· 2 min read
Suya is thin, spiced grilled meat from northern Nigeria, coated in a peanut and chilli spice mix. What it is and what’s in the spice.
Suya is Nigeria’s best known street grill. It comes from the north of the country, from the Hausa people, and is now sold at roadside grills all over Nigeria, usually in the evening.
What it is
Suya is thin slices of meat, usually beef, threaded onto sticks, coated in a dry spice mix and grilled over an open flame. It’s served hot, often wrapped in paper, with sliced raw onion, tomato and extra spice on the side.
The spice mix
The spice, called yaji or suya pepper, is what makes suya. Recipes differ, but it’s usually a mix of:
- ground roasted peanuts, or kuli-kuli (a pressed peanut snack, ground)
- dried chilli
- ginger
- other spices such as garlic and onion powder, paprika or stock seasoning
The peanuts give it its nutty, slightly sweet taste, and the chilli makes it hot.
Allergy warning
Because suya spice is usually made with peanuts, please tell us before you order if you have a nut or peanut allergy. Our guide to allergies and dietary needs has more.
Stick meat
Stick meat is seasoned meat grilled on skewers. It’s a simpler, often milder skewer than suya, and a common part of Nigerian small chops.
On our menu
Suya and stick meat are both in the appetisers on our menu. They go well with a cold drink. See our guide to Nigerian drinks.
Try them
Hungry?
See what’s on our menu, book a table at 13 Pier Road, or order for collection or delivery.