Each time we hear the word protein, the first thing that comes to mind is egg. Of course we are not denying the fact that egg is a good source of protein, plus they’re easy to cook and also contains other nutrients. But one egg only contains 5.2 and 7.5 grams of protein and it depends on its size. It is definitely not the highest source of protein, so if you’re trying to incorporate more protein into your diet, here are other everyday Nigerian foods that are out there;

Fura (Fura da Nono)

Is common among the Fulanies, it’s made from millet balls soaked in fermented milk. 100 serving grams of Fura contains 8.15g of protein, Rich in amino acids and other essential nutrients. It’s a great source of protein.

Beans
It’s one of the most staple foods in Nigeria. They can be eaten as a whole or in processed forms like moi moi, akara, bean soup(gbegiri). Beans are a good source of protein, containing about 23g per serving, and are especially beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.

Soya Milk

A cup of homemade soya milk contains 7-8g of protein. It’s plant based, good option for those who don’t consume dairy, such as people who are lactose intolerant. It’s best enjoyed fresh with no added sugar.

Goat Meat
Our very own goat meat is a great source of protein. It’s not only tasty but lean in compared to beef. A medium portion gives around 20-23g of protein, so what are you waiting for, go and order that isi ewu(Goat head).

Groundnuts

A handful of groundnuts contains about 8g of protein which is more than one egg. They’re also rich in fats. You can eat them as snack.

Fish – Titus
Affordable and widely eaten, Titus is a solid protein source. One medium-sized fish (about 100g) provides 20–23 grams of protein. Whether it’s boiled, fried, or grilled in stew, it’s delicious and also rich omega-3 fatty acids.

Egusi (Melon seeds)

I’m sure this came as a great surprise but it’s loaded with protein. Just 100g of ground egusi contains roughly 14 grams of protein. Imagine having egusi prepared with goat meat, know that you’re fueling your body with loads of protein.

Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a lean protein. A small piece (about the size of your palm) contains over 25 grams of protein. If you want the best out of it, try boiling or grilling it with spices it is a better choice than frying.

Oats

One cup of cooked oats offers around 6–7 grams of protein. It may not sound like much, but when paired with groundnuts, milk, or eggs, it becomes a powerful protein-rich breakfast. It also keeps you full for hours.

Final Thoughts
Eggs are great source of protein but they’re not the only affordable, protein-rich food available in Nigeria. Whether you’re cooking beans, adding groundnuts to your meals, or enjoying a plate of egusi soup, there are so many delicious ways to boost your protein intake. The best part is that these options are already part of our daily meals.

So next time you’re looking to get your protein up, don’t just crack an egg — explore options and you might be surprised at how much goodness is already there.

‎Lagos doesn’t wait for anyone. Between traffic, deadlines, and the daily sprint of survival, even meals become a race. And while some street foods get all the attention—suya at night, puff-puff in traffic—others sit quietly at the edge of the crowd, overlooked but never forgotten by those who know better. These meals don’t come with fanfare. They don’t need to. What they offer is comfort, flavour, and a reminder of how little it takes to get something good.

Here are five street foods in Lagos that often go unnoticed—but once you try them, it’s hard to stop thinking about them.

1. Ewa Agoyin from the Woman with the Red Umbrella

This isn’t just “beans.” Real ewa agoyin is soft to the point of collapse, soaked in deeply flavoured, smoky pepper sauce made with slow-cooked onions and a lot of patience. The good ones aren’t always obvious—but ask anyone who eats by the bus stop, and they’ll point you to the woman with the red umbrella and the cooler that never runs out. The agege bread? Always fresh. The queue? Always long. And for good reason.

2. Bole and Groundnut, Lagos-Style

Often linked with Port Harcourt, bole has long had its own life in Lagos. Walk through Surulere, Yaba, or Ajegunle, and you’ll find plantains roasting over open fire, blackened at the edges, sweet on the inside. Paired with salted groundnuts or sometimes served with pepper sauce and grilled fish, it sits somewhere between snack and full meal. You don’t need a plate. You just need a break from the noise.

3. Fried Yam with Sauce That Holds Its Own

At a glance, it’s just fried yam—thick slices, golden brown, tossed into a plastic bowl. But the real magic sits beside it: a pepper sauce that’s been cooking since morning, thick with oil, onions, and maybe some hidden meat scraps. Found near motor parks and roadside stalls, this combo does more than fill you up. It slows you down, if only for a few minutes.

4. Ekuru – Plain Until the Sauce Arrives

Ekuru may not draw much attention. Pale, firm, and unadorned, it’s often mistaken for bland moi moi. But add palm oil, pepper stew, ponmo, or dried fish, and something changes. It becomes soft, flavourful, and grounding in a way only old-school food can be. It’s harder to find these days, but still sold in places like Mushin, Agege, and Ebute Metta—quietly keeping its place on the streets.

5. Ofada from the Wheelbarrow, Not the Menu

You’ve seen ofada in restaurants—small portions, delicate plating. But the street version, sold from wheelbarrows or food stalls wrapped in local leaves, tells a different story. The rice is smoky, slightly sticky, and comes bundled in uma leaves. The sauce is thick with meat, iru, and hot oil—unforgiving in taste and generous in portion. It’s less about presentation, more about satisfaction.

In Closing 

Street food in Lagos isn’t always about what’s trending. It’s about what works—what people return to day after day, without photos or fanfare. These meals have been around for years, passed from hand to hand in plastic bowls and nylon wraps. And while they may not be the flashiest dishes on the street, they’re some of the most honest. You just have to slow down long enough to notice them.

Sometimes, the best drinks are the ones that take you back to your childhood. Whether or not you drink alcohol. Nigerian ingredients like zobo, agbalumo, or even kunu can turn any sip into something unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a house party, date night, or just something fun to quench your thirst, these homemade drinks might just be exactly what you need.

   Zobo Refresher (Mocktail or Cocktail)

Zobo is more than just a regular drink-it’s actually great for mixing. For a non-alcoholic version, mix cold zobo with lime, ginger, and honey. To turn into a cocktail just add a shot of rum or vodka. It’s sweet, spicy, and totally refreshing.

   Agbalumo Margarita

Agbalumo (African star apple) has this sweet-sour taste that works magic in drinks. Blend the pulp with lime juice, add a little honey, and some tequila if you want to spice things up. It gives the margarita a unique twist, sour, sweet, and layered with rich fruity notes.

   Ginger Kunu Mule

This one is inspired by the popular Moscow Mule. But instead of using ginger beer, replace it with kunu, especially the one made from tiger nuts or millet. Add lime juice and soda water. For a cocktail version, a splash of gin does the trick. It’s super creamy, spicy, and a bit nutty.

   Palm Wine Punch

Palm wine isn’t just for traditional events, it actually makes a great base for tropical drinks. Mix it with coconut water, pineapple juice, lime slices, grenadine, and a splash of rum over plenty of ice. It’s fizzy, fun, and full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy mixers or imported bottles to enjoy a great drink. With local ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can craft delicious mocktails and cocktails with a proudly Nigerian. Try something new. your taste buds will thank you.

    Got a favorite Nigerian-inspired drink? Drop your recipe below, we’d love to see what you’re mixing up.