…positions Nigerian street food as the next frontier in cultural exports
On Monday, 16th October, the world celebrated World Food Day, a United Nations observance day celebrated annually to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. It is a day that reminds us how the food we eat tells a story about who we are and where we come from. It is also a way to share our culture and connect with our shared humanity.
Food plays a central role in our lives, no matter where we come from or who we are. In China, their New Year feast is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year, and in Mexico, the Day of the Dead celebration is a time to remember and honour loved ones who have passed away, of which food is an important aspect.
In Nigeria, our cuisine is an important aspect of Nigerian shared culture because it reflects the country's diversity of ethnic groups, languages, and religions. Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culinary traditions. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation, and they play an important role in Nigerian culture and identity.
On October 1, 2023, 3X4 Gourmet, a renowned food brand specializing in authentic African food, culture, and experiences, hosted the Lagos Street Food Celebration at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. The event was an initiative to push Nigerian street food cuisine as the next frontier in the country's cultural exports.
The Lagos Street Food Celebration was a resounding success with attendees enjoying a variety of delicious street food dishes representing the diversity and complexity of Nigeria and its people. The menu highlighted the evolution and globalization of Nigerian food, from traditional favourites like akara and moi moi to more modern creations like guinea fowl meatballs and Zobo-flavoured cocktails.
"We are thrilled with the success of the Lagos Street Food Celebration," said Banke Makinde, founder of 3X4 Gourmet. "Our goal was to showcase the richness and diversity of Nigerian street food cuisine to a wider audience, and we are confident that we have achieved that goal. The event was a celebration of Nigerian culture and heritage, and we are grateful to all who attended and supported it."
The event also featured cultural entertainment such as traditional dance performances and art exhibits by indigenous talents. The organizers collaborated with the curator to host a multi-sensory art exhibition that added a fun and interactive element to the event, showcasing the best of Nigerian street food culture. One of the featured artists was Ahmed Abiodun whose sculptor “Chop Beta” was a captivating life-size sculpture installation that celebrated one of Lagos’ most beloved street snacks - Puff Puff. The Lagos Street Food Celebration was more than just a culinary event, it was also a celebration of Nigerian culture and heritage.
Banke continued, “I am so proud of what we accomplished with the Lagos Street Food Celebration. It was an incredible event that showcased the best of Nigerian street food cuisine and culture. I believe that Nigerian street food cuisine has the potential to be a major cultural export for Nigeria. It is delicious, diverse, and affordable. I am committed to continuing to promote Nigerian street food cuisine and helping it to reach a global audience.”
The Lagos Street Food Celebration is a showcase of Nigerian ingenuity and a sign that Nigerian street food cuisine is on the rise. With growing global interest in African culture, there is a growing movement to elevate Nigeria’s cuisine to the same status as other global cuisines, and street food will be at the forefront of the push. Through 3x4 Gourmet’s initiative, Nigeria’s street food cuisine is being elevated and celebrated.
The event was sponsored by key organisations in the industry and beyond, including the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Bank of Industry, BUA Foods, and Flour Mills Nigeria, among others.
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