Encomium
From Suya to Boli: MTN’s See Naija Spotlights Nigeria’s Most Mouthwatering Street Food
Nothing brings Nigerians together quite like food, especially when it’s straight from the bustling streets where flavors, aromas, and laughter fill the air. Nigerian street food isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s a vibe, an experience, and a deliciously affordable way to explore Nigeria’s rich culture. In MTN’s See Naija campaign, we’re celebrating the mouthwatering variety of street foods that capture the heart and taste buds of Naija!
1. Boli – Grilled Plantain Magic
If you’ve strolled through Lagos or Port Harcourt, you know the unmistakable aroma of boli sizzling on a roadside grill. Boli is simply grilled plantain, but add a side of groundnut (peanuts) or pepper sauce with fish, and you have a snack that’s both sweet and spicy. It’s the perfect combo of flavors, and it’s loved across the country. Boli sellers, often found in busy market areas, serve up this Naija favorite at an affordable price, making it the ultimate “pick-me-up” for busy days.
2. Suya – The Fiery Skewers That Keep You Coming Back
When the sun sets and the streets start to cool, the suya spots light up! Suya is a beloved Nigerian BBQ delicacy—thinly sliced beef, chicken gizzard, or liver seasoned with a spicy peanut mix, skewered, and grilled to perfection. The result is smoky, spicy goodness with an unforgettable crunch. Wrapped in newspapers and topped with onions and tomatoes, suya is more than food; it’s an experience. There’s nothing quite like standing around a suya spot with friends, waiting for those hot, peppery sticks of joy.
3. Akara – Breakfast on the Go
Akara (bean cakes) is the Nigerian breakfast MVP! Made from ground black-eyed peas mixed with spices, onions, and sometimes even crayfish, akara is fried until golden brown and crispy. It’s often enjoyed with pap (fermented corn pudding) or bread for a quick, satisfying meal. Akara sellers, especially on Saturday mornings, are local legends, feeding hungry Lagosians on the go. And the best part? You can have an entire bag of akara for less than a few hundred naira.
4. Puff Puff – Naija’s Golden Balls of Joy
Puff puff is basically Naija’s answer to doughnuts. These soft, golden-brown balls are made from flour, sugar, yeast, and sometimes a dash of nutmeg, then deep-fried to perfection. Sweet, chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside, puff puff is a street food favorite for kids and adults alike. It’s common to see these fluffy treats sold in clear plastic bags, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack for anyone with a sweet tooth.
5. Moi Moi – Bean Cake Delight
Don’t let its humble appearance fool you; moi moi is a powerhouse! This steamed bean pudding is a staple at parties, gatherings, and yes, street food stalls. Made from peeled beans, peppers, onions, and spices, moi moi can be enjoyed alone, with jollof, or even with rice and stew. Street vendors often serve moi moi wrapped in banana leaves for that extra layer of flavor and authenticity. It’s soft, savory, and hits the spot every time!
6. Abacha – The African Salad You Didn’t Know You Needed
Known as African salad, abacha is a specialty from Eastern Nigeria, made with cassava, palm oil, peppers, and spices. Sometimes topped with fish, garden eggs, or ugba (oil bean seeds), abacha is tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly refreshing. You’ll often find abacha vendors with large trays of this colorful salad at markets, and the flavor is as vibrant as its presentation. Abacha may be an acquired taste, but for those who love it, nothing else compares!
7. Gala and La Casera – The Dynamic Duo
Alright, this one’s not “cooked,” but it’s impossible to talk about Nigerian street food without mentioning Gala and La Casera. These are the ultimate grab-and-go pair: a meat-filled pastry and a cold apple-flavored soda, loved by road travelers across Naija. They’re as much a part of Nigeria’s street food culture as any cooked dish, and whether you’re in a bus or just need a quick snack, Gala and La Casera are always there to rescue your hunger!
8. Dundun – Fried Yam Delight
Dundun is fried yam at its best, crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. This tasty staple often comes with a spicy pepper sauce (ata din din) or some delicious fried fish on the side. It’s a roadside favourite and, let’s be honest, when you get a piping hot piece of dundun wrapped in newspaper, it feels like a mini-celebration. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or any random moment hunger strikes—dundun has no time limits!
