Nok by Alara (Victoria Island, Lagos) 

12A Akin Olugbade St, Victoria Island, Lagos | Instagram| Phone

If there’s ever a time to indulge without guilt, it’s Pancake Day which is Shrove Tuesday; the day before Lent begins. And this year in Lagos, Nok by Alara is taking Pancake Day to a whole new level. I have been to Nok a couple of times and you can read the reviews here and here.

I recently attended a pancake tasting at Nok Lagos ahead of Shrove Tuesday, and let’s just say this is not your regular pancake situation. Instead of sticking to the usual sweet stacks and syrup, Nok Lagos has curated an all-day pancake menu that blends Nigerian flavours with creative, indulgent twists.

A Nigerian Take on Pancake Day

What makes this menu stand out is how thoughtfully it reimagines pancakes through a Nigerian lens. Each dish feels familiar yet elevated – the kind of food that sparks curiosity but still delivers comfort.

Here’s everything we tried:

• Akara pancake with ugu – This one was a pleasant surprise. It had that classic akara flavour but in a softer, more indulgent form. Balanced and delicious.
• Classic crepe with soursop jam – Light, slightly tangy, and refreshing. A nice break from heavier options.
• Classic pancake – Simple, fluffy, and well executed. Sometimes you just need a good classic.
• Plantain pancake with braised oxtail – Rich, savoury, and deeply satisfying. This was one of the standout dishes for me.
• Coconut pineapple pancake with honey – Tropical, bright, and slightly sweet — perfect if you prefer lighter flavours.
• Peanut-crusted fried chicken thigh with pancake – Sweet, salty, and crispy in all the right ways. This combo just works.
• Stacked masa with tigernut ice cream – Easily one of the most interesting dishes. It reminded me of rice cake donuts — soft, slightly chewy, and so good.

Classic Pancake

Stacked Masa with Tigernut Ice Cream

Watch IG Reel Here

Plantain Pancake

Plantain Pancake Cross Section

Peanut-crusted Fried Chicken Thigh & Pancake

Akara Pancake & Ugu

Classic Crepe with Soursop Jam

Coconut Pineapple Pancake with Honey

The Overall Experience

What I loved most about this experience is how intentional the menu feels. It’s not just about pancakes — it’s about storytelling through food. Each dish reflects a fusion of tradition and creativity, making it perfect for a city like Lagos where food culture is constantly evolving.

The atmosphere at Nok Lagos also adds to the experience. It’s stylish, relaxed, and perfect for a casual outing with friends or a cute Pancake Day date.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something different this Pancake Day, this is definitely one to try. It’s festive, flavour-forward, and unapologetically Nigerian.

Whether you’re indulging before Lent or just in the mood for something exciting, NOK’s Shrove Tuesday menu is worth exploring.

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