There are restaurants of all varieties in Lagos and the major towns. European and Oriental food is readily available. Although there are self-service cafes, mainly in department stores, most restaurants have table service. Nigerian food is typical of that found throughout West Africa, with regional variations. In the north, meat is more popular than in other areas. Spirits are expensive. Larger hotels and clubs have bars and cocktail lounges.

National specialities:
• Yam.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Suya (barbecued liver and beef on sticks) and kilishi (spiced dried meat).
• In the east, egussi soup (stew of meat, dried fish and melon seeds).
• In the south, goat meat and bush meat (particularly antelope) are considered a delicacy.

National drinks:
• There are many brands of locally brewed and bottled beer which are very good.
• Nigerian-brewed Guinness is available.

Tipping: Unless a service charge has been included, 10% is expected for most services.

There are nightclubs in many of the hotels in Lagos and in the Surulere district. Some clubs have live entertainment, details of which are given in the local newspapers. North of Oyo in Ogbomosho, there is a lively market, particularly in the evenings. Local festivals which generally take place in the summer months provide a good opportunity to see dancing, music and traditional costumes.

Markets are the most interesting places to shop. Special purchases include adire (patterned, indigo-dyed cloth), batiks and pottery from the southwest, leatherwork and kaduna cotton from the north and carvings from the east. Designs vary greatly, many towns having their own distinctive style. Other purchases include herbs, beadwork, basketry and ceremonial masks such as those of the Ekpo.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1630.