20 most common Nigerian street foods
Street food is an everyday reality in Nigeria. Starting from early morning commuters grabbing Akara and bread to late-night hangouts fueled by Suya and shawarma, these meals are part of the country’s routine.
They are affordable, widely available, and deeply tied to culture. Each region has its own favorites, yet some have become national staples that cut across class, tribe, and location. Here are 20 of the most common Nigerian street foods and what makes them so popular.
1. Suya
Suya is Nigeria’s most famous street food, found at night stalls in nearly every city. It is grilled beef or chicken coated with a special yaji spice mix of ground pepper, ginger, and peanuts. Vendors usually serve it with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, wrapped in old newspapers or foil. It’s cheap, spicy, and social—Suya is rarely eaten alone.
2. Akara
Akara, or bean cakes, are a breakfast classic. They are made from peeled black-eyed peas blended with onions and pepper, then deep-fried. Street vendors sell them hot, often eaten with pap (ogi) or stuffed inside bread for a quick, filling meal.
3. Puff-Puff
These small, deep-fried balls of sweet dough are one of Nigeria’s most beloved snacks. Sold at school gates, markets, and bus stops, puff-puff is soft inside with a golden-brown crust outside. It is usually eaten plain but sometimes sprinkled with sugar.
4. Boli (Roasted Plantain)
Boli is roasted ripe or semi-ripe plantain, grilled over charcoal until charred. In Lagos, it’s commonly eaten with groundnut (peanuts), while in Port Harcourt, it comes with spicy fish sauce. It’s a go-to snack during the dry season.
5. Dodo (Fried Plantain)
Unlike boli, dodo is fried in oil until caramelized and sweet. It is often sold alongside fried eggs, rice, or beans by street vendors. Many Nigerians see it as comfort food that works both as a snack and a meal addition.
6. Moi Moi
Moi Moi is a steamed bean pudding made with ground beans, pepper, and oil, often enriched with boiled eggs, fish, or corned beef. Vendors sell it wrapped in leaves or nylon bags. It’s both street food and a party staple.
7. Ewa Agoyin
Ewa Agoyin is mashed beans served with a distinct, smoky pepper sauce made from fried onions and chili. It’s popular with roadside vendors, usually paired with bread, making it a filling and affordable option for workers.
8. Roasted Yam
Slices of yam roasted over open charcoal fires are common at bus stops and roadside stalls. They are eaten with spicy palm oil or pepper sauce and are especially popular during harmattan.
9. Roasted Corn
A seasonal favorite, roasted corn is sold fresh off the grill during the rainy season. It’s often paired with coconut or African pear (ube). Nigerians enjoy it as a cheap, portable snack.
10. Abacha (African Salad)
Abacha, made from cassava flakes, is especially popular in eastern Nigeria. Vendors mix it with palm oil, garden egg, fish, and spices. It’s more filling than many snacks, doubling as a proper meal.
11. Shawarma
Adapted from the Middle East, Nigerian shawarma has become a nightlife staple. Vendors wrap grilled meat, sausage, coleslaw, and spicy mayo-ketchup in flatbread. It’s a more modern street food, but widely embraced.
12. Gala and La Casera
The iconic roadside combo. Gala is a packaged sausage roll, while La Casera is a carbonated apple drink. Hawkers sell both in Lagos traffic, making them a symbol of Nigeria’s urban hustle.
13. Fried Yam (Dundun)
Fried yam is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Often paired with fried plantain, Akara, or pepper sauce, it’s one of the cheapest and most filling street meals.
14. Peppered Snail
Peppered snail is a delicacy often sold at roadside grills and bars. It’s chewy, spicy, and usually eaten as an evening snack or accompaniment to drinks.
15. Corn and Coconut
A lighter snack, this duo pairs roasted or boiled corn with fresh coconut. It’s a street-side staple during corn season and one of the most natural fast foods you can find.
16. Chin Chin
These crunchy fried dough bites come sweet or lightly spiced. They’re sold in transparent nylons and are especially popular among school children and office workers looking for quick snacks.
17. Nigerian Egg Roll
This is a boiled egg encased in dough and deep-fried until golden. It’s filling, portable, and popular with travelers.
18. Kuli Kuli
Kuli Kuli is a northern Nigerian snack made from groundnuts. It’s crunchy, nutty, and often eaten with garri or fura. Vendors sell it in small wraps on street corners and markets.
19. Buns
Similar to puff-puff but denser, buns are slightly sweet fried dough balls. They are common at school gates and are often paired with soft drinks.
20. Roasted Fish
Roasted fish stalls are found near markets and bars. The fish is marinated with spices and grilled, served with boli, yam, or pepper sauce. It’s a heavier street food, usually eaten in the evening.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s street foods are more than snacks; they are an extension of daily llife. They feed workers on the go, give students quick bites between classes, and bring flavor to nightlife. Whether it’s the simplicity of roasted corn or the spice of Suya, these foods remain central to how Nigerians eat, live, and connect.
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