Lagos has all kinds of restaurants. From the high-end and luxurious to the local and traditional buka-style joints, there is something for every palate and budget here. In Lagos, you will find bukas that have fancy decor but serve street-style food. I’m talking finger-licking soups with hot swallow and succulent protein pieces that remind you of fresh home-cooked meals. Join me on this mouth-watering journey as I share seven of the best buka-style restaurants in this sprawling city.
1. Yakoyo
Every Tunde, Ayo and Femi knows that Yakoyo in Surulere is a local’s favourite. As soon as you step into the restaurant, you are greeted with the tantalising aroma of some of the most traditional mouth-watering dishes in Nigeria. You can see the steam coming out of the food as it is being served and the taste doesn’t disappoint either. Their egusi soup with catfish is highly recommended and if you love amala, there’s always some for you. You will forget your problems in the heat of the moment. If that’s what you’re looking for in a meal, then Yakoyo is a must-stop for you.
Yakoyo (Surulere location) – 107 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere
2. Olaiya
This unassuming spot may not have the glitz and glam of the high-end restaurants in Lagos, but they more than makeup for it with their incredible take on Nigerian traditional dishes. Think Amala and abula that will have you sweating as you satisfy your cravings. The menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from their classic abula to spicy ayamase sauce with ofada rice. The best part is that their prices are reasonable, so you can indulge in as much as your heart desires without breaking the bank.
Location – 67 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island
3. Ajisafe
If you ever find yourself hungry in Ikeja, this joint serves some of the most delicious rice and stew in the entire Lagos. The ambience is simple and straight to the point, but the food makes up for it. Their stew is crazy hot but super tasty. People travel from far and wide to taste it. They also serve some really yummy ewa aganyin plus swallow options including amala and abula. Come prepared to be stuffed for the whole day.
Location – 16, Ajisafe Street, off Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA
4. White House
Craving swallow on a hot afternoon? Head to White House in Yaba. One of the things that make them stand out is the range their menu has: an amazing selection of traditional Nigerian dishes from the classic egusi soup to the ever-loyal jollof rice. White House is the perfect spot to grab solid food that will hit your stomach gbim after a long evening of work and play. Oh, and they keep late hours too. This means you can still buy your food by 11 p.m. when you wake up from that after-work nap.
Location – 9 Chapel Street, Yaba
5. Designer Rice
Go for their signature designer rice as their name implies. Trust me when I say you won’t regret it. The thing about this restaurant is that that’s the only food they sell: rice, beans, and this killer stew. Everybody who knows good food in Lagos will tell you about designer rice in Surulere. Do yourself a favour and visit for yourself.
Location – 23c Bank Olemoh Street, Surulere
6. Amala Sky
If you’re a sucker for Amala and abula then Amaka Sky is a must-stop for you. They specialise in serving up some of the most delicious and authentic amala dishes in Lagos. If you prefer to eat efo riro with many obstacles, they still got you as they have a wide variety of traditional Nigerian dishes at the counter. The dining space is big enough to contain a large number of people eating so feel free to stop by with friends on a food hopping date.
Location – Beside Fidelity Bank, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1
7. Ghana High
This cosy buka is housed in the building that used to be the Ghana High Commission, and the name alone is enough to pique anyone’s curiosity. But what really sets this place apart is its mouth-watering jollof rice and ewa aganyin. Their portions are so generous you’ll struggle to finish your food. The best part is the ambience feels welcoming enough to make you comfortable enough to stuff yourself, so dig in.
Location – 34 Macarthy Street, Lagos Island
Whether you’re in the mood for some finger-licking soups with hot swallow, jollof rice, or ewa aganyin, these seven bukas have got you covered. So, if you’re new to Lagos and yet to try these out, run don’t walk to one the closest to you. Don’t forget to tell us what you think. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
