Roasted street food delights: five tasty meals

#1: Roasted plantain

Roasted plantain (called "boli" in the South-west and "bole" in the South-south of Nigeria) is usually prepared locally on the streets of Lagos and other cities in Nigeria using a charcoal grill.

A special delicacy

Boli is usually grilled on a metal bowl filled with charcoal and a wired gauze for the heat to roast through the plantain.

#2: Roasted yam

Roasted yam is a meal prepared with the local grill and usually served with peppered palm oil sauce in plastic packs. The size of the yam varies, but it can be cut into large or small pieces depending on what is preferred.

Served on the streets

On the streets, palm oil sauce may be sold and served with the roasted yam to buyers.

Handling with care and skill

Boli and roasted yam are common in many parts of Nigeria, but preparing them needs some level of skill and dexterity.

The plantain used is often ripe (known by the yellow colour) and contrasts with the white slices of yam laid out on the grill.

Street food is real food!

Street food isn't only to be eaten outdoors. It can be served indoors with other accompaniments. For example, boli can be served with fried yam along with some tomato sauce, onions and leafy vegetable (uziza).

#3: Grilled fish

Grilled fish is spiced and roasted on the grill. It is usually prepared using whole fish which could be Tilapia, Cat fish, Croaker or any other fish of choice.

Cut as you like

The fish can be cut into smaller parts before it is placed on the grill.

Grilled fish and chips

A whole grilled fish can be served with fried potatoes and tomato sauce. It is a popular street food in Nigeria.

#4: Suya

Suya is probably the most popular street food. It is skewered meat that is roasted and served with spices which give it a unique aroma and taste.

Eyes on the roast

Roasting meat on the grill can take time depending on the type and state of the meat. The chef needs to monitor the meat closely so that it doesn't get burnt.

Always a delicacy

Depending on the spice used, the colour of suya could vary from dark orange to brick red. In whichever colour it turns out, suya is always a delicacy.

Skewered suya

Skewered suya can be served on a dish, with green pepper and a bottle of beer.

#5: Roasted corn

Roasted corn is a very popular outdoor snack in many parts of Nigeria. It is common to find them during the rainy season especially in the South of the country.

Enjoyed with African pear

Roasted corn is most popularly taken with a purple African pear (bush pear) also known as "ube" in Igbo. African pears are roasted on hot coals or soaked in freshly boiled water to prepare them for consumption. When cooked, they taste like avocado.

A tasty combination

The combination of roasted corn and pear is known by the Yorubas as "agbado yinyan" but is a delicacy enjoyed by all ethnic groups.