My first encounter with street food dates back to when I was little. My mum used to buy lunch for my twin sister and I from a street food vendor called ‘Iya Konsol’, derived from the nearby Konsol School, in Egbeda area of Lagos.
Her yams were delicious and different from my mum’s. As a grown-up, I soon discovered the secret behind Iya Konsol’s sweet yam. She added sugar while boiling the yams. This discovery, that street food in Lagos could be tastier than what I was accustomed to at home, sparked my exploration of the diverse culinary offerings on the city’s streets, despite concerns on their hygiene.
Street food’s origins can be traced back to the necessity for quick and accessible nourishment. Ancient civilizations saw the emergence of markets and stalls offering a variety of bites for those on the move. From the spice-laden streets of ancient Rome to the teeming markets of mediaeval Asia, street food became an integral part of daily life.
Street food in Lagos is more than just a culinary experience; it’s a journey through the city’s rich culture and traditions. The vibrant streets come alive with a symphony of flavors, from amala joints to ‘Bukka’ restaurants, street-side Suya kebab spots, Sharwama shacks, and roadside roasted yam with plantains.
Alade Street Food
I explored one of the recommended street food spots in Ikeja, situated on Alade Street, opposite the famous Lagos Airport Hotel. You can’t miss it—huge piles of hot jollof rice, coconut rice, fried turkey laps, and fishes greet you as you walk into the bustling street.
Gospel artist Chris Otuke, a regular at Lagos Airport Hotel’s pool, finds this spot convenient after an evening swim, describing the food as decent but not extraordinary.
“As a good cook, I can say their food is mid but it is not terrible. The taste is just okay, I eat it just to quench hunger,” Otuke told The Record.
At a glance, it seems the meals at the beginning of Alade Street are sold by one vendor in two stalls, because of their identical food display but they’re owned by different vendors, Ebishaf Catering Food and T.K Foods. After my attempt to taste both vendors’ meals, it seemed identical, raising questions about whether they share the same recipe.
A staff of Ebishaf Catering Food disclosed to The Record that they don’t share the same cook.
“I don’t know if these cooks use the same recipe,” he shared with us.
During a conversation with a frequent visitor to Ebishaf Catering Food, she revealed that this spot has become her preferred dinner destination after returning from a busy day at work.
“I prefer their swallows; their soups are delicious,” shared the customer, who wished to remain anonymous.
Both food stalls operate 24/7, a rarity among Lagos street vendors who typically have specific hours, either open only at night or from morning till noon.
University of Suya
Moving to another popular spot at Allen Junction, the University of Suya, established in 1981, stands out for its special Suya, beef Suya, grilled gizzards, kidney meat, and Isan (fatty) meat. I tried the special Suya, beef Suya, Isan, and gizzards.
While the University of Suya’s meat is well-marinated, providing a savory taste, the quantity is smaller compared to roadside vendors.
The Suya spot extends its hours from early morning to late at night, sometimes into the early hours.
My culinary journey through Lagos’s street food scene has been a flavorful exploration, from the sweet yams of ‘Iya Konsol’ to the bustling Alade Street and the savory delights of University of Suya at Allen Junction.
Whether it’s the convenience after an evening swim, the familiarity of a preferred dinner spot, or the nostalgic taste of well-marinated Suya, every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos.
So, the next time you find yourself on Lagos’s streets, you should try out these recommended spots. Explore, taste, and savor the essence of Lagos through its rich tapestry of street food.