Food & Recipes Street food Tourism Sunrise Markets in Lagos: The Ultimate Early Morning Food Tour Guide (2025) Confidence NwaobiAugust 1, 202501.1K views There’s something magical about Lagos in the early morning. Before the horns start blaring, before the buses fill up, before the city becomes the fast-paced hustle we all know, it’s peaceful, raw, and full of flavour. If you want to understand Lagos, you need to wake up before sunrise and explore its morning markets. This blog is your ultimate guide to a Sunrise Markets food tour in Lagos. You’ll discover the best places to go, what local dishes to try before 8 AM, and how to soak in that unique Lagos energy before the chaos kicks in. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh weekend experience or a tourist craving an authentic Lagos moment, this early morning food tour will leave your belly full and your heart happy. Why Visit Lagos Markets at Sunrise? Lagos markets are not for the faint-hearted. They’re loud, packed, and full of hustle. But here’s the thing: Sunrise markets offer a different version of the city. The freshest produce gets delivered before the sun comes up. Local food vendors start frying, cooking, and dishing out by 5 AM. Traffic is light, and the vibe is more relaxed. You get to see Lagos in its most authentic and beautiful form, raw, quiet, and slowly waking up. Top Sunrise Markets in Lagos for a Food Tour Let’s talk about where to go. These markets are alive before most people hit snooze on their alarms. Here are the best sunrise markets in Lagos to visit for an authentic local food adventure: 1. Mile 12 Market – Ketu One of the biggest food markets in West Africa. Mile 12 wakes up before 4 AM. Trucks deliver yams, tomatoes, peppers, plantains, and everything in between. While this market is more for bulk buyers, it’s also home to some of the most authentic breakfast food vendors. What to try: Early morning akara (bean cakes) and pap Roasted yam and pepper sauce Freshly fried puff puff and koko (local pap) Pro tip: Go with someone who knows the area or hire a market guide. It’s busy and can be overwhelming. 2. Oyingbo Market – Mainland Lagos Located near Ebute Metta, this market starts buzzing before sunrise. It’s popular for both fresh foods and quick breakfasts served hot on the roadside. What to try: Moi-moi with custard Rice and beans (yes, even at 6 AM!) Steaming hot Agege bread with fried eggs and tea Vibe: Crowded but full of character. The food smells alone are enough to pull you in. 3. Lekki Phase 1 Farmers Market (weekends) Now this is a softer landing for those who want to experience sunrise food without the market chaos. While not open every day, the Lekki farmers market (usually Saturdays) begins setup around 6 AM and features healthy, gourmet-style local foods. What to try: Healthy smoothies made with Nigerian fruits A small batch of akara made with less oil Fresh tiger nut and coconut milk drinks Vibe: Calm, neat, and Instagram-worthy. 4. Iyana-Ipaja Roadside Markets If you’re in the mainland area around Iyana-Ipaja, Alimosho, or Agege, you’ll find clusters of food stalls and vendors setting up from 5 AM. These aren’t big, organised markets, but they’re full of early-morning life. What to try: Fried plantain and stew Early jollof or concoction rice Boiled yam with garden egg sauce Fun Fact: Many people who do night shifts stop here to eat before going home. 5. Balogun Market (Lagos Island) Though it’s more known for clothes and fabrics, Balogun wakes up before sunrise, and the food around it is fantastic. What to try: Street fried chicken and boiled corn Agoyin beans and bread Stew-soaked yam porridge from roadside pots Bonus: After your food tour, you can stroll through the fabric lanes before the crowd comes in. What You’ll Experience on a Lagos Morning Food Tour Here’s a breakdown of what your sunrise adventure might look like: 4:30 AM – Wake Up and Get Ready Yes, it’s early. But it’s worth it. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Have a water bottle and maybe bring wipes or tissue in case the market doesn’t have clean restrooms. 5:15 AM – First Stop: Street Breakfast Depending on where you start from, you’ll catch akara sellers frying away under kerosene lamps. The vibe is calm. You might see workers, hawkers, and bus drivers, all grabbing food before their day starts. Smell the bean cakes. Hear the oil sizzling. Watch tea being poured from metal flasks into little glass cups. It’s beautiful chaos. 