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The singles have had a jolly-good time since the beginning year (except on Valentine’s Day sha) but since we’re now in the rainy season, they have all of our best wishes.
Are you missing the LOYL in your life right now? Do you find yourself seeking body warmth in the comfort of blankets and duvets? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you have our sympathy. But who does sympathy help? Try any of the food on this list and you’ll thank us.
Tea
Source: Ibiene Magazine
Forget sex. Who wants to start worrying about pregnancy scares or STIs anyway? If you’re feeling cold, set a kettle on the stove and treat yourself to a hot cup of tea. The cold will be found dead in a ditch.
Pepper Soup
Source: Sisi Jemimah
If you’ve been sleeping on pepper soup since the rainy season started, you’re wrong. Make sure you season it thoroughly with Cameroon or habanero, the heat will come from within. Cold where?
Akamu
Source: 9jafoodie
Cereal during the cold season as a single-pringle? You clearly don’t like yourself. You better stock up on pap. You even have varieties—white, yellow, brown, ginger-infused. Every hot spoonful will remind you that you’re enough.
Boiled yam
Source: Instagram (@kikifoodies)
Maybe not exactly how you imagined being choked during the rainy season, but hot yam will do the job. You might gasp for air while you try to force it down, but it’s something right?
Noodles
Source: Taste
A meal for all seasons for real! Just make sure you make it soup-style: with extra broth. By the time you’re done, your runny nose will perish all thoughts of your singular status.
Abula
Source: MyActiveKitchen
Do you know our hands get extra chilly during the cold season? Here’s where abula comes in. You’ll be sticking your fingers in something hot and moist. It’s the perfect remedy for those icy fingers.
Peppered snail
Source: DreamAfrica
There’s a standing Yoruba joke about snails and what they mean, but all we know is that snail is best enjoyed when it’s spicy. So, it should be on your list of meals to keep you warm on long days and cold nights.
It’s been exactly 30 days since Hilda Baci turned off the gas after attempting to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the ambitious 27-year-old set out to break the record held by Chef Lata Tondon at 87 hours, 45 minutes and 00 seconds, to set her own for 96 hours. And on Monday, May 15, 2023, she completed 100 hours of continuous cooking.
Now, after weeks of waiting and pining, GWR officially awarded her the title, but there are a few takeaways from the announcement.
After reviewing all the footage, we're delighted to announce that Hilda Baci is the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) 💫
Watch the video to find out the official time we've awarded Hilda and read the full explanation below 👇 pic.twitter.com/bf352ndxWO
Hilda Baci’s initial plan was to shatter the record at 96 hours, but she took on an additional four hours, rounding it up to a total of 100 hours. However, because of some “miscalculations” in taking breaks, GWR said they’ll only accept 93 hours.
There must be at least two meals prepared at every given time
Many people assumed it was all to speed up the process, but according to GWR, it’s a must to have two items prepared concurrently. Safe to say Baci kept to this rule, but future applicants should take note.
Number, name and weight of each meal must be submitted
It’s not just a cooking jamboree. It’s important to take stock of the output from the cook-a-thon kitchen, and this includes the name, weight and number of meals. This should all be submitted along with video evidence.
Participants are only entitled to a five minutes break per hour
Hilda took extra minutes during her rest breaks, and this is against GWR’s rules. Participants must take their five minutes break at the end of every hour. This miscalculation reduced her time by seven hours.
Participants can take accumulated minutes of rest
According to GWR, the five minutes breaks can also be accumulated so that participants can get longer periods of rest.
Hilda Baci donated meals to charity
Although fans and supporters who stormed Amore Gardens during the cook-a-thon were treated to free meals, it didn’t stop there. The food Baci cooked was also donated to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation.
All items must be consumed
Baci might’ve donated to charity and invited supporters to enjoy her meal out of love, but it is also a strict rule for the GWR cooking marathon. Every meal prepared by the participant must be consumed.
Chicken Republic’s Refuel meal was a lifesaver and Nigerians won’t forget Domino’s Smallie offering anything soon. With less than ₦1k, you can comfortably walk into these fast food joints and have a meal on a budget.
Understandably, these budget-friendly offerings have had to double in price to meet the harsh economic realities of the moment. However, we’ve checked and ₦1k will still get you something nice in some fast-food chains.
Big wings meal | ₦650
Source: Instagram (@mrbiggsnigeria)
Might look too good to be true but we aren’t capping. With just ₦650, you can treat yourself to a meal of rice/spaghetti and a big chunk of chicken. You’ll also have change for water and keke fare.
