Yeah yeah. We are aware of the stereotype. All great amala meals have to come from Ibadan. Ibadan is to amala what Italy is to pizza, and if we want to stretch it a bit further, what pasta is to Lagos Island chics. Ibadan is soaked in the amala subculture. From bukkas to grumpy attendants to butter-coloured ceramic bowls, Ibadan leads the way in what true amala should taste and feel like. The sage Obafemi Awolowo remains proud in his grave because despite the decaying infrastructures from the city’s golden era as the HQ of the Old Western Nigerian region, the city’s quality of amala remains undefeated.

Ibadan is the slightly more humane younger sibling to Lagos. Both cities have a lot in common, but then Ibadan retains the post-independence aesthetic that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, which makes the city a great place to spend some time away from the chaos of Lagos. Plus unlike Lagos, Ibadan has not contracted the amala yassification bug unlike Lagos who now has a lot of restaurants more interested in producing picturesque amala rather than focusing on authenticity. 

So if you find yourself in Ibadan and you have some interest in exploring the city’s famed amala authenticity, here are some of the best 5 places to try out.

Amala Skye (lesser known as Ose-Olohun)

Purists will contend that this canteen is overrated because of the level of hype surrounding the famed amala powerhouse. As someone who has eaten here, I respectfully disagree.  Ose-Olohun, often known as “Sky” due to its proximity to Skye Bank in Bodija, is still one of Ibadan’s most well-liked restaurants. The majority of people here are bankers, University of Ibadan students, and amala tourists. The small size of their meat, which sells for as cheap as 500 naira, is one of this location’s most amazing features. 

Inastarit 

This location is among the oldest in Ibadan, having been there since the early 1970s. Nigeria had just concluded a civil war, and all of our 1st Republic leaders were still very much in their prime when this place was opened. Any canteen that has survived 14 presidents/heads of state,  20 years of military rule and 25 years of civilian leadership had to be doing something great. Since its founding by Alhaja Muslinat Tijani, Inastrait has emerged as one of the city’s leading Amala locations, with Amala and Ewedu topping the menu items. Since then, the location has expanded to three other locations throughout the city: 

1. Iwo Road in Ibadan, next to the Arisekola Central Mosque. 

2. . Cultural Center Road, Mokola Hill.

3. Polytechnic Road, Ibadan.

The Bush 

If I was checking for amala restaurants named The Bush, I’d be ecstatic as hell. I’m not sure why this place is called Bush, but one thing is for sure—you won’t regret visiting. It’s a terrific place for a variety of soups and perfectly cooked Amala. The greatest combination for people who work or have anything to do at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan for easy access.

I mean, look at the sheer aesthetics. This is one of the most amala-friendly serving areas you’ll ever see. It ranks higher than the other restaurants going to be mentioned subsequently just for this aesthetics alone.

Mummy Ope 

Normally, when a place is named after the owner’s first child as in “Mummy Tochukukwu restaurant” you just know you’re in for a treat. As funny as it may sound, Mummy Ope is one of those corporate Amala restaurants in Ibadan, situated in the Mokola neighborhood of Jenbonwo. I know you’re wondering why I used the word “corporate,” but it’s because their servers always wear business attire and are clearly identifiable by their gorgeous uniforms. Ermm this might be a little minus on the general aesthetics of what you would expect from a typical amala place but the name is Mummy Ope so you can’t really pick on this slight flaw. The Mummy Ope eatery features great aesthetics and fancy decor with three accommodating sections: VIP lounge, the floor, and the main hall.

Ola Mummy 

Another excellent place in Ibadan to have delicious amala and ewedu soup, or any other combination you prefer, is Ola Mummy. It’s close to an auto repair shop on the Ojurin side of Bodija. They serve excellent food at reasonable prices and with great politeness. Some of the tastiest Amala in the city are said to be served at this eatery. Their constant commitment to authenticity and excellence is the key to their success. 

RELATED: The yassification of àmàlà by upscale restaurants is ruining its authenticity

In conclusion, amala is more than just a meal in Ibadan; it is a cultural symbol that represents the Yoruba people’s ancestry. Each of these five eateries—Inastrait, Mummy Ope, Ola Mummy, Ose-Olohun, and Bush—offers its own interpretation of this traditional dish. Whether you prefer a formal dining atmosphere or a more relaxed, homely setting, there is always a place for you to savour some of the most authentic amala that Ibadan has to offer. Every visit promises to take you on an incredible journey into the heart of Yoruba cuisine, resulting in a lifelong admiration for this popular Nigerian meal.