6:00 AM – Market Life Begins By now, more traders have arrived. Crates of tomatoes are being arranged. Meat is being cut. You’ll hear bargaining in Yoruba, pidgin, and English. You can snack on puff puff or pick up fresh fruits like pineapple, pawpaw, or watermelon. 7:00 AM – Cooked Food Stalls Are Fully Ready Now is the time to try jollof rice, rice and stew, yam porridge, or beans and plantain. Some vendors serve food with chairs and benches; others just hand you your food in a nylon bag, and you move on. 8:00 AM – The Hustle Begins By now, the markets are alive and whole. Lagos has officially woken up. You can wrap up your tour or continue exploring, but the authentic sunrise vibe is best before 8 AM. YOU MAY LIKE: Where to Find the Best Burgers in Lagos The 7 Best Vegan Restaurants in Lagos Urban Food Trails: The Best Cities for a Foodie Adventure in Nigeria Local Foods You Should Try at Sunrise There’s no point in doing a sunrise market tour without trying the authentic local food. Here are some must-try options you’ll likely find steaming hot before 8 AM: Akara and Pap—This is the king of all street breakfasts. Akara (fried bean cakes) is golden and crispy outside and soft inside, best eaten with warm, slightly sour pap (local corn porridge) poured from a big plastic keg. Moi Moi—If you spot someone unwrapping green leaves with steam rising, that’s moi moi, bean pudding seasoned with pepper, oil, fish, and eggs. You can eat it alone or with bread. Ewaagoyin Beans and Sauce—Ewaagoyin-style beans are soft, mashed beans served with that deep reddish-brown palm oil sauce that has a smoky taste. Ask for it with bread or fried plantain if the seller has it. Boiled Yam with Egg Sauce—It sounds simple, but it’s filling and flavourful. Some women start selling this as early as 5 AM, and it’s perfect if you want a no-fuss meal. Early Jollof or Concoction Rice—Some stalls serve steaming hot jollof, or what locals call “concoction rice,” cooked with scent leaves, palm oil, and pepper. It hits differently that early in the morning. Agege Bread with Fried Egg and Tea—This Lagos classic is everywhere before sunrise. Just follow the sound of clinking flasks, and you’ll find vendors pouring hot milk tea and toasting bread on a small roadside grill. Every bite is not just food, it’s culture. It’s how Lagos starts her day, and trust me, it’s worth waking up early for. Tips for Exploring Sunrise Markets in Lagos Go in groups: it’s safer and more fun. Carry small cash: Many vendors don’t have change. Go with an empty stomach: there’s a lot to taste. Be polite and greet sellers: a little respect goes a long way. Watch your belongings: It’s still Lagos, so stay alert. Why Sunrise Food Tours Matter We often associate travel with hotels, beaches, and fancy restaurants. But authentic culture is in the markets. At sunrise, you’re not just eating; you’re watching Lagos wake up. You’re seeing the aunties who start frying akara at 4 AM—the uncles who boil yams by torchlight. The small children are running errands before school. This is Lagos, unfiltered. If you’ve never explored sunrise markets in Lagos, you’ve missed out on one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes. Discover the vibrant side of Nigeria with our Urban Tourism Guide, showcasing top attractions, cultural hotspots, and must-visit cities across the country. Explore more here. FAQs – Sunrise Markets in Lagos Are markets in Lagos open before sunrise? Yes! Many food markets and roadside vendors begin setting up as early as 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM. You’ll find breakfast foods and fresh produce being sold before the sun comes up. Is it safe to visit markets that early? Generally, yes, but stick to well-known areas and go in groups. Don’t carry too much cash or valuables. If you’re new to Lagos, consider going with a local guide or friend. Can tourists join a Lagos sunrise market tour? Absolutely! Some local food tour companies offer this experience. Or you can DIY it with help from a trusted local. Do these markets serve only local food? Yes, mostly. You’ll find pure, authentic Nigerian meals—akara, pap, moi moi, fried yam, Agege bread, etc. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy traditional food. What should I bring along? Cash (in small denominations), wipes, water, comfy shoes, and an adventurous spirit!