Where to get it: Mr Biggs
Eggstar meal | ₦500
Source: Instagram (@chickenrepublic)
This offering caused drama online when it was introduced, but yes, something for the days when sapa strikes hard. With ₦500, you get a plate of white rice, stew and one hard-boiled egg.
Where to get it: Chicken Republic
Refuel meal | ₦1k
Source: Instagram (@chickenrepublic)
The price has gone up from what we used to know, but it’s a relief that the famous refuel meal still holds it down at ₦1k. You get a plate of fried or jollof rice and one piece of soulfully spiced chicken.
Where to get it: Chicken Republic
Bunma Meal | ₦650
Source: TFC
Egg is really that guy because look at him coming through for everyone. With ₦650 you get a plate of fried rice or jollof or spag, and one sauced egg.
Where to get it: Tastee Fried Chicken
Money saver meal | ₦900
Source: Instagram (@tantalizersng)
Again, ₦1k comes through for the boys and girlies and it doesn’t matter if you’re on the mainland or the island. This fast food offering comes with a plate of jollof or fried rice at just ₦900.
Where to get it: Tantalizers
Combo meal moi-moi | ₦950
Source: Instagram (@mamacassngr)
Forget what they say about the bricklayer’s meal, this combo will come through for you on days when you want to stay filled up. With ₦950, you get one moi-moi, a loaf of bread and a bottle of Coca-Cola.
Where to get it: MamaCass
Domino’s Jollof | ₦900
Source: Eat.Drink.Lagos
₦1k might no longer get you Domino’s Smallie pizza but you can at least have some jollof rice to quench your hunger.
Kids these days only know Skittles and Maltesers but if you’re a 90s kid or older, you’ll know that we had better OGs.
These local candies were cheaper, easily accessible and definitely a treat for the taste buds.
Source: Instagram (@bera_foods)
Baba Dudu (Black toffee)
Source: ErinFood
Might not have been considered cool to bring it out during your lunch breaks, but Baba Dudu was that guy. What other candy could you afford with N5? It’s made from coconut milk and cream. These days, the quality has significantly reduced even though it’s still cheap as fuck.
Sisi Pelebe (Groundut candy)
Source: Ounje Aladun
As a 90s kid, this is one candy you’ll be familiar with if you had uncles and aunties that made trips to Coutonu. Unlike Baba Dudu, it’s flat and is a brighter shade of brown. Sisi pele is made from groundnut, sugar and salt.
Ridi (Sesame seed candy)
Source: Northpad Kitchen
This candy is the star kid in the north and only found its way to other regions on rare occasions. It’s basically sesame seeds coated in sugar syrup.
Ekana Gowon (Gowon’s finger)
Source: Dobby’s signature
Another personal favourite, Ekana Gowon is probably the cheapest local candy on this list. I remember buying it for as low as two sticks for N5. It’s made from sugar, lime and water. The unique cone shape sets it apart from the other local candies.
Alewa
Source: Nairaland
Alewa was the queen that brought the boys to the yard. It was the quickest way to get your playmates’ the attention and have them begging for some. It’s made from water, sugar and food colouring. It also had a reputation for changing the colour of the tongue—a real charmer for kids.
Coconut candy
Source: Kitchen Butterly
This candy deserves some real respect because it’s the only one fully thriving to this day. You’ll even find it at owambes, either as a souvenir or dessert option. It’s made from coconut, sugar and water.
Catch the crazy dating stories of our 40+ anonymous writer, once a month from Sunday, June 11, 2023.
The mainland gets a lot of heat, but there’s no denying that we have some sweet spots, and even better, these restaurants in Ikeja won’t damage your pocket.
Whether you’re looking to dine solo, or with your friends or family, you’ll comfortably walk into these spots like the true boss that you are.
The Grid
Source: TheGridLagos
You don’t have to brave the traffic of trying to get to the Island. If you’re looking for a fun-filled experience on a slim budget, The Grid has got you covered. The chefs at the upscale restaurant use traditional African recipes to create a familiar experience for visitors.
Source: Instagram (@thegridlagos)
Address: 6, Thomas Ajufo street Lagos NG, off Opebi link bridge, 100001, Ikeja.
Menu: Chicken suya, calamari strips, gizdodo, Ojuelegba tacos, apple tart, coconut creamy flakes, fried rice, jollof rice, etc.
Average spend: ₦10k per head
Perks: Karaoke night, group friendly, walk-ins.
