The Naija Food Tour Lagos isn’t just about eating — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of the city through flavour, stories, and culture.
A Taste of Home in the Heart of Lagos
I couldn’t breathe. Not from exhaustion, but from nostalgia.
Bàámi used to say Pounded Yam is life, and I never understood what he meant until now.
It’s been two months since I relocated from Idanre to Lagos for my Master’s program at the University of Lagos, and I haven’t tasted proper Pounded Yam since. Back home, Yèémi and I would always argue about which soup made it perfect — she loved hers with efo riro, but Bàámi swore by egusi, claiming that’s how God intended it.
Moving to Lagos was exciting — bright lights, endless traffic, and countless things to do. But as I soon discovered, even with all the tourist activities in Lagos, Nigeria, nothing compared to the comfort of a familiar meal.
The Surprise That Started It All
A few weeks ago, my Aunt, who I live with, said she had a surprise for me. As soon as I walked through the gate, the air was filled with the aroma of Egusi soup. My heart leapt — that familiar smell, that promise of home. On the table sat a plate of what looked like Pounded Yam and Egusi.
I could’ve cried.
But as I took the first bite, I knew something was wrong. The texture was different, the taste slightly off.
My Aunt smiled and said, “Tope, it’s Poundo. It tastes the same.”
But anyone who truly knows the best food in Nigeria understands — Poundo and Pounded Yam are not the same thing. One is convenience; the other is culture.
The Search for a Mortar and Pestle in Lagos
The next day began my quest. From Balogun Market to Mushin, I searched for a proper mortar and pestle. Shop after shop, seller after seller — all offered cheap substitutes that felt soulless.
In a city buzzing with progress, I was chasing heritage.
Finally, in a small, almost-forgotten corner shop, I found it. The rough wood, the perfect weight — it felt like holding history. The seller smiled, and I knew my search was over.
Back to the Roots — Lagos Food Experience
That evening, I pounded the yam myself. Each strike of the pestle against the mortar echoed the rhythm of home. The soft, stretchy mound that emerged carried the story of my people.
When my Aunt returned, I served her Pounded Yam with my special efo elemi meje. One bite, and she smiled — the kind of smile that only food can inspire.
“Tope,” she said, “you were right. Poundo and Pounded Yam are worlds apart. This… this feels authentic.”
That moment reminded me of what Lagos truly is — a city where cultures, tastes, and traditions meet. And if you know where to look (and what to eat in Lagos, Nigeria), you’ll find pieces of home in every bite.
Through the Naija Food Tour Lagos, visitors get to experience that same authenticity — pounding yam, tasting egusi, and discovering what makes Lagos food unforgettable.
Discover Nigeria Through Food
Food is more than just what we eat — it’s how we connect, remember, and celebrate. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here all your life, one of the best things to do in Lagos is to explore its vibrant culinary culture.
From street-side suya to bukka-style jollof rice, every flavor tells a story. It’s why the Naija Food Tour exists — to take you beyond restaurants and into the heart of Nigerian kitchens and markets.
So if you’ve ever wondered where to eat in Lagos, Nigeria, or what makes the best food in Lagos so unforgettable, this is your invitation to find out.
Book Your Naija Food Tour Experience
The city moves fast, but the taste of Nigeria remains timeless.
Let the Naija Food Tour show you the soul of the city — one bite, one story, and one memory at a time. Join the Naija Food Tour Lagos and explore Nigeria’s culinary soul, one delicious bite at a time.
Why You Should Join the Naija Food Tour Lagos Experience
The Naija Food Tour Lagos isn’t just about food — it’s about connection. Every stop gives you a taste of Lagos life, from sizzling street suya to soulful market meals shared with locals who make this city unforgettable.
👉 Book your Naija Food Tour experience today and rediscover the true meaning of home.