THE LATE NIGHT ROCKSTAR AND THE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BAND
Ask ten Nigerians to name that top street food associated with the nighttime and chances are every single one will shout the same thing, “Suya.”
This smoky delicacy is made from thin slices of beef, chicken, ram, or goat and marinated in a flavourful spice mix called yaji (made from ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, onion powder, chili, paprika, and other seasonings). The meat is skewered and once it is grilled over open flames, the air is filled with an unmistakable aroma that has become part of Nigeria’s nightlife. It’s practically impossible to drive through a city or small town at night without spotting the orange glow of a suya stand.
Traditionally served with raw onions and cabbage, suya is delicious on its own. But what makes it truly magical is how versatile it is. When suya is combined with other meals, it’s distinct fiery and nutty flavour elevates them, giving the meals an unforgettable taste.
Below is a guide on the different meals you can pair suya with and why every pairing works!
| MEAL PAIRING | WHY IT WORKS |
| Bread | Whether it’s Agege, sliced, or flatbread, the softness absorbs the spice and oil while the chewiness combines with suya for a mouthful of flavor. |
| Noodles (Indomie) | A popular meal in many Nigerian University hostels, suya transforms plain noodles by taking the spice level up a notch and adding much-needed protein to a regular meal. |
| Rice | Juicy chunks of meat bursting with rich and smoky spices in that bowl of delicious jollof or fried rice. Need we say more? |
| Garri | The slapping taste of cold garri hitting your tongue followed by hot suya is one of those feelings that can’t just be described, it must be experienced! |
| Fries (Chips) | Be it fried yams, potatoes, or plantains, the savoury and smoky meat compliments the mild and sometimes, salty taste of fries. It’s an added bonus if some of the fries are crunchy. |
| Spaghetti | A good suya stirfry elevates your regular jollof spaghetti to a meaty delicacy. |
| Shawarma | Nigerian shawarma is famous for being one of the best in the world. We pack our wraps with bold and healthy spices and most importantly, we love when our wraps are filling. Add the smoky goodness of suya to the chicken or sausages and you’ve just struck gold for your taste buds. |
| Pizza | Just like shawarma, Nigerians have given pizza a cultural remix. Suya toppings on cheesy bread with a delicious sauce is one of those creations bold enough to rival the original. |
| Burgers | Swap the patty for suya and you’ve got a tasty, wholesome meal with a rich traditional twist. |
| Drinks | Malt, zobo, palm wine, soda, juice, wine, or cold beer all pair perfectly with the spicy kick of suya, the ideal way to round off a beautiful night meal. |
Join Naija Food Tour as we taste the best suya in Lagos, Nigeria. Are you ready to Taste Naija?
