Pulsing with an unyielding, kinetic energy and a staggering population, Lagos is the booming, chaotic heart of modern Africa. When Parts Unknown plunged into the Nigerian megalopolis in 2017, the objective was to aggressively dismantle the tired, poverty-stricken tropes often peddled by western media, showcasing instead a fiercely entrepreneurial, culturally dominant superpower. The culinary scene here is as intense and unapologetic as the city itself, built on profound heat, complex spices, and the heavy, comforting starches necessary to fuel the hustle. The exploration dove into the vibrant, sweaty reality of the streets and bustling late-night joints, completely ignoring any notion of westernized fine dining. From tearing into the ubiquitous, essential pounded yam dipped in rich, goat-heavy egusi soup, to enduring the glorious, fiery burn of a proper pepper soup, the journey is a visceral celebration of bold West African flavors. It is a fascinating, high-octane look at a society driving its own future. To truly feel the rhythm of this incredible city, you must eat where the locals eat. Here are the essential, fiery spots that anchored this unforgettable trip.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective city. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain Lagos, Nigeria for his show, Parts Unknown Season 10 Episode 3 (originally aired October 15, 2017):
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DISH – Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup – Anthony Bourdain Lagos
WHAT IS IT?
As Anthony Bourdain puts it, Pounded Yam is “the ubiquitous starch of Nigerian cuisine”. It can be served with Egusi Soup, a stew of goat meat, melon seeds, fish stock and chilis.
WHERE IS IT?
Stella’s Kitchen
16 Francis Oremeji St
Ikeja, Nigeria
ANTHONY BOURDAIN LAGOS NOTES
Stella’s Kitchen is located within the Computer Village of Lagos.
READ MORE: TANGIER: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
DISH – Pepper Soup – Anthony Bourdain Lagos
WHAT IS IT?
A soup of peppers and spices that Anthony Bourdain describes as “burns, burns real good”.
WHERE IS IT?
Iya-Eba Restaurant & Bar
10 Berkley St, Lagos Island
Lagos, Nigeria
ANTHONY BOURDAIN LAGOS NOTES
Iya-Eba is one of the late-night joints in Lagos that serves pepper soup.
DISH – Ewedu Soup, Jollof Rice and Àmàlà – Parts Unknown Lagos
WHAT IS IT?
Ewedu Soup – soup from the Yoruba tribe made of crayfish, chilis, locust beans and jute leaves; Jollof Rice – rice with spiced tomato sauce; Àmàlà – yam flour, cooked into a meal, like grits.
WHERE IS IT?
Yakoyo
Ikorodu Rd Service Ln, Ilupeju
Lagos, Nigeria
ANTHONY BOURDAIN LAGOS NOTES
Yakoyo serves traditional Nigerian dishes.
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The Nigerian adventure stands as a monumental, historically significant hour of television, definitively shifting the narrative lens to view Africa not as a tragedy, but as the dynamic, booming future of the globe. In his broader body of work, this episode perfectly highlights his dedication to showing the vibrant, creative reality of places often feared or misunderstood by western audiences. The willingness to dive into intensely spicy, complex regional dishes like ewedu soup and jollof rice showcased an immense respect for the continent’s profound culinary influence. It remains a brilliantly chaotic, deeply inspiring testament to the hustle and heart of the Nigerian people. Brace yourself for the heat, embrace the kinetic energy, and discover the bold, unapologetic flavors of West Africa.
