In Nigeria, until recently, it was a rare phenomenon to find
high flying restaurants that sell African dishes. Once you step into the
eateries in those day, all you could order for are a plate of fried rice and
chicken, packs of meat pie, scotch eggs, chicken and chips, and some other
flour made snacks that stare at you on the shelves of the outlet. Just about a
decade back we began to see the introduction of some African dishes such as
pounded yam with vegetable, fufu and afang soup and others being sold in all the
five star hotels, food outlets while competing with the foreign dishes that our
classy people have seem to accept.
Presently, you will agree with me that there is no such
super restaurant in Nigeria that does not have African soups and meals on their
menu as many Nigerians, African and even foreigner seem to enjoy the richness
and uniqueness of our meals. While these types of meals and soups appear to
have a strong footing in the industry, I am of the opinion that certain foods
that are usually enjoyed as snacks on the street of Nigeria can be introduced
and sold in major restaurants, five star hotels and other super food outlets
around Nigeria, so that regardless of your status; whether as an Ambassador,
Commissioner or even a minister, if you enjoy such snack, you could get a bite
right there in your five star suite.
Here is my top three list of African snacks that I think
should be seen in the menu list of top notch restaurants and hotels
- Roasted Plantain And Groundnut:
I am certain many people who are in high positions would
definitely book for a snack like this in their hotel rooms or any restaurant
they visit. The blend of plantain and groundnut is second to none provided the
roasted plantain is still oven hot.
- Roasted Corn With Coconut Or Boiled Corn With Pear:
I can bet with all I have got that many popular artists, CEO
of companies and many other individuals would wish they can order for this
combination anywhere in Nigeria. Many of them, for obvious reasons, do not want
to park their cars to buy from the road side sellers while others appear to
care less. When the sweet corn is in season, for my dad, nothing else tastes
better.
As a septogenarian, he walks kilometers every evening to get
roasted corn plus coconut. There are many other people like him who, if not for
their societal status would opt for it on daily basis when corn is in season.
As we always say, make sure that that the roasted corn is
not burnt and charred. They have their bad health effect. Just make sure they
are roasted enough to cook these foods to make them edible.
- Fried Yam And Akara With Fried Stew:
Well a few might argue that fried yam and egg is most super
restaurants and hotel but this is clearly different from fried yam and akara
(fried bean cake/balls) with fried stew. As a big man who hardly visits the
streets, been presented with such a meal in the menu list reminds you of your
past life.
The akara is made from beans, so you are sure to get the
protein present in beans from akara too. Asides that the meal combination is
good to taste provided it is hot. You could make a request for fried fish as
you would love it.
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