Average customer rating: 4 stars
Yellow Chilli
Source: Ofadaa
On the mainland and looking for the Yellow Chilli experience? You don’t have to go all the way to the Island. The Ikeja branch offers the same experience.
Source: Instagram (@yellowchilling)
Address: 35, Joel Ogunnaike St, Ikeja GRA 101233, Ikeja, Lagos.
If you love Chinese food, then this is one of the restaurants in Ikeja that should be getting your money. From the interior that takes you on a literal journey to China to the traditional Chinese recipes, you’ll leave the spot a satisfied foodie.
Source: ZenGarden
Address: G.R.A, No. 60 Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA 101233, Ikeja, Lagos.
Menu: Shredded chicken in peanut sauce, barbecued pork, smoked fish, special seafood fried noodles, crispy duck, fried prawn with chilli.
Average spend: ₦15k per head
Perks: Dine-in, take-out, free wifi.
Average customer rating: 3.5 stars
Ocean Basket
Source: BellaNaija
Imagine a restaurant that’s 100% dedicated to teasing your taste buds with a variety of seafood options. That’s exactly what Ocean Basket is. You know the extra catch? They have two branches in Ikeja!
Source: OceanBasket
Address: 9, Obafemi Awolowo Way Shop U06 1st floor, Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja Nigeria.
58c Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA 101233, Lagos
Menu: Fish and chips, prawn and mussel combo, crunchy fish bites, calamari, firecracker squid, village salad, seared salmon salad, creamy seafood soup.
Average spend: ₦10k per head
Perks: Dine-in, take-out, delivery.
Average customer rating: 4 stars
Jevinik Place
Source: InfoAboutCompanies
It would be criminal if we didn’t have an elevated fine-buka experience on the mainland, but thankfully, Jevinik does a good job of representing. Think of your everyday Nigerian staple, and you’re in good hands with this mainland restaurant. They also have huge portions that will leave you bursting.
This is one of the restaurants in Ikeja that you should go to if you’re looking to eat good and have a nightclub experience while at it. Also, dress hip because you might run into your favourite celeb at either of their Ikeja braches.
Source: Instagram (@rhapsody’s_nigeria)
Address: 176/194 Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja City Mall.
Might not be the best choice for relationship people, but it’s great for large family gatherings. The food is good and there are many fun activities for kids.
Source: Instagram (@officialspurnigeria)
Address: 53 Isacc John St. Ikeja GRA, Lagos 100271 Nigeria
Menu: Chicken strip, calamari salad, buffalo wings, chicken and French fries, peppamelt burger, chicken and mayo pizza, seafood platter.
Average spend: ₦10k per head
Perks: Family friends, kiddies play area, free wife, take-out.
Talk Trueis a Zikoko limited series for medical myth-busting. With each episode, we’ll talk to medical professionals about commonly misunderstood health issues to get the actual facts.
If you grew up in a Nigerian home, you know it’s a given that Saturdays are reserved for beans or beans-derived meals. And if you didn’t like beans, you were likely encouraged to eat it or prepare to be short. Beans have been so associated with height that almost every tall person can relate to being presented with the “Do you like beans?” question at least once in their lifetime.
But how did our parents and grannies start championing the “beans for height” theory in the first place? Is it a claim based on facts, or yet another ploy to force us to eat the food at home? Ayooluwa Okunjolu, a nutritionist, provides answers.
Why’s the “beans for height” theory even a thing?
“Beans are a great source of plant-based protein, and protein is an essential nutrient for growth and development — which we assumed means “height” — but few people actually know that beans isn’t all protein. It’s a great protein source, but that’s not all it is,” Ayooluwa says.
While beans contain 21-25% protein by weight — much higher than other plant-based protein sources — it contains about 65-72% complex carbohydrates by weight as well. Meaning it’s technically more carbs than protein. So, using beans alone as the primary source of protein in your diet won’t exactly provide all the growth and development your body needs.
Nigerian mothers right now
So, does eating beans actually make you tall?
“If it were true, I’d definitely be six feet tall, because my mum made sure I ate a lot of beans growing up,” Ayooluwa notes.
It just doesn’t work that way
He explains further.
“Growth and development are more of a cellular thing: organ development, tissue building and repair, cognitive development, etc.
Protein-rich food like beans supports growth and development, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to increase in height. Genetic factors account for approximately 60-80% of a person’s height, while environmental factors — like diet, exercise and lifestyle — contribute only 20-40%.
