Ondo, but it is also commonly sold in Ibadan (no one has a monopoly on good food anyway).