9. Roasted Corn with Coconut or Pear (Ube) – The Ultimate Naija Combo
If you’ve walked the streets in the rainy season, you’ve seen the beautiful sight of corn roasting on hot charcoal, its smoky scent filling the air. Roasted corn with a side of crunchy coconut or soft ube (African pear) is the pairing you never knew you needed. That first crunchy bite of corn followed by the creamy sweetness of ube or coconut? That’s flavour harmony right there! Corn and ube is pure nostalgia for many Nigerians; it’s a snack that feels like a warm hug from grandma.
10. Kunu – A Chilled Drink with a Spicy Kick
Kunu is a traditional drink, made from grains like millet or sorghum and infused with ginger and spices. It’s a drink with some serious character—cool, refreshing, but with a zesty kick that sneaks up on you. Perfect for hot Naija afternoons, kunu isn’t just a drink; it’s a whole experience. Sip it slowly and savor every spicy note!
11. Palm Wine – Nature’s Champagne
Fresh, frothy, and straight from the palm tree, palm wine is the drink of the gods. Known as “pami” to locals, and in Naija, we take it seriously! It’s natural, sweet, and just the right level of “buzzy” to make you feel like you’re in paradise. Grab it fresh from a local palm wine tapper, and you’re golden. Palm wine gatherings are where stories flow as freely as the wine itself, and every sip is a reminder of simpler, sweeter times. It’s popular at gatherings, ceremonies, and is also enjoyed casually at local bars, or joints known as “bush bars.”
12. Zobo – The Drink with a Personality
Zobo is Nigeria’s answer to fruity, floral drinks, made from hibiscus leaves and often spiced with ginger, cloves, or pineapple. It’s red, it’s bold, and it’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a sunny day. Best served chilled, zobo’s got that sweet and tangy combo that makes you keep reaching for more. And if you’re on a health kick, good news! Zobo is packed with antioxidants—so you can drink up and feel good about it.
13. Fura de Nono – The Northern Smoothie
Imagine a yogurt drink but with a twist—that’s fura de nono. Made from millet (fura) and cow’s milk (nono), this rich drink is popular in northern Nigeria. Fura de nono is thick, filling, and has a natural sweetness that hits the spot. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a whole meal in a cup! So if you’re ever feeling famished, grab a fura de nono, and thank us later.
14. Kilishi – Naija’s Spicy Beef Jerky
Kilishi is suya’s tougher, spicier cousin, and it’s a road trip essential. This dried, spiced meat is marinated in a spicy peanut mix and then sun-dried, making it chewy and packed with flavour. Perfect for snacking, kilishi brings the heat with every bite, and the peanut seasoning adds a richness that leaves you craving more. Be warned: once you start, it’s hard to stop!
15. Peppered Snail – The Fancy Street Snack
If you want to treat yourself, go for some peppered snail. These spicy, chewy morsels are delicacies, and they’re often served at parties and special events. But some street vendors sell them too, so you don’t have to wait for a wedding invitation to get your fix. Coated in a rich, peppery sauce, these snails are fiery, flavorful, and totally worth every naira. Just don’t forget to have a drink nearby—peppered snail isn’t here to play!
These street foods are more than just snacks; they’re a celebration of Nigeria’s diverse flavours and the love Naija has for good food. From dundun to kilishi, each bite tells a story, and every sip of zobo or kunu reminds us of home. So, whether you’re in bustling Lagos, peaceful Kaduna, or anywhere in between, don’t miss out on these street food legends!
Join the See Naija Movement!
With See Naija, MTN is bringing our favorite street foods and other aspects of Nigerian culture into the spotlight. Whether you’re a puff puff enthusiast or a suya connoisseur, this campaign is a chance to share what makes Nigerian food, music, and landscapes special to you. Ready to join? Grab your phone, capture your favorite Naija moments, and share them using #SeeNaijaWithMTN.
From spicy to sweet, crispy to chewy, Nigeria’s street food is full of flavors that make our culture unforgettable. So, Naija, which one are you craving today?!
