My Everyday Lagos features 75 dishes all served in Lagos, revealing two distinctive qualities of Nigerian cuisine—its singularity and accessibility. Through informative essays contextualizing ingredients historically, Yewande Komolafe explains how a cuisine has evolved that transcends tribal boundaries in a country where dozens of ethnic groups interact. Her personal narrative is interwoven throughout the book, cautioning against being burdened by notions of authenticity.
For those in the African diaspora, this book highlights foods that have been adapted and integrated into the cuisines of their respective locales. From the bustling bukas of London to those in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, and Newark, each city offers its unique interpretation of Nigeria reflected in its culinary offerings. The featured recipes, including classics like Jollof Rice, Puff Puff, and Groundnut Stew, serve as a starting point for home cooks, guiding them to achieve the diverse flavors emblematic of Nigerian cuisine. Through photographs capturing the vibrancy of the city and its people, this book invites readers into the energy and pulse of Lagos, offering an in-depth exploration of its cuisine while revealing the nuances of regions, peoples, diaspora, and return. Komolafe also shares her personal journey of self-discovery through understanding her home country and its food.
