Exploring Nigeria: The Best Street Foods to Enjoy

Nigerians love to have a good time. They are among the happiest and most resilient people on earth. It’s been said by many that place a Nigerian in any part of the world and they will find something to do. Simply put, Nigerians know how to have a good time. Irrespective of our various differences, there are things that bring us together, like football, music, and food. 

When it comes to street foods in Nigeria, you have access to a variety of choices. Some are known to a particular tribe, while others are known for a particular time of the day. Wherever you may be or whatever time of the day you get a special craving, we have come up with the best street foods to have in Nigeria.

Suya

Ask any Nigerian what their favourite street food is, and Suya would probably be the first, second, or third choice. Suya is a household name that is sold across the country and is loved by most. Just like our national anthem and our national flag, some have said that Suya should probably be referred to as our national food (rice is probably the other competition). Made from grilled beef, chicken, ram, or any other protein you can think of, it is mixed with an array of local spices that add that special taste that can only be gotten from Suya. Suya, sold at almost every junction, bar, and pub in the country at night, wrapped in old newspapers and garnished with cucumbers, onions, or cabbage, is the answer to the prayers of a lot of Nigerians. When exploring Nigeria, Suya is a must-have for all. 

Boli/Bole (roasted plantains)

Let’s just say what you are thinking. The range of plantains is unmatched. From frying it and getting ‘Dodo’ or ‘plantain chips’ to roasting it and getting Boli or Bole, depending on the part of the country you find yourself in, Boli is the south-western name popular among the Yorubas, while Bole is the south-southern name popular in Port Harcourt. Boli/Bole, a popular fixture in nearly every street across the country and sold across all seasons, can be eaten with groundnut, grilled fish, or pepper sauce. This street food also has its own dedicated festival, the “Bole Fest,” that is held in Port Harcourt every year. What’s cooler than that? 

Akara

Akara, or bean cake, bean balls, or whatever name is given, is one of the most popular street foods in Nigeria. Particularly popular in the south-western states of Nigeria, akara is a popular fixture in households and on the street. Akara, a popular breakfast meal, is made from blended beans, mixed with pepper, and fried in groundnut oil. Akara can be eaten with pap, custard, bread, or oats. It has a very distinct taste and can be eaten as an early-morning kickstart meal or as a light dinner.

Puff Puff

A major appetiser across parties in Nigeria. Puff Puff is made from flour, yeast, butter, and eggs mixed together, left to settle, and then fried in vegetable oil. This street food is one of the most accessible and can be seen across Nigeria. Early in the morning, you see schoolchildren in queues to get some, and in the afternoon, you see traders and businesspeople alike getting it to serve as afternoon snacks. Puff-puff can be served alone, but oftentimes at parties it is accompanied by Samosa, Fried Chicken, and Spring Rolls (these four together are popularly referred to by Nigerians as ‘Small Chops’).

Abacha

Our very own African salad. Originating from the eastern part of Nigeria, Abacha is a meal with the origins of royalty and is cooked mainly with cassava. This cassava is shredded and then cooked. After this, it is heated and then mixed with green vegetables, palm oil, roasted fish, onions, and garden eggs, arranged in a way that’s pleasing to your eyes. Abacha can be found in nearly all parts of Nigeria, but to have the best experience possible, try having it in the eastern part of the country, particularly Enugu. The taste of it in your mouth is enough to take a trip down there. If you are planning a trip to Nigeria or looking for new places to explore, you can check out our previous post on hidden travel gems in Nigeria.

Ewa Agoyin

The true representation of a classic Nigerian street food is that it is best enjoyed in its rawest and most local form, and that is the very case with ewa agoyin. Ewa Agoyin is overcooked beans left to soften and mash together. Mixed with pepper sauce made with palm oil and mixed with pomo (cow skin), fish, or any other protein, like most street food, the most delicious Ewa Agoyin you might ever eat is sold by the roadside in the southwestern states of Nigeria. Ewa Agoyin can be eaten with bread, the popular ‘Agege bread’ or plantain (dodo). If you are someone exploring Nigeria for the first time or you find yourself in the south-western states of the country, trying out Ewa Agoyin is a no-brainer. 

Corn

What better way of knowing the start of the rainy season as a Nigerian than the overflow of corn stalls all over the country? Corn, a street food that can be found in most parts of the country, is popular among many Nigerians. Its versatility is also something that attracts people. You can have roasted corn or boiled corn. Without being attached to any particular tribe, you can find shops selling corn all over the country. In the south-eastern part of the country, it is eaten with African pear (ube), and in the south-western part of the country, it is mostly eaten alone or with coconut.