Your diet can impact whether you reach your maximum height potential, but it can’t alter the genetic potential for height. So, I’m sorry, but if your parents aren’t tall, it’s unlikely you’ll be tall regardless of the amount of beans you eat.”
Eating beans doesn’t equal to height, dear
Should you stop eating beans, then?
Definitely not. Beans contribute to healthy iron and Vitamin B intake, which prevents anaemia that could result in delayed growth in children. Some sources also say it’s great for brain power. As Ayooluwa explains, improper nutrition will also lead to an individual not reaching their full height potential.
“Beans are a very important part of our diet. It’s really nutritious, and when taken together with other healthy foods in a balanced diet, the body grows as it should.”
What kind of food can make you tall?
A balanced approach to nutrients is key. If your genetic blueprint doesn’t have “six feet” levels of height, there’s almost nothing food can do. But nutrition can help, and Ayooluwa explains that it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach.
“There’s no special food that’ll make you taller, but balancing all the nutrients is essential for growth and development. Nutrients like carbs, healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals are all equally important.”
Is there still hope for short people?
Not exactly. There’s hardly any physical change (read as height) that can happen once you’ve crossed puberty. This is because your bones stop growing and essentially fuse together.
“We stop growing around age 20, so eating healthy shouldn’t be for the purpose of getting taller at that age. Growth starts from infancy. Once there’s malnourishment and stunted development from an early age, it’s difficult to change in adulthood. So, doing the right thing from the beginning is essential. It doesn’t mean adults shouldn’t eat healthily, though. Remember, there’s still cellular growth and development going on — tissue repair and muscle building, for instance.”
The takeaway
Beans are a great source of protein, but it’s not the only factor involved in height. Ensuring a well-balanced diet from childhood will help you reach your full growth potential. But height is largely genetics. So, if it didn’t dey, it didn’t dey.
Nigerians are not smiling at the moment, and it’s for good reason. Fuel scarcity, sudden subsidy removal, exchange rate palava and inflated foodstuff prices — we’re going through a lot.
But again, things aren’t that bad. You can still go to the foodstuff market with ₦1k. We can’t promise you’ll get the things you need, but you surely won’t return home empty-handed.
Locust beans
Source: FarmhouzNG
Did you know this is a great alternative to seasoning powder? Ask your granny. She’ll share the secret.
Limestone
Source: Afrilege
Don’t you need to soften your ewedu leaves? It’s cheap, and remember the point is to not go home empty-handed.
Kpomo
Source: 9jafoodie
Forget turkey and beef, word on the street is kpomo is king. Your pot of soup might smell funky, but it’ll be loaded with “proteinous” pieces.
Salt
Source: allrecipes
Salt is life, so it makes perfect sense that it’s cheap.
Potato
Source: Mile12mart
Sweet potato is ridiculously cheap.
Curry and thyme
Source: Jumia Nigeria
Bring the neighbours to the yard with your cooking. The food might be bleh, but the aroma will do what you need it to do.
Vegetable
Source: Guardian
Ewedu, ugwu, waterleaf. Maybe this is the motivation you need to start your home garden.
Garri
Source: HTC Plus
Garri stays the most loyal grain in Nigeria — a paint bucket is still about ₦1k. We should give this king his flowers.
Spatula (AKA omorogun)
Source: Mychopchop
At this point, ₦1k is showing off because how dare you afford a kitchen utensil.
Polybag
Source: Nairaland
Because how else will you carry your groceries home?
New restaurant spots spring up on the island almost every ten market days and finding the best restaurants in VI can become a chore because you’re spoilt for choices.
However, if you’re on a budget and looking to justify your spending, this list has some restaurants that deserve to get your coins.
You’ll get your money’s worth, we promise.
Nok By Alara
Source: Nok by Alara
If you fancy an experience at a contemporary high-end African restaurant in VI with a bougie-edge to it, this is your spot. Bonus point: They also have a boutique store where you can shop high-end fashion and interior decor pieces.
Source: Instagram (@NokbyAlara)
Address: 12A Akin Olugbade St, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
Menu: Abula, suya crusted steak, ewa aganyin, plantain pancakes with braised oxtail, snail bruschetta, fried rice, etc
This is your spot if you’re looking for good food and Instagram-worthy pictures. You’ll also get a fine dining experience that won’t destroy your pocket.
Source: Instagram (@oceans5byriviera)
Menu: Savory steak with creamy mashed potatoes, sushi spread, peri peri chicken skewers, grilled shrimp tacos.
