Not everywhere you eat in Nigeria is a restaurant. Sometimes, they’re bukas, and some other times, they’re fast food or quick service restaurants. How can you know the difference?
Buka
People might think bukas are for the trenches, but they just don’t know ball. The ideal buka is somewhat overpriced. Apparently, there’s a foreign restaurant called Karen’s Diner where the staff are rude but the food is great — which just sounds like cultural appropriation to me. If I enter a buka, and the waiters aren’t eyeing me like I stole something from them, I won’t eat there. Also, they can’t have change. If they have change, something’s wrong.
P.S.: Watch them when they’re making amala. If their sweat isn’t dripping into the pot as they turn the food, don’t eat it.
Mama put
These ones don’t necessarily need an indoor space. They just have a table outside with coolers on food on top. They must sell spaghetti, it has to be in disposable plates, and the food vendors must push the spaghetti and plantain off their forks with their thumbs. But their white rice with stew and beans? My God.
Eateries
Are you poor but would still like to take the babe you’re seeing somewhere to eat? Eateries are for you. The only thing they know how to make is meat pie. Their chicken is dry and it’s obvious that the food they display has had to be warmed every day for the past five days.
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Canteen
Canteens are typically tied to organisations like schools and local governments. Their food is bad, but the vibes when everyone is eating together? Amazing.
Table service restaurant
These ones have the widest spectrum. Generally, the food is good. Very nice nice 🌚. Some of them end up being eateries because of competition. Also, depending on their location, they can be pretty overpriced. Like every single restaurant on Lagos Island.
Bistro
The dictionary definition of bistro is “a small, inexpensive restaurant”. But Nigerian bistros? All they need is one strange architectural design and boom, the common man can’t eat there again. May God have mercy on them all.
Also Read: 10 Things to Know Before Going to a Lagos Restaurant