When the sun sets in Nigeria, a different kind of magic begins — the sizzling, smoky world of night street food. As traffic slows and the city cools, the streets heat up with the aroma of grilled suya and the rich, spicy scent of shawarma. From Lagos to Abuja and Kaduna, these iconic night snacks take centre stage, drawing crowds to street corners and food stalls with their unforgettable flavours.
Suya and shawarma aren’t just street food favourites — they’re a cultural experience. Wrapped in newspaper or rolled in flatbread, served with onions, spice, and a side of laughter, they’re the go-to bites for students, workers, and night owls craving something bold and satisfying.
If you’ve ever chased the smoke, followed the scent, and waited in line for that perfect skewer or wrap, then you already know: nothing beats Nigerian night street food.
Let’s dive into the best places to find suya and shawarma at night, and why they’ve earned their spot as the kings of the curbside menu.
What Makes Suya and Shawarma Special?
Before discussing the best spots, it’s important to understand what exactly makes these two foods nighttime royalty.
Suya: The King of Spicy Grilled Meat
Suya is a spicy meat skewer mainly made from beef or chicken, grilled over an open fire and dusted with a dry pepper spice mix called yaji. It’s usually served with sliced onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and sometimes a splash of oil.
It’s not just the taste that makes Suya popular. The whole vibe—the smoke, the night breeze, the sound of traffic nearby, and the pepper—forces you to take a sip of cold water every few bites.
Shawarma: The Night Wrap We Can’t Resist
Shawarma, originally Middle Eastern, has found a new home in Nigeria. The Nigerian-style shawarma is often a mix of grilled chicken or beef, cabbage, spicy sauce, and mayonnaise, all rolled into warm pita or flatbread.
Nigerian shawarma has taken on its twist; some vendors add sausage, cheese, ketchup, or suya spice to make it even more flavourful.
Where to Find the Best Suya and Shawarma in Nigeria
Now let’s get to the good stuff. Below are some top spots where you can find delicious Nigerian street food at night, especially suya and shawarma.
1. University Gates and Campuses – Nationwide
If you’re near any major university in Nigeria, you’ll find top-notch suya and shawarma stands nearby. Why? Students love affordable, tasty food at night. Places like:
- UNILAG Gate, Lagos
- ABU Zaria, Kaduna
- University of Ibadan (UI)
You’ll often find long queues in the evening. That’s usually a good sign!
2. Wuse 2, Abuja – Nightlife and Suya Spots
Abuja is known for classy restaurants, but don’t be fooled. Wuse 2 has some of the best suya spots in the capital.
- Yahuza Suya Spot – Very popular, especially for beef and kidney suya.
- Chicken Capitol – Their beef and chicken wraps are flavoured for shawarma lovers.
People in Abuja swear by the suya here, especially after a night out.
3. Glover Road, Ikoyi – Class Meets Street Food
This may sound high-end, but in Ikoyi, Lagos, you’ll find small suya stands with loyal customers who come every night. Some drivers even wait in long queues for just one skewer.
- Aboki Suya by Glover Road – It is not on Instagram, but it is always packed.
- Shawarma Express – Late-night shawarma that hits the spot.
4. Port Harcourt – Grilled Goodness by the Roadside
In Port Harcourt, night street food is serious business.
- Elelenwo Junction is known for its hot suya, which sells out fast.
- GRA Phase 2 – You’ll find shawarma spots with a little twist — sometimes they add fish!
The locals will tell you that the pepper here is not for the faint-hearted.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
- Night Markets in Nigeria: A Guide to Food & Midnight Adventures
- Exploring Shawarma and Grills: Menu, Pricing and Reviews
- Most Popular Restaurants in Enugu 2025
5. Kano – The Heart of Suya Culture
Suya has its roots in Northern Nigeria, and Kano remains a city where suya is more than food — it’s a tradition.
- Sabo Suya at Zoo Road – One of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected suya spots.
- Shawarma City – Offering affordable wraps late into the night.
If you visit Kano, don’t leave without trying their suya with masa (local rice cake).
Tips for Enjoying Suya and Shawarma at Night
- Go with Cash: Most vendors don’t take POS or transfers.
- Ask for Fresh Cut: Tell them to slice it fresh from the grill.
- Don’t Forget Water, especially with suya. The pepper can surprise you.
- Go Early-ish: Some popular spots sell out by 10 PM.
What Time Does the Party Start?
Most suya and shawarma spots start heating their grills by 6 PM and stay open till midnight, sometimes later on weekends. Fridays and Sundays are usually their busiest nights.
If you’re looking for the whole experience, go between 7 PM and 10 PM; you’ll find a lively crowd, fresh meat, and that true Nigerian street food energy.
The Street Food Culture in Nigeria
Street food in Nigeria is more than just quick meals; it’s part of our culture. From buns and puff-puffs in the morning to boli and fish in the afternoon, and then suya or shawarma at night, it connects people from all walks of life.
There’s something about standing by the roadside, watching your meat grill, and chatting with strangers that feels right.
Why Suya and Shawarma Will Always Win
Even with fancy restaurants and food delivery apps, suya and shawarma have refused to go out of style. Why? Because they are:
- Affordable
- Fast
- Spicy and filling
- Part of the night-time tradition
Plus, there’s just something fun about eating food with your hands while standing on the street at 9 PM.
So next time you’re out at night in Nigeria and your stomach starts making noise, you already know what to do: look for smoke in the air, follow the sound of chopping onions, and find your way to a suya or shawarma stand.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, suya and shawarma will always give you something to remember. It’s not just food; it’s Nigerian street food magic at its best.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to eat suya and shawarma at night?
Yes, as long as you buy from trusted and popular vendors. Look out for cleanliness and make sure the meat is well-cooked.
2. How much does suya or shawarma cost in Nigeria?
Suya can go from ₦500 to ₦2,000 depending on the size and location. Shawarma is usually between ₦1,500 and ₦4,500.
3. What is yaji in suya?
Yaji is the dry pepper and spice mix used in suya. It’s made of ground chilli pepper, ginger, garlic, salt, and some secret spices.
4. Can I get suya and shawarma during the day?
Yes, but they are more common and tastier at night because that’s when they are freshly grilled.
5. What drinks go well with suya or shawarma?
Cold soft drinks, bottled water, or zobo (hibiscus drink) are popular choices.
