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Africa · Life Style · Food · Culture desk

Suya after dark

Smoke, spice and skilled knife work make this northern Nigerian street food a national ritual.

A suya vendor grilling skewered meat for customers at a busy Lagos night market
Image supplied to Na Wetin Dey Happen
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Suya is thinly sliced meat coated in a peanut-based spice mixture often called yaji, then grilled over heat. It is closely associated with Hausa culinary knowledge and with evening street-food culture.

Good suya depends on freshness, controlled fire and careful handling. Diners should choose busy vendors with clean preparation areas and properly cooked meat, then enjoy it with onions, tomato or cabbage.

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Culture & Screen Desk

The Culture & Screen Desk reports African film, food, dress and living traditions with attention to makers, local meaning, labour and change.

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