My Everyday Lagos

A deeply personal Nigerian cookbook from one of the most respected food writers working today. Yewande Komolafe, a Berlin-born, Lagos-raised recipe developer for The New York Times, captures the vibrant, layered cuisine of Africa’s most populous city through 75 recipes that reflect both tradition and the energy of modern Lagos.

Why This One

If your interest in West African cooking leans specifically toward Nigerian food, this is the book to reach for after (or instead of) a broader regional introduction. Komolafe writes with the precision of a professional recipe developer and the warmth of someone sharing family meals. The book covers the full range of Lagos cooking: from street food staples like puff puff and suya to slow-cooked stews like egusi soup and peppersoup with short ribs.

What makes this book special is Komolafe’s insistence on authenticity without gatekeeping. She teaches you how to build a proper Nigerian base sauce, how to process grains, and how to make stocks that form the foundation of the cuisine. The recipes are tested rigorously and written with the kind of clarity that comes from years of developing recipes for a mainstream audience.

What to Expect

A substantial 288-page hardcover with beautiful location photography from Lagos alongside food photography. The book is organized around the rhythms of Lagos life, from quick weekday meals to elaborate weekend cooking. You will need specialty ingredients like palm oil, ground crayfish, fermented locust beans, and various dried peppers. The difficulty is moderate, as some recipes involve multiple steps and unfamiliar techniques, but Komolafe’s instructions are thorough enough to guide you through.