Address: 20 Elsie Femi Pearse St, Victoria Island
Average spend: ₦10k – ₦15k per head
Perks: Family friendly, Sunday buffet, walk-ins, parking.
Average customer rating: 4.5 stars
Bungalow restaurant
Source: Navi
If you’re looking to take your taste buds on an exciting journey, Bungalow’s the right spot. It’s one of those restaurants in VI that you’ll love if you like sushi and love to try new things. They also offer Mexican and American cuisines.
Source: Instagram (@bungalowrestaurant)
Address: Plot 1296 Akin Adesola Street Victoria Island, Lagos 74278 Nigeria
Menu: Grilled salmon with Nigerian fried rice, Buffalo Tortilla chips, Mexican salad, Spaghetti Bolognese, rice and chicken curry, steak and chips.
Average spend: ₦10k- ₦15k
Perks: Live music show, takeout, group and family-friendly.
Average customer rating: 4 stars
Z Kitchen
Source: ZKitchen
Z Kitchen easily ranks among the best restaurants in VI and a trial will convince and not confuse you, or what’s that thing they say?
Source: Instagram (@zkitchen)
Address: Branch: 19 Saka Tinubu St, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos.
Perks: Dine-in, takeout, group friendly, smoking patio, bar.
Average customer rating: 4.5 stars
Hans and Rene
Got a sweet tooth and FanYogo isn’t quite hitting the spot? You can indulge all your ice-cream/gelato cravings at this spot and will. You should make a stop, especially if you have little ones.
Source: Instagram (@hansandrene)
Address: 1a Ozumba Mbadiwe Ave, Victoria Island, Radisson Blue Hotel premises, Lagos.
Menu: Peanut butter jelly gelato, black forest gelato, pistachio macarons, sticky toffee pudding, cake slices, etc.
Average spend: ₦5k – ₦15k
Perks: Take-out, family-friendly, delivery.
Average customer rating: 4.5 stars
Yellow Chilli
Source: Nightlife NG
You want to have an amplified version of your everyday Nigerian staple? Yellow Chilli should be on your radar. No, we mean it.
Source: Instagram (@yellowchilling)
Address: 27, Oju-olobun close, off Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Nestled at the top floor of Mega Plaza, Craft Lagos is an open-space restaurant run by couple: Tarek and Lou Baker. It’s one of the treasures of the island; their carrot juice is to die for.
Source: Instagram (@craftlagos)
Address: 14 Idowu Martins St, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
Menu: Goat cheese salad, roasted salmon with herbs, steak, chicken avocado sandwich, chicken pesto pasta, cold-pressed juice etc
It cannot be a coincidence that Jagaban assumed office as our president around the same time corn is in season. We know how much President Tinubu loves corn, so as good citizens, it’s only right that we indulge our leader’s cravings.
You don’t have to love roasted or boiled corn; learn these new recipes and you might bag a gig as Aso Rock’s head chef.
Stir fry corn
Source: Jone & Jules
Fried rice and pasta were found dead in a ditch. This is also significantly pocket friendly.
Baby corn pepper soup
Source: Vaya
If you can’t afford to buy turkey right now, we have the perfect alternative: baby corn. All you have to do is close your eyes and imagine that you’re eating turkey.
Corn salad
Source: Delight
Have you seen the price of cabbage and salad cream lately? Exactly. You won’t need to spend that much while making corn salad.
Corn juice
Source: Shanghai Daily
Haters will call it ogi or kunu but don’t mind them. Just make sure you serve it chilled and with lots of sugar.
Candied corn
Source: The Food Network
You can either go for sweet or savoury. This can replace small chops at your next owambe.
Barbecued baby corn
Source: Food Network
A serving of grilled turkey/chicken wings is about N1700 at the moment. If you can afford it in this economy, we’re adding you to our eat the rich list. You’ll be saving a whopping N1200 if you opt for grilled baby corn. Haters will call it roasted corn.
Creamed corn
Source: Bellyfull
We don’t know what this tastes like but surely a better option than roasted agbado. Just make sure you add chilli oil.
Rice is the most versatile meal in this world (argue with your laptop). From fried to coconut, white, ofada, banga, seafood, special, tuwo shinkafa, and of course, the GOAT, jollof rice. It’s the GOAT of meals.
You like pain? Then nothing screams it more than Yoruba stew. You see someone who eats shaki with their eyes wide open? Yea I’m willing to bet good money that masochism is their sexual fantasy.
