Happy New Year!

At the turn of a new year, feelings of a fresh start are provoked in the mind of every individual. The world is in a new space, a new phase and everything around us feels fresh. This year, while you’re out and about making commitments to improve the overall quality of your life, we at Eat Drink Lagos think it’s important to diversify your palate.

We’ve all enjoyed Nigerian classics like jollof rice and amala for years but truly when was the last time a flavour revealed itself to you? When was the last time a taste or texture was entirely foreign but utterly delicious to you? When was the last time you tried something new? 

In the spirit of the new year, we at Eat Drink Lagos absolutely encourage you to take some rewarding food risks in the months to come! Give yourself a chance to delve into the richness that is food and drink. No idea where to start? Here are some of our top picks to try in the new year.

1. Berry Bliss French Toast at Cafeteria

For the aesthetic aficionado, Cafeteria may as well be a dream come true. Residing in the heart of Victoria Island, the cute and cosy café combines beautiful, minimalistic scenery and an equally interesting and diverse menu. From fun boba teas and fresh juices to signature salads and sandwiches, this new kid on the block is sure to become a signature spot in the months to come! 

Of all the delicious and interesting eats available on the Cafeteria menu, the Berry Bliss French Toast stands out. Already the most-sought-after meal on Cafeteria’s menu, this french toast is everything; all shades of fluffy and delicious. Paired with mascarpone sauce to give it an extra kick of flavour, this is by far one of the most satisfying eats you can begin your year with. What are you waiting for? Head over to Cafeteria immediately! 

(NOSA’S NOTE: You aren’t missing much. You can skip this one. We tried it already.)

2. Chicken Pesto Sandwich at Craft Gourmet

Handcrafted and homemade, Craft Gourmet creates delicious fusion delicacies with the best ingredients available on the market. Already, Craft Gourmet’s menu sports impressive meals including their signature jollof paella, spicy cumin hummus with shrimps and garlic bread and chicken waffle sandwich, the new year brings a new addition to their menu; a chicken pesto sandwich!

Given Craft Gourmet’s spotless reputation, there is no doubt that this new addition to their already perfectly- curated menu will pack a punch. Besides, chicken and pesto is a match made in heaven. Although it’s exact debut date on the menu is yet to be announced, this is one dish you can pique your anticipation on. It will not disappoint.

3. Korean Beef Bibimbap at HSE Gourmet

Asia boasts some of the most delicious and flavourful dishes available on the planet. As with many dishes, a wide variety of Asian cuisine is readily available in Lagos and Nigeria, overall. The more common dishes such as Spring Rolls and Dim Sum may provoke familiar memories, however, you might just be skipping out on a Korean treasure called Bibimbap.

Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish which combines rice, meat, and assorted vegetables. The beauty of Bibimbap is that there is no one way to make the delicacy. The more traditional versions of this delicacy are paired with raw beef and raw egg yolk. However, you can work your way through endless meat and vegetable combinations until you curate the perfect bowl for your taste. 

At HSE Gourmet, Chef Nkesi takes her spin on the traditional Korean delicacy by combining beef, mushrooms and a slew of delicious vegetables in order to create a plate that both looks and tastes like a rainbow. Chef Nkesi boasts impressive culinary prowess, having two of her restaurants in the top 5 for Restaurant of the Year 2019. Swing by HSE Gourmet anytime you’re willing to give your taste buds a treat.

4. Bao Buns at Kewa’s Kitchen

Kewa’s Kitchen is a lunch order and catering service business. Unlike the aforementioned restaurants, this brand does not have a physical space in which they transact business. However, this lack of physical space has done very little to stop Kewa from doing the Lord’s work on our taste buds.

Kewa’s Kitchen possesses an incredibly diverse menu with delicacies ranging from jerk chicken bowls to Drunken Noodles and yummy Kung Pao. Of all the delicacies Kewa’s Kitchen has brought to life, none may compare to their particularly mouth-watering Bao Buns. 

Bao Buns — traditionally referred to as Gua Bao — is a Chinese dish which combines steamed bread, stewed meats, condiments and vegetables. Bao can be served as both a main and side dish and is also popular in Taiwan as street food. 

Typically, Bao Buns are made with pork belly, pickled vegetables and mustard coriander. At Kewa’s Kitchen, a spin on traditional Bao Buns has birthed three unique variations known as; Spicy Sriracha Chicken; Korean Pulled Beef and; Sticky Pork Belly.

No matter the variation you will be sinking your teeth into, your mouth is sure to explode at the soft, fluffy and flavourful experience that is the Bao Bun.

5. Seafood Paella at 788 on the Sea 

With a stellar view of the Atlantic Ocean, salty sea breeze and succulent seafood dishes, 788 on the Sea is a nautical lover’s dream restaurant. Between its incredibly aesthetic decor and carefully curated menu, it’s hard to dislike a restaurant such as this. Its menu sports beautiful cocktails, salads, pastries and of course, delicious seafood classics. One of these classics is its Seafood Paella.