"Kingsland Road is a far cry from the sunny Lekki Peninsula to the south of Lagos state, but this small restaurant delivers a slice of south western Nigerian culture. Like a number of Nigerian restaurants in London on a Friday night, melodious renditions of afrobeat classics are played by a live band while big groups of friends and tables of aunties and uncles tuck into a Nigerian feast, and become more boisterous as the hours tick on. Looking around, you’ll notice the go-to dishes are Lekki’s Nigerian soups—for good reason. It’s impossible to describe the deliciousness of these stews in so few words, especially the egusi, made with crushed melon seeds and pumpkin leaf. Just know that when you finish the accompanying swallow—the soft ball of starch, such as pounded yam, used to scoop the stews—you might find yourself just diving in hands first to finish the rest. (Looking around, you’ll also notice this is more common than resorting to cutlery.) Lekki isn’t just a late-night spot though. For a quick lunchtime snack, the pies, historically derived from and reminiscent of Cornish pasties with a Nigerian seasoned twist, will fill you up for the afternoon. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch" - Riaz Phillips
