Scrummy street foods in Nigeria
Street food in Nigeria is not just about food but a way of life. Unlike many other countries where street foods are majorly snack, Nigerian street food is a collection of cousins which differ from one region to another. In fact, street food in Nigeria is a culture on its own and its uniqueness lies in what part of the country you are in. Overall, there are more street foods that unite the diverse culture in Nigeria than you can imagine. While there are many street foods that are unique to almost every region of the country, this post will only present 5 of the most scrummy and popular street foods that you can easily find in any part of Nigeria.
Spiced Meat Skewer (Suya): Suya is generally considered the most popular street food in Nigeria, especially at night. There are many variations to this legacy food in the streets of Nigeria. The thinly sliced meat can be marinated with different spices and flavors and then barbecued. Suya is served with a special pepper called Yaji. Suya is a stand alone street food but it also goes with standard meals, drinks, pap and so on. A dried version of Suya is called Kilishi, other forms include Tsire and Balango. Despite the large population of Nigeria, there is literally no Nigerian Youth that does not like one or two Suya variants.
Fried Bean Cake: Fried bean cake is popularly known as Akara or Kosai in the Southern and Northern part of Nigeria respectively. It is made from peeled beans, grinded into a paste, then formed into a ball before deep-frying in vegetable or palm oil. This is one of the most versatile street foods in Nigeria because it can be served with bread, fried yam, pap or what-have-you. It is one of the most reliable breakfasts in the streets of Nigeria.
Indomie and Egg: Indomie is loosely referred to as noodles in Nigeria. The street version of noodles is popularly referred to as Mai Shayi (Meaning Tea Seller). Indomie and Egg is readily available at every street vendor that sells Bread and Tea. Hence the name Mai Shayi. It is arguably one of the most sorted after dinner street foods by bachelors because of the special recipe used.
Milk and Millet Gruel: Are walking in the sun? Or you are tired from working Or you want to take something chilled, refreshing and filling? Then Milk and Millet Gruel popularly known as Fura da Nono is your surest plug. Fura (Millet Gruel) da (and) Nono (Fresh or Fermented Cow Milk) is one of the most satisfying, healthy and stomach filling street foods every Nigerian looks forward to. Due to the high demand of Fura da Nono and insufficient supply of Nono, yogurt has proven to be an alternative.
Roasted or Grilled plantain: Grilled plantain, also known as Boli is another popular street food which has a snack and meal depending on whether it is served with groundnut or with Stew and fish or meat. Boli is a symbol of enjoyment in the street and also a hallmark of low income. It is one of the simplest and most sought after street foods on the streets of Nigeria.
As a Nigerian in diaspora that has toured 25 out of the 36 states in Nigeria, I so much miss my Nigerian street foods. Which of these street foods have you tried or would you love to try?
