In a city famed for its fast pace and an illustrious gastronomy promise, Lagos is a food lovers delight. From traditional meals to street food, the palette is filled and overflowing for anyone seeking to experiment with their taste buds. However, it is not everywhere you get to eat an eminently satisfying serving of pounded yam – a delicacy that has earned its place in the pantheon of sumptuous African dishes.
In Lagos, most restaurants serve poundo yam, masquerading it as pounded yam to their customers to avoid the cost and stress of making the traditional pounded yam.
Poundo yam is a processed yam flour that can be easily prepared into a dough-like consistency. Lovers of pounded yam choose pounded yam over poundo because of its authentic taste, smooth texture, and cultural significance.
This is why Ile-Iyan restaurant stands out in the Lagos food scene as it truly embodies the essence of pounded yam. True to its name, Ile-Iyan restaurant is the ultimate destination for enjoying well-prepared pounded yam with a variety of soup options.
If you’re in Lagos and on the mainland in search of the perfect spot to savor meticulously prepared pounded yam with a delightful bowl of Egusi or Efo-riro soup, Ile-Iyan is the place for you.
Situated opposite the well-known Raddison Blue Hotel in Ikeja GRA, this recently opened restaurant in January is an extension of its branch in Lagos Island, near Lekki.
This restaurant features a one-storey container setup. The ground floor offers a cozy patio with sunlight and fresh air for customers who prefer an outdoor dining experience. On the lower level, though somewhat compact, guests are provided with limited seating, while the spacious upper floor invites eager customers to relax on raffia mats around low tables adorned with throw pillows.
The culinary gem nestled in the heart of Lagos not only offers meticulously prepared pounded yam but also embraces the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture in its aesthetics and ambiance.
From waitresses and female supervisors adorned in Ankara and Aso-Oke woven Iro and Buba to the Boho Chic decor, guests are served delicious dishes, helped with utensils that include wooden bowls and cups. It truly captures the essence of Yoruba culture.
While technically opening at 9am, the restaurant typically serves food from 12pm. The optimal visiting hours are between 1pm and 8pm, as it closes by 9pm.
The wait for my meal was prolonged because they prioritize preparing each order fresh, especially for the pounded yam. Despite the 30-35 minute wait, the meal was worth it, and I found it delicious.
The restaurant’s price range spans from N6,000 to N22,000. With N6,000, you can enjoy two wraps of pounded yam, a soup of your choice, and two goat meats. They are generous with the soup, providing more than enough for the ordered wraps of pounded yam.
Ile Iyan’s menu includes enticing options like village rice, featuring basmati rice in palm oil sauce, served with peppered snails, and smoked fish. The menu also includes grilled plantains, fried yams, peppered snails, as well as grilled chicken and turkey.
For beverages, you can choose from regular sodas, fresh pineapple, or orange juice. However, a nod to tradition could be further amplified with the inclusion of palm wine on the beverage list, enhancing the overall traditional experience.
Your taste buds deserve a traditional adventure, and Ile-Iyan is here to offer it. Don’t just read about it, let your senses savour the experience firsthand. Your next culinary escapade awaits at Ile-Iyan, where Yoruba heritage comes alive on your plate.