From Shawarma To Spiced Pomo: Why Nigerians Eat Out

As life gets busier, eating out has become increasingly common for many Nigerians, who do so for various reasons, particularly during weekends.

In homes and across cities, meals can range from familiar Nigerian favourites to more contemporary dishes, snacks and even fruits.

For some families who eat out or order takeaway, traditional favourites such as pap and akara remain popular. The warm, smooth pap paired with freshly fried akara is simple, filling and familiar. Others may opt for bread and eggs, yam and egg sauce, moi moi or fried plantain, depending on what is available.

For younger residents and families looking for something different, eating out may mean pancakes, waffles, French toast, sausages or a full English-style breakfast. Social media and the growing café culture in Nigeria have also introduced diners to new breakfast and brunch options.

But beyond what is on the plate, eating out can also be about convenience, relaxation and spending time with others.

After a hectic day at work, some people may choose to eat out rather than find the energy to prepare a meal at home. Cafés and restaurants have also become places to meet friends, spend time with family or simply enjoy a different setting.

For a staff member of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu, Martha Zegeate, eating out sometimes gives her a break from cooking and staying at home.

“After a busy or stressful day, treating myself to a good meal outside feels refreshing. I also enjoy trying different foods, relaxing, and spending some quality time with friends or loved ones. For me, eating out is not just about the food; it is also about enjoying the moment and giving myself a little treat,” she said.

Asked about what she usually orders when eating out, Zegeate said swallow is among her favourites.

“My favourite meal when I eat out is swallow because it’s something I genuinely enjoy and always look forward to. I love how filling and satisfying it is, especially when it comes with a rich, tasty soup. It also gives me that comforting, homely feeling, even when I’m eating away from home. Honestly, a good plate of swallow is one meal I can hardly say no to,” she said.

She added that she sometimes pairs swallow with vegetable soup such as Afang.

The choice of food can be just as varied. A diner might choose pancakes and eggs, while someone else may prefer a traditional Nigerian meal of yam and sauce. Others may go for sandwiches, pastries, coffee, shawarma or grilled foods.

For journalist Christie Doyin, however, eating out is not a regular occurrence. She said she usually does so when she wants to give her children a treat or when she has special visitors.

“I don’t usually eat out, just on rare occasions. I will maybe eat Amala, quality meat pie or chicken pie. I also like spiced Pomo in soup or Cowtail with a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. I also enjoy strawberry ice cream, chips,” she said.

Her choices reflect the wide range of foods people may seek when they decide to eat outside the home, from traditional Nigerian dishes to snacks and desserts.

For Nurse Rasheedat Abdulrasheed, eating out is also occasional, particularly after a tiring day at work.“I don’t go out every time, just on rare occasions and when I come back tired from work. I like to eat fried rice with chicken and plantain, shawarma and ice cream,” she said.

Yet, for all the variety, familiar foods still have a special place.

There is something comforting about the smell of chicken frying in the kitchen or eggs sizzling in a pan. These are small moments that can make an ordinary morning feel different.

Perhaps that is what makes eating out special. It does not necessarily have to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes, it is simply about having the time to sit down and enjoy a meal of your choice, one you did not have to prepare yourself, while relaxing with friends or family.

From a plate of steaming fried rice, fluffy French toast to swallow, shawarma or cowtail pepper soup, Nigeria’s eating-out culture reflects both old favourites and changing tastes.

And for many, the appeal is not just what is being served, but the opportunity to sit back, enjoy good food and take a break from the everyday routine.