Some of the best meals I’ve had in this city came from roadside food vendors and small local kitchens where the queues are long and the flavours are unforgettable.

If you’re willing to leave aesthetic restaurants and explore a little, these are the places I’d happily recommend.

1. Rukayat Olofada

📍 Ikeja Under Bridge

If you’re a fan of proper Ofada rice with rich ayamase sauce, this is one of the first places I’d mention. The portions are generous, the stew has that smoky local flavour, and it’s the kind of meal that keeps you full for hours.

What to try: Ofada rice with assorted meat or turkey

2. Teenah Grills

📍 Awoyokun Street, Yaba

Whenever I’m craving grilled food around Yaba, Teenah Grills is usually on my list. Their grilled chicken and fish are well seasoned without being overly spicy, and the sides make it a complete meal.

What to try: Grilled chicken with fries or plantain.

3. Grilled Catfish Spot

📍 Onayade Street, Yaba

If you enjoy freshly grilled catfish with pepper sauce, this place rarely disappoints. The fish is grilled to order, so it’s worth waiting a few extra minutes.

What to try: Whole grilled catfish with potato chips and salad

4. Aramide Olofada

📍 Ikeja Under Bridge

Another solid Ofada spot if you’re on the mainland. I like that the rice isn’t overly oily, and the stew has enough flavour without overwhelming everything else on the plate.

What to try: Ofada rice with ponmo and assorted meat.

5. Akara & Pap

📍 Onayade Street, beside ABC Transport, Jibowu

Some mornings, simple food is all you need. Fresh akara with hot pap is one of those classic Lagos breakfasts that never gets old.

What to try: Akara and pap.

6. Amala Tax Office

📍 Pako Aguda, Surulere

If you’re an amala lover, this place deserves a visit. Their ewedu, gbegiri, and assorted meat are consistently good, and it’s usually busy, which is always a good sign.

What to try: Amala with ewedu, gbegiri, and stew.

7. Ruboss Kitchen

📍 Terminal 1, Oshodi

A convenient stop if you’re around Oshodi and need a filling meal before continuing your journey. Their menu has plenty of Nigerian favourites at reasonable prices.

What to try: Jollof rice and grilled chicken.

8. Lanre Spaghetti

📍 Tejuosho Market, Yaba

Sometimes the simplest meals become local legends. Lanre’s spaghetti has built a loyal following for good reason. It’s affordable, satisfying, and perfect if you’re shopping around Tejuosho.

What to try: Stir-fried spaghetti with chicken.

9. Mara’s Peppersoup

📍 Shop 4, Education Red Bricks, University of Lagos

This is one of my favourite comfort food spots around UNILAG. Whether it’s raining or you’ve had a long day, a bowl of hot pepper soup here always hits differently.

What to try: Catfish or goat meat pepper soup.

10. Waakye Spot

📍 Awoyokun Street, Yaba

If you’ve never tried waakye before, this is a good place to start. You can build your plate with rice and beans, stew, spaghetti, eggs, fish, or meat depending on how hungry you are.

What to try: Waakye with fish and spaghetti.

One thing I’ve learnt about street food in Lagos is that the busiest vendors are usually the safest bet.

If people are queuing, chances are the food is fresh because it’s constantly being served.

Street food is one of the easiest ways to experience Lagos beyond the usual restaurants.

Which street food spot in Lagos do you think deserves more attention? I’m always looking for new places to add to my list.