If you’ve ever been in Lagos traffic, taken a long bus ride, where you have to stand till you arrive at your destination, or simply had to stroll down your street around 4 p.m., then you know roadside snacks are must-haves.
You see the typical small table under a big umbrella, with a woman flipping dough on the table from one side to another, you just know you’ll be getting the best snacks.
Thankfully, they are everywhere. From the busy highways to the busy street corners, bus parks, school gates, and outside office buildings. The aroma of these snacks fill the air, making it difficult to pass by without having some.
These roadside snacks are more than just food, they are part of our everyday life; cheap, quick, and delicious. They keep the stomach full and make you do the happy child dance, as you munch on.
Here are 6 Favorite Nigerian Roadside Snacks that everyone loves;
1. Roasted Plantain
This tastes so good, you’ll regret buying just one. Pair it with groundnuts and you’ll be needing special prayers to stop you from spending your salary on it every day.
Roasted plantain, a.k.a boli or bole, is what happens when you get tired of boiled or fried plantain, and your taste bud just wants something different. They are charred on the outside, soft and caramelized on the inside, giving the perfect combination of smoky and sweet. I’m salivating just thinking about it.
Boli is a filling and naturally sweet snack that holds a special place in the hearts of many Nigerians, particularly in Lagos and Port Harcourt (PH people eat it with fried pepper sauce and roasted fish. It’s a whole meal. So soothing!).
2. Puff Puff
Soft, golden, and always slightly oily, Puff-Puff is the real MVP of roadside snacks. One minute you want “Just one,” and the next thing you know, you’ve eaten 15.
Puff-puff is a deep-fried snack, soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Made from flour, sugar, yeast, and a little bit of nutmeg, it’s typically sold warm and fresh in small portions and wrapped in paper. Some vendors make a peppered version that’s highly sought after in the Western parts of Nigeria.
It’s a favorite among school children and adults. It can be eaten alone or with a soft drink. Either way, it is always very satisfying.
3. Suya
You live in Nigeria, and you have never stood beside a smoky roadside grill, watching the “aboki” sprinkle oil as he grills meat, then you should probably check the map again.
Suya is made from thin slices of beef, chicken, or ram, and grilled over open flames. Typically served with slices of onions, seasoned pepper (aka yagi), and sometimes cabbage.
It is often enjoyed at night, with a chilled bottle of drink. Once you start, it’s difficult to stop.
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4. Meat Pie
This one is a thin line between snack and full-blown meal. One meat pie and a cold pet drink, and that’s lunch. You will find it at weddings pretending to be fancy finger food, and in office meetings, served with a bottle of Coke.
Flaky on the outside, warm and delicious on the inside, this pastry is packed with minced meat, diced potatoes, and a few reluctant carrots.
Some are 80% air and 20% regret. But when you find a good one, with generous filling? You just can’t get enough of it, and you’ll most likely think of writing a thank-you letter to the baker.
5. Gala And La Casera
This one is a staple snack in Nigeria. The duo has been saving lives since the 90’s. Nigeria traffic is incomplete without this duo. You would always have to stick your head out of the window, in hopes that the Gala hawker meets up with the bus, and sometimes you have no choice but to throw the money out for the seller.
Gala is probably the most popular snack in Nigeria’s history. Soft pastry on the outside, mashed sausage on the inside, with the sweet apple-flavoured La Casera drink.
These two are inseparable, it’s illegal to buy one without the other. Think of them as the Chioma and Davido of Nigeria roadside snacks.
If you’re bored, broke, or stuck in traffic. All you need is Gala and La Casera, and you’re good to go.
6. Roasted Corn
This one comes with a lot of excitement when in season. The corn can sometimes be a battle with your teeth, but it’s definitely worth it.
During the rainy season, you see your favorite street vendor setting up her very big umbrella, makeshift grills to roast corn over hot coals. The corn is slightly charred and chewy, often enjoyed with slices of fresh coconut or African pear (ube) for a sweet balance.
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These snacks do not only satisfy your hunger, each bite speaks of culture, community, and comfort. If you’re on a journey or just walking through a neighborhood, there’s always a delicious roadside snack waiting to be discovered.
No reservations needed, just a craving and N500 or less. Eat, laugh, and please don’t forget to wipe your oily fingers before shaking anyone’s hand.
Find out more delicious snacks and their recipes, when you join the Food and Drinks Community, on Fusion.
