Street Food vs. Homemade Meals

Hello Lagosians! I have been reflecting on one of life’s toughest decisions as a foodie: Street Food or Home-Cooked Meals? Which really is more satisfying? Let’s talk.

The Street of Lagos has foods, like orisirisi food. From suya sizzling on open grills to the irresistible aroma of akara frying in bubbling oil. Heavens help you stay close to a motor park or area with school students, you won’t lack. The street Ewa-Agoyin and Egg soaked in pepper usually does it for me. Now that I think about it, I should change my “Tai in the Kitchen” series to “Tai eats in the Streets”. Why exactly do I like Street Food and might pick it over Homemade Meal?

Pros:

Convenience: Street food is the ultimate grab-and-go option without wondering what needs to be put together to make a meal happen. All you need to satisfy your cravings is a quick stroll down the street.

Variety: The streets offer a kaleidoscope of flavors. Whether you’re craving spicy boli or eko and moi moi, or Amala there’s something for every palate.

Social Experience: Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like hearing the story of the blown transformer or street fight from the vendor’s mouth. Street food enables you to have a 2 in 1 experience; go for the food and leave with a story. There’s always something happening in the streets of Lagos.

Cons – Reasons why I might stick to my “Tai in the Kitchen” series 

Health Concerns: While street food may tantalize the taste buds, it can also wreak havoc on the digestive systems. From questionable hygiene practices to mysterious meat sources, there’s always a risk lurking beneath the surface. I know I said I love street food, but I would never buy a meal I barely saw them prepare. Because what if? What if that’s my next ticket to intense diarrhea.

Costs: If this was 2012, I would have said you are saving costs by buying street food. But with a boiled egg at 200 naira, and 500 naira rice barely filling the first line of your plate, I think you should go home. I can’t believe there’s no more 20 naira Suya, jeez. 

No Control: It would be hard to keep fit if you are busy eating from somewhere new every 5 hours, just because you see it. Street food throws self control in the mud.

The Comfort of Home: Home-Cooked Meals

Now, let’s flip the script and step into the comforting embrace of home-cooked meals. Home-cooked meals are more than just sustenance; they’re a labor of love that nourishes both body and soul. Especially if you have modern cooking tools like pressure pots, waffle machines, silicone spoons, etc.

Pros:

Nostalgia: Making food in your house, at your pace is like a throwback. Makes you reflect on simpler times, evoking memories of childhood kitchens and family gatherings. 

Customization: Another perks of cooking at home is the ability to tailor meals to exact specifications. From adjusting spice levels to catering to dietary restrictions, home-cooked meals put you in the driver’s seat of your destiny. Because eating out is your destiny in illness’s hands (lol).

Health Benefits: Unlike their street food counterparts, home-cooked meals offer a level of control over ingredients and preparation methods. It just gives you better assurance and bliss knowing you prepared your meal with cleanliness and details.

Cons: 

Time and Effort: Let’s be real, cooking at home can be a labor-intensive process that requires time, patience, and a fair amount of skill. In a city as fast-paced as Lagos, finding the time and energy to cook can feel like an uphill battle, let’s not even discuss the market back and forth.

Ingredient Availability: Ever had your heart set on a particular dish, only to realize that half the ingredients are nowhere to be found? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Because real life is not like those videos you see where they say let’s cook goat meat pepper soup with this leftover goat meat, how? Navigating Lagos markets can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a mission to recreate that perfect recipe.

Cleanup Duty: Ah, the dreaded aftermath of a home-cooked meal. Even though I advise you to clean as you use, there’s always something to wipe off the surface or something. But it’s a small price to pay for the satisfaction of a home-cooked feast.

Which would you go with – Street Food or Homemade meal? I don’t know about you, but for me, the only wrong choice is going hungry. Bon appétit!

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