A Culinary Adventure in Lagos: Local Dishes That Shouldn’t Surprise You & Where to Enjoy Continental Comforts

Lagos isn’t just Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat—it’s also a vibrant culinary playground. For international visitors, especially those staying on Victoria Island, the city offers a memorable food experience ranging from bold local flavors to familiar continental classics. Whether you’re trying jollof rice for the first time or craving a medium-rare steak, Lagos—and particularly VCP Hotel—has you covered.

🥘 Common Local Dishes That Shouldn’t Surprise You in Lagos

Here are some of the most popular Nigerian dishes you’ll likely encounter, especially when exploring eateries, street food stalls, or local buffets in Lagos:

1. Jollof Rice

Nigeria’s most famous dish! A spicy tomato-based rice dish often served with fried plantain, grilled chicken, beef, or fish. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked which country makes the best version—it’s a West African rivalry!

2. Egusi Soup

A thick, hearty soup made from ground melon seeds, cooked with leafy vegetables, stockfish or beef, and often served with pounded yam or fufu (a dough-like starch). Rich in flavor and a staple in many homes and restaurants.

3. Suya

Thinly sliced, spicy grilled beef or chicken on sticks, coated in yaji (a peppery, nutty spice blend). Often sold in the evenings on street corners. It’s Nigeria’s answer to skewered barbecue—and it packs a punch!

4. Pepper Soup

A light, intensely spiced broth made with either fish, goat, or chicken. Served hot and great for rainy days or for “clearing your sinuses.”

5. Moi Moi

A steamed bean pudding made with blended black-eyed peas, onions, peppers, and oil. Sometimes includes eggs, sardines, or corned beef inside. Commonly served with jollof rice.

6. Amala & Ewedu

A Yoruba specialty made from yam flour (amala) and served with a slippery green jute-leaf soup (ewedu) and a tomato-based stew. Popular in traditional eateries and deeply cultural.

7. Ofada Rice & Sauce

Locally grown rice served with a spicy palm oil-based sauce often cooked with assorted meat. The strong aroma and earthy flavor set it apart from standard white rice.

💡 Travel Tip: Local dishes tend to be spicy! If you’re not a fan of heat, request a milder version—or have water nearby.

🍝 Continental Cuisine Readily Available in Lagos

Not ready to go full Naija just yet? Lagos also caters beautifully to international tastes. Upscale hotels and restaurants on Victoria Island, including VCP Hotel, offer world-class continental dishes, so you’ll feel right at home.

Popular Continental Dishes Found in Lagos:

• Grilled Fillet Steak with Peppercorn Sauce

• Spaghetti Bolognese or Alfredo

• Roasted Chicken with Herbed Potatoes

• Seafood Pasta or Grilled Prawns

• Club Sandwiches and Gourmet Burgers

• Caesar Salad & Greek Salad

• Croissants, Pancakes & English Breakfasts

🍷 Where to Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds

✅ ALO ALO Restaurant – At Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel

📍 292B Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

The ALO ALO Restaurant at VCP Hotel is a hidden gem for both continental comfort and Nigerian flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for jollof rice and grilled chicken or a classic European-style steak and wine pairing, ALO ALO serves up a curated mix of local and international cuisine with flair.

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

⭐ Top Recommendations at ALO ALO:

• Jollof Rice & Grilled Chicken with Plantains

• Seafood Okra with Fufu (for the adventurous)

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

• Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Classic English Breakfast (available daily)

🏙 Favorite Spot for a Blend: Yellow Chilli Restaurant

📍 27 Oju Olobun Close, off Idejo St., Victoria Island

Yellow Chilli is one of the most recommended restaurants in Lagos for gourmet versions of Nigerian classics served in an elegant setting. Their dishes like seafood okra, jollof fiesta, and goat meat pepper soup are ideal for first-time tasters who want authenticity with a touch of class.

Final Thought: Taste the Culture

Whether you’re grabbing street suya after a night out or dining under chandeliers at ALO ALO, food in Lagos is part of the cultural experience. You don’t just eat in Lagos—you immerse yourself.

For a seamless blend of culinary exploration and comfort, make Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel your base. Our chefs are ready to take your palate on a journey—from the heart of Lagos to the heart of Europe—all without leaving your seat.

🍽️ Ready to Experience the Flavors of Lagos?

Book your stay today at www.vcphotels.com and reserve a table at ALO ALO Restaurant. Let your Lagos story begin—one bite at a time.