Street Food in Lagos: Top 10 Spots for Suya, Boli & Puff-Puff

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Lagos doesn’t sleep, and neither does its street food scene. With over 15 million people and more than 1,600 food product suppliers servicing its markets, Lagos is a beast of flavour and variety. By day, Lagos boasts 45 fresh food markets and 269 food courts; by night, the streets come alive with the scent of suya and vendors selling puff puff. 

Whether you’re a tourist hunting for authentic bites or a local chasing the next late-night fix, Lagos street food is a culture served hot. In this article, we map out the 10 best places for suya, puff-puff, and boli, the trio that rules Nigeria’s snacking game. 

 

Why Lagos Street Food Is a Whole Vibe

Forget fine dining for a second. Lagos thrives on the thrill of buying food from a roadside stand, chatting with strangers, and burning your fingers on freshly fried puff puffs. Street food isn’t quick fuel; it’s community, nightlife, and nostalgia rolled into one.

• It’s around the clock: many vendors fire up grills at dusk and serve into the early hours.
• Diverse crowd magnet: Bankers, students, market women, and tourists—all meet over suya smoke.
• Sensory overload: The sight of glowing coals and the scent of plantain caramelising and oil popping on puff-puff is a whole Lagos experience.
• Budget-friendly indulgence: big flavours without luxury price tags.
• Authenticity on display: no fancy plating; it is just food, people, and pure Lagos energy.

 

Top 10 Spots for Suya, Boli & Puff-Puff

1. University of Suya – Allen, Ikeja

This Allen Avenue legend has been Lagos’ suya university for decades. Its beef, ram, and organ-meat skewers are perfectly charred and dusted with iconic yaji (pepper mix). On Friday nights, bankers, students, and night owls gather here after work or clubbing. They are known for their “Special Suya” item, which is the wetter and peppery form of suya. 

2. Glover Court Suya – Ikoyi

Located at Aaron’s Mall, on Olubunmi Owa Street, Glover Court Suya is a premium suya experience in upscale Ikoyi. The courtyard seating, consistent quality, and crowd of professionals and expats set it apart. Slightly pricier, but perfect if you want suya with a touch of polish. The vendors always sell late-night suya and offer a variety of options for their customers. They also offer takeaways and delivery options. 

3. Puff Puff Gourmet 

Located on Rumens Road in Eti-Osa, Puff Puff Gourmet proves that even the humblest street snack can achieve high fashion. This 24-hour vendor takes Lagos’ beloved puff-puff and elevates it with premium twists; think chocolate-filled, salted caramel, and even suya-spiced varieties. It’s a favourite for delivery orders and a hit with foodies looking for Instagram-worthy shots. Pricier than your average roadside hawker, but perfect for tasting Lagos street food’s creative evolution.

4. Ojuelegba Boli Stalls — Surulere

Wizkid’s hit, “Ojuelegba,” is a landmark in Afrobeats and a dependable hotspot for boli. By evening, vendors line the busy junction with makeshift grills, roasting plantains over glowing charcoal and serving them with spicy pepper sauce or groundnut. The smoky aroma mixes with danfo horns and street music, making each bite both a snack and a slice of Lagos nightlife with authenticity. 

5. Abeke Rooftop

Abeke Rooftop is located at 6A Ogbunike Street, Lekki Phase 1 (Eti-Osa), Lagos. Highlighted by Lagos on a Budget as a go-to puff-puff spot, Abeke Rooftop pairs city skyline views with elevated Nigerian bites. It’s an ideal place to enjoy puff-puff and cocktails in a chic, relaxed setting.

6. Tejuosho Food Court Vendors – Yaba

Situated beside the bustling Tejuosho Market in Yaba, this food court is a go-to for fresh, budget-friendly street food. Multiple vendors fry puff-puff in generous batches, keeping prices low and portions hearty. Its lively, no-frills atmosphere is packed with students, traders, and office workers, which makes it a reliable stop for authentic Lagos street flavours without breaking the bank.

