The History of Suya - West Africa's Kebab
Image by Antony Trivet from Pixabay
Suya, the popular West African grilled meat, has been a staple food of the region for centuries. With its smoky, spicy, and savory flavours, this street food has captured the taste buds of many worldwide. From Nigeria to Ghana, Cameroon to Sierra Leone, Suya is a beloved dish that is enjoyed in many countries across West Africa.
West Africa's diverse cultural landscape has led to a variety of names for grilled meat snacks, which often vary by country and ethnic group. Some of the most commonly used names include afra (in Gambia), chichinga (in Ghana), dibi (in Guinea Bissau and Senegal), and tsire suya, or simply suya or soya (in Nigeria).
But where did it all begin? What is the history behind this delicious dish? In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of Suya and the rich cultural heritage that surrounds it. From its humble beginnings as a simple snack sold by street vendors to its current status as a global delicacy, Suya has a fascinating story to tell. Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the history of this mouth-watering West African dish and its presence in various countries.
The Ingredients and How Suya is Made
Suya is commonly found in two different forms: skewered or in chunks of meat, both served in a paper bag or in banana leaves.
When it comes to making Suya, the marinade is a KEY component that sets it apart from other grilled meat dishes. Marinating the meat for at least an hour or ideally overnight allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and gives it its signature smoky, spicy, and nutty taste.
In its skewered form, Suya is typically made by marinating:
● Strips of beef, chicken, or goat
In a blend of spices, including:
● Ground peanuts
● Chili pepper
● Onion powder
The marinated meat is then threaded onto skewers and BBQ’d or grilled over an open flame until charred and tender. Suya skewers are often sold by street vendors, who may also offer a side of sliced onions, tomatoes, and peppers for a flavourful accompaniment.
In its chunk form, Suya is made using the same blend of spices but instead of being skewered, the meat is cut into bite-sized chunks and grilled over an open flame. The chunks of meat are then served in a paper bag, along with sliced onions and tomatoes, for an easy-to-carry street food snack.
No matter the form, Suya's signature smoky, spicy, and savory flavours make it a beloved snack in West Africa and beyond. Whether enjoyed on the streets or at home, Suya is a dish that is sure to satisfy any meat lover's cravings.
For those who are looking to enjoy the delicious flavours of Suya while following a plant-based or vegan diet, mushrooms can be a great substitute for meat. Oyster mushrooms and Portobello mushrooms are particularly good options for creating a vegan version of Suya.
Pre-made Suya Spice Blends
In addition to being available as a street food snack, Suya has also become a popular flavour for pre-made spice mixes that are sold in many African stores. These spice blends typically include a mix of ground peanuts, chili pepper, onion powder, salt, and other spices and seasonings, all of which come together to create Suya's distinct flavour profile.
The availability of pre-made Suya spice mix has made it easier for people to enjoy the flavours of this West African dish at home. It allows for quick and convenient preparation of Suya-inspired meals, such as grilled chicken or beef skewers, without the need to individually measure and mix the various spices.
While pre-made spice blends can be a convenient option for home cooks, some traditional foodies would argue that the true essence of Suya lies in the individualised spice blends used by street vendors and home cooks. However, regardless of how you choose to enjoy Suya, its unique blend of spices and smoky flavour continues to captivate taste buds around the world.
How to Make Vegan Suya
As a former fan of Suya, I was disappointed to have to give it up after transitioning to a vegan diet. That's why I decided to create a vegan suya that would mimic the same mouthfeel, flavour, and addictive aftertaste that keeps people coming back for more.
(photo: gwafuvegan)
To achieve a meaty texture without using animal products, I turned to oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms are popular among the Asian community and are great flavour carriers, retaining their chewy, meat-like texture even after cooking. While I initially created a seitan version of this dish for my takeaway, I wanted to create a version that was healthier and less time-consuming to make.
With my vegan Suya recipe, I can enjoy the bold flavours and unique spice combinations of this West African dish without any guilt or compromise.
My vegan Suya recipe also uses ginger powder, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, allspice, dried thyme, cumin, Suya seasoning (optional), black pepper, and salt to create a complex and savory flavour profile.
The use of Suya seasoning, a spice blend commonly used in West African cuisine, adds an authentic touch to the dish. Additionally, the dish is glazed with a sweet soy sauce made from Kikkoman Gluten-Free Soy Sauce, agave syrup, and vegetable oil.
The soy sauce adds a rich umami flavour to the dish, while the agave syrup provides a subtle sweetness that balances out the spiciness of the marinade. The use of gluten-free soy sauce makes this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Finally, the dish is served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce made from soy yogurt, fresh mint, and a pinch of salt. The soy yoghurt sauce adds a creamy and cooling element to the dish, complementing the bold flavours of the marinade and glaze.
If you do choose to use mushrooms for your Suya, make a note of my tips:
Don't wash your mushrooms before grilling them. Mushrooms act like sponges and will absorb water if washed, making it harder to get them crispy on the grill. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Use wooden skewers to grill your mushrooms. Soak the skewers in water for at least 24 hours before using them. This will prevent them from burning on the grill and make them easier to handle when it's time to turn them over.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your grilled mushrooms are crispy, flavourful, and perfectly cooked.
Nut-Free Options
For those with peanut allergies or other nut sensitivities, this can be a barrier to enjoying this beloved dish. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to create a peanut-free version of Suya that is just as delicious and satisfying.
Luckily, anyone can enjoy the bold flavours and unique spice combinations of this iconic West African dish, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
The Suya Oyster Mushroom Kebabs Recipe on my website is nut-free, vegan, and the perfect introduction for you to try this dish without worrying about restrictions.
Try Suya for Yourself
In conclusion, Suya is more than just a grilled meat dish - it's a representation of the rich and diverse culinary heritage of West Africa. Whether you are a meat lover or vegan, there are various ways to enjoy Suya while accommodating your dietary needs. From the streets of Nigeria to the markets of Ghana, Suya has become a symbol of the region's vibrant food culture, and its unique blend of flavours and spices has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. So next time you're looking for a bold and satisfying meal, why not try making Suya yourself or sampling it from a street vendor - and savor the taste of West Africa.
I’d love to see your home-cooked Suya after learning more about it on this blog! Please tag me in your pictures on Instagram, you can find me here: @gwafuvegan
gwafuvegan specialises in cooking and delivering affordable vegan West African food.
We ensure to only use high-quality, sustainable produce that is locally sourced.
Our number one aim is to spread our love of vegan food and our passion and love of West African food. By doing this we showcase new and exciting flavours to our ever-growing diverse community.
What we are currently getting up to:
● Popping up at food markets in and around Manchester.
● Selling Puff Puff boxes (sweet doughnut-like balls) - through our website - Uk wide delivery.