You know that suya spot you keep going back to? The one where you can taste the difference the moment you bite in? That's not luck. And it's not just about the spice.

I've eaten enough bad suya to know the difference. The kind where the meat is dry, the yaji tastes like it's been sitting in a container for months, and you're left wondering why you didn't just buy shawarma instead.

But when suya is done right - fresh meat, proper grilling, yaji that actually has

We put suya in literally everything (and it works)

The loaded fries are what happens when someone realized suya shouldn't just be on sticks. Crispy fries, proper suya beef (or chicken), yaji seasoning, sauce, onions. It's messy. You'll need napkins. You won't care.

The suya tacos make sense once you try them. soft tortilla, grilled suya meat, and toppings that actually complement the yaji instead of fighting it. It's not trying to be Mexican food with suya thrown in - it's its own thing.

Same with the burritos. They're loaded with suya meat, and somehow the combination works. The grilled meat, the spice, wrapped up so you can actually eat it without getting sauce all over your hands (though you still will, a bit).

Most places that try to do fusion or "put our thing in something else" mess it up. They're either too timid with the flavours or they just throw everything together, hoping it works.

We actually thought it through.

What to order when you show up

If it's your first time, start with the classic beef suya. This is the baseline. Order it with a side of masa or yaji fries if you're still figuring out your vibe.

Once you know the suya is solid, that's when you branch out:

Loaded fries are the move when you're really hungry or sharing. Get beef suya or the chicken (the suya loaded fries slaps for us). The combination of crispy fries, warm suya, and all the toppings hits different.

Suya tacos if you want something handheld that's not traditional suya on a stick. They come with beef or chicken - your choice.

Suya burritos when you want a full meal wrapped up. Same meat options, more filling.

Chicken suya when you want to switch it up from beef. The chicken is breast fillet, it is for people who want more intensity.

The mixed suya plates let you try multiple meats in one order. Smart if you're indecisive or feeding multiple people who can't agree.

Lagos location: finally, consistent suya in the city

Finding good suya in Lagos is easy. Finding good suya that's the same quality every time you go back? That's the challenge.

Lagos brings the same setup they have in Abuja - fresh grilling, proper seasoning, and a menu that goes beyond just meat on sticks. You're getting the loaded fries, the tacos, the burritos, all with that same quality suya.

The timing matters. Come between 2 PM, when the grill is fully running, and everything is fresh.

Abuja: Truck Central, where it all makes sense

We are at Truck Central in Abuja (CBD area, behind Fraser Suites) is the kind of spot that gets everything right about casual dining.

You're not standing on the roadside in the dark. There's actual seating, lighting, other food trucks nearby if your friends want something different. But the suya itself stays authentic - grilled over charcoal, seasoned properly, pulled off the fire at exactly the right moment.

The food truck setup means small batches, constant grilling, everything made to order. You're not getting suya that was made hours ago and reheated. You're getting it fresh.

Open Monday through Saturday from noon, Sundays from 12 PM. Come during evening hours for the full experience when the grill is at its peak.

Why the quality stays consistent

Most restaurants and food spots decline over time. They get busy, start cutting corners, stop caring as much. The suya that made you fall in love with the place becomes average.

We haven’t done that. The beef suya in Lagos tastes the same as the beef suya in Abuja. The loaded fries are consistent. The tacos don't change quality based on which city you're in or what day of the week it is.

That's the kind of consistency that builds trust. You know what you're getting before you even order.

If you've never had proper suya before

Good yaji builds slowly. You should taste the groundnut and spices before the heat kicks in. If your mouth is on fire immediately, that's not proper seasoning.

The meat should slide off the stick easily when you bite. If you're fighting with it, something went wrong in the prep or grilling.

Those charred edges? That's flavor, not burning. Don't skip them.

Order less than you think you need if you're eating alone. Suya is rich and filling, especially if you're getting loaded fries or a burrito.

The actual locations

Lagos: Block A4, Plot 2 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki 105102, Lagos

Abuja: Truck Central, CBD area, behind Fraser Suites. Monday to Saturday from noon, Sundays from 2 PM. Easy to find, easy to park, easy to eat.

Both locations give you the full menu - suya, loaded fries, tacos, and burritos. Same quality, different city.

Here's why it matters

Good suya spots are rare. Good suya spots that stay consistent are even rarer. Good suya spots that stay consistent across two cities and also do creative things with their menu without messing it up? That's almost unheard of.

We do all of that. The beef suya is proper. The chicken and ram options are solid. The loaded fries, tacos, and burritos aren't just for show -they're actually good.

Whether you're in Lagos or Abuja, you know what you're getting. Same grill setup, same fresh meat, same yaji recipe, same attention to timing.

That's the difference between a spot you try once and a spot that becomes your regular.

Come hungry. Try the loaded fries.

A Local's Guide to the Best Suya in Lagos and Abuja (and Why Ours Hits Different)