7. Boleboxx | Boli and Fish in Lagos | – Lekki Phase 1

At 27 Oladimeji Alo Street, Riella Mall, Boleboxx reimagines Port Harcourt–style roasted plantain for Lagos food lovers. Famous for its well-spiced sauces and hearty bole-and-fish combos, it’s the perfect spot for an authentic southern taste—whether you’re grabbing takeout or ordering delivery.

8. Obalende Suya Junction – Ikoyi/Obalende

Obalende is one of Lagos’ busiest transport and nightlife hubs, famous for its round-the-clock energy and street culture. After dark, the junction transforms into a suya hotspot—rows of grills fire up as commuters, taxi drivers, and night crawlers gather. Obalende vendors roast up spicy, juicy skewers that taste even better when eaten roadside under neon lights.

9. Sooyah Bistro – Yaba, Ikeja & Lekki

Sooyah Bistro is a modern suya chain that upgrades street food with café vibes; think suya wraps, burgers, and sharing boards served in stylish, lounge-like spaces. It’s a favourite for Gen Z and young professionals craving classic Lagos spices with an Instagram-worthy twist.

10. The House Lagos – Victoria Island

A chic lounge and restaurant, The House Lagos is famous for its eye-catching “puff-puff tower”, a playful, stacked presentation of the classic snack. Loved by reviewers for both taste and aesthetics, it’s a go-to for those wanting Lagos street flavours served with a stylish, upscale twist.

 

Is Lagos Street Food Safe for Tourists and Locals?

Street food in Lagos can be enjoyed safely when you take a few simple precautions:

• Choose busy vendors with steady customers.
• Observe the preparation of your food and consume it while it’s still hot.
• Look for clean handling and tidy stalls.
• Pair meals with sealed bottled drinks.
• Avoid uncertain raw toppings.
• Ask locals for trusted recommendations.

With these steps, many visitors and residents enjoy Lagos street food without issues.

 

Lagos Street Food Etiquette

• Queue respectfully: Even messy lines have an order, and cutting is a no-no.
• Use your right hand: It is a cultural sign of respect to use your right hand when paying for or receiving food.
• Don’t over-haggle: A playful “Abeg, add one puff-puff” works, but not driving prices too low doesn’t.
• Consider your spice preference: request “small pepper” if you’re not prepared for the intense heat typical of Lagos.
• Take your trash: vendors rarely have bins, so keep beaches and parks clean.
• Compliment the chef: A quick “This suya choke!” could earn you a bonus sprinkle of yaji.

 

Tips for Enjoying Lagos Street Food Like a Local

• Cash is king: most vendors don’t do transfers.
• Go at peak times: late evenings or weekend afternoons for the freshest batches.
• Ask for extra pepper mix: Lagos heat lovers swear by it.
• Be open to combos: boli with groundnuts or puff-puff with zobo = underrated pairings.

Read Also:

• Suya Trail: Best Suya Spots in Kano, Kaduna & Abuja (2025 Food Guide)
• Local Street Food Tours Across Nigeria: Gen-Z’s Delicious Detours
• How Nigerian Street Food Is Winning Over Global Foodies

Taste Lagos for Yourself

Lagos Street is about experiencing the city’s pulse. Whether you’re leaning over a grill at these ten spots, including Obalende Suya Junction and puff-puff at Maryland Bus Stop, proves that Lagos’ authentic flavours live on the streets. Bring your friends, grab some cash, and experience Lagos in its proper form—hot, smoky, and unforgettable.

 

FAQs 

• Where can I find the best suya in Lagos?

University of Suya (Ikeja), Glover Court (Ikoyi), and Sooyah Bistro (Lekki/Yaba) are consistently recommended.

• Is Lagos street food safe for tourists?

A: Yes—choose busy vendors, eat food served hot, and drink bottled water.

• How much does suya or puff-puff cost?

Suya ranges from ₦500 to ₦2,000 per portion; puff-puff sells for about ₦50–₦100 per ball.

• What’s the best drink with Lagos street food?

Locals love malt, zobo, or soft drinks with suya or boli.

• When’s the best time to go street food hunting?

Suya spots peak after 8 p.m., while puff-puff vendors sell out in the morning rush.