Street food is part of our identity. It’s quick, flavorful, nostalgic, and honestly — sometimes it just hits harder than home-cooked meals. Whether you’re grabbing piping-hot akara on your way to work, crunching kilishi at parties, or enjoying night-time suya with friends, Nigerian street food is woven into our culture.
But as irresistible as they are, these foods have health stories your body silently reacts to — both good and not-so-good. Understanding what really happens when you indulge can help you enjoy your favorites without harming your health.
Let’s dive in.
1. Akara: The Protein Punch With a Side of Oil
Akara is made from beans, which means you’re getting:
Protein
Fiber
Iron
Healthy carbs
Great, right?
But here’s the catch: deep frying.
Most roadside vendors reuse oil multiple times, which increases trans fats — the kind of fat that clogs arteries, raises bad cholesterol, and increases inflammation.
Impact on your body:
✔ Quick energy
✔ Good protein
✘ Possible long-term heart strain
✘ Digestive discomfort from excess oil
A simple fix? Enjoy akara occasionally — not every morning.
2. Suya: Delicious… But Double-Edged
Suya lovers, gather here.
Start with the good news:
Beef provides protein and iron
Spices like ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory benefits
Kuli-kuli adds crunch and flavor
But here’s the part suya doesn’t tell you:
Most suya is grilled over open flames. That flame-charred surface may taste heavenly, but it produces compounds called HCAs and PAHs — chemicals linked to increased cancer risk when consumed frequently.
Plus, that famous pepper mix? Often loaded with salt.
Impact on your body:
✔ Muscle-building protein
✔ Immunity-boosting spices
✘ High sodium
✘ Potential carcinogens from charring
Enjoy it, but pair it with veggies or water-rich fruits to balance things out.
3. Kilishi: Amazing Snack, Sneaky Salt
Kilishi is portable, addictive, and high in protein — perfect for energy boosts.
But it also contains:
High salt levels
High preservatives
High spice concentration
Excess salt can raise blood pressure and cause bloating, headaches, and dehydration.
Impact on your body:
✔ Fast energy
✘ Spikes in blood pressure
✘ Increased thirst
✘ Too much sodium for the kidneys
If you must snack often, choose fresher options alongside it.
4. Puff-Puff: Soft, Sweet… and Sneaky
Puff-puff is comfort food, no doubt.
But the combination of:
White flour
Deep frying
Sugar
…makes it a quick ticket to blood sugar spikes.
Impact on your body:
✔ Instant happiness
✘ Weight gain over time
✘ High sugar load
✘ Crash-and-hunger cycle
Your body enjoys it — until it doesn’t.
5. Roasted Corn & Pear: The Hero Combo
Not all street food is risky.
Roasted corn + pear gives:
Fiber
Healthy fats
Vitamins
Slow-release energy
Impact on your body:
✔ Improved digestion
✔ Better heart health
✔ Stabilized blood sugar
✔ Long-lasting fullness
This pair is one of the healthiest street snacks you can enjoy guilt-free.
How to Enjoy Street Food Without Harm
Street food isn’t your enemy. Your body just needs balance.
Here’s how to reduce risks:
Avoid overly charred meats
Eat oily snacks occasionally, not daily
Stay hydrated (street food spices are dehydrating!)
Pair heavy foods with fruit
Watch your portions
Try to buy from clean, trusted vendors
Your body will thank you.
Street food gives joy, flavor, and shared memories — but your body processes every bite. Understanding how these favorites affect you helps you make healthier choices while still enjoying the experience.
Want delicious, healthy meals without worrying about reused oil, over-salted spices, or questionable hygiene?
With Foodnify, you can order fresh, homemade meals prepared by trusted chefs — either cooked in your home or theirs and delivered straight to you.
✨ Download the Foodnify app today and enjoy flavor, safety, and convenience in one bite.
