Suya is a traditional smoked spiced meat skewer that originates in Hausa Land, Northern Nigeria, and is a popular food item across West Africa. It is a large part of Hausa culture and food and is traditionally prepared and made by Hausa men, thus called Mai nama (not women) . Suya is generally made with skewered beef, ram, or chicken, and organ meats such as kidney, liver, and tripe are also used. The thinly sliced meat is marinated in various spices, which include traditional Hausa dehydrated peanut cookie called kwulikwuli, salt, vegetable oil, and other spices and flavorings, and then barbecued. There are many variations of Suya in traditional Hausa cooking, such as Balangu, Kilishi, etc., but the most popular is Suya. Suya is traditionally served with an extra helping of dried pepper mixed with traditional Hausa spices and sliced onions.
Suya is believed to have originated from the Northern part of Nigeria, particularly among the Hausa tribe, and has now become popular in many West African countries. The Hausa tribe is one of the three most prominent ethnic groups in Nigeria, and they have a rich history and culture, which is reflected in their culinary tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Apart from Suya, some of their foods include Masa, Dambu nama, Kunun, and so much more.
Suya can be made with different types of meat, including beef, goat meat, lamb meat, chicken, turkey, and fish. Even meat parts like kidney, liver, and tripe can be made into Suya. Suya is traditionally cooked over an open flame on skewers, but it can also be cooked in an oven if an outdoor grill is not available.
In summary, Suya is a popular West African food item that originated in Northern Nigeria and is made with skewered meat that is marinated in various spices and then barbecued. It is traditionally served with an extra helping of dried pepper mixed with traditional Hausa spices and sliced onions. Suya has become a Nigerian national dish, and it is believed to have originated from the Hausa tribe in Nigeria.
