Some of my best food experiences in Lagos don’t happen in fancy restaurants. They happen at roadside grills, evening food spots, and the woman selling snacks on a busy street corner.

Here are a few street foods I think everyone should try at least once.

1. Suya

If you smell smoke and spices in the evening, follow your nose.

Suya is thinly sliced, spicy grilled beef served with onions, tomatoes, and yaji pepper. It’s one of Lagos’ most iconic street foods.

2. Puff Puff

Fresh puff puff is addictive because it’s almost impossible to stop at one.

You’ll find vendors selling it in traffic, markets, and neighbourhoods across the city.

3. Asun

Peppered goat meat cooked over fire and tossed in plenty of peppers. It’s spicy, smoky, and perfect if you enjoy bold flavours.

4. Roasted Corn & Pear (or Coconut)

During the rainy season, nothing beats hot roasted corn with fresh pear. When pears are out of season, many people pair roasted corn with coconut instead.

5. Agege Bread & Ewa agoyin

A true Lagos classic. Soft Agege bread paired with spicy ewa agoyin is one of the most satisfying street food combinations you’ll find in the city.

6. Bole & Fish

Originally popular in Port Harcourt, bole has found a loyal fan base in Lagos.

Roasted plantain served with spicy grilled fish and pepper sauce is a meal you’ll keep thinking about long after you’ve finished eating.

7. Meat Pie

Whether it’s from a neighbourhood bakery or a roadside vendor, a warm meat pie is one of Lagos’ favourite snacks.

8. Peppered Snails

Tender snails coated in spicy pepper sauce. They’re usually sold at bars, grills, and evening food spots.

9. Akara & Pap

Wake up early enough and you’ll find akara sellers frying fresh bean cakes by the roadside.

Pair it with pap for a breakfast many Lagosians grew up on.

10. Gizdodo

A delicious mix of fried gizzard, sweet plantain, peppers, and onions. It’s especially popular at parties but you’ll also find it at many street grills.


The busiest food vendors are often the safest choice. If locals are queuing up, it’s usually a good sign that the food is fresh.

I always look for vendors with high turnover instead of stalls where food has been sitting out for hours.

What’s your favourite Lagos street food? Let us know in the comments 😋