I'm surprised--and yet, oddly delighted--to be the first Yelper to review this delicious gem of a Naija Londoner landmark. For my compatriots, what I'm about to write is a given, but for less-experienced eaters who may be misinformed, the grilled morsels of impeccably-spiced suya are Nigeria's true national food, and Alhaji is a gifted gourmand of this street-food classic.
When you can visit a website that competently describes the difference between tozo beef suya and it's drier cousins in lamb and chicken, you know you're working with a winner. Better still that your purveyor is one of the brethren of Mecca, as denoted by his Alhaji status, and you know you're likely in the hands of a well-born son of Nigeria's Hausa-speaking Northern region, where suya originated.
The presentation is humble and hygenic, wrapped in neat butcher's paper as opposed to the more familiar cladding od yesterday's news rags. That's the sort of attention to detail that gets you excited, and the servings themselves do not disappoint.
Portions veer towards the generous without being overwhelming, and the well-sealed packs of yaji spices that accompany the meals--a unique blend of powdered peanuts, cayenne pepper and other mysterious ingredients crucial to traditional suya--can be added to your own taste. I found that half the pack created the perfect fiery counterpoint to sweet chunks of tozo, marbled with necessary fatty veins. Veterans of Naija street suya will want to go the whole metaphorical hog, but amateurs should proceed with caution.
Alhaji Suya delivered their food promptly and brought some joy to my homesick heart during a brief visit to London. It won't be my last time, and if it's your first, you won't be disappointed. read more
