Naija Jollof – 7215 Goreway Drive, Mississauga ON, L4T 2T9, in Westwood Square Mall Food Court
Country: Nigeria 
Seating: Located in a food court
Must-try dish: Large Jollof Rice 

Mandrea Bike dropped into a Nigerian fashion show a couple of years back in the real London, and the vibrant colours of the clothing and genuine friendliness of the people in attendance are still remembered. 

Finding Naija Jollof is quite the adventure – you have to enter a mall within a larger plaza, go up an escalator and then walk through a food court. They’re open every day of the week for lunch, despite the pandemic and the majority of the neighbours closing their doors. The food is displayed on large trays behind a window giving the diners’ the opportunity to see what’s available on the menu before making an order. 

Mandrea Bike especially enjoyed the positive vibes and welcoming attitude of the employees at Naija Jollof. All the staff were helpful with enormous smiles on their faces, and the positive energy even led to us being upsold on a Nigerian malt drink to wash down the meal. Our takeaway order came in an exciting orange and green bag that illustrated a map of Africa, along with some of the wild animals that live in Nigeria. 

The non-negotiable dish was the Jollof Rice, which Mandrea Bike has never tried but heard of it referred to as “Jello Fries” once, and needed to see what it was all about. It’s a fragrant rice that has an orange tint and served with bone-in chicken on top. 

This was a meat-heavy meal with a few starches for good measure. We also ordered the Assorted Beef, which was spicy but easy to finish with the rice, the Boiled Yams with Fish, and the Suya Meat.  

Don’t forget to support all the amazing local restaurants in Toronto and the surrounding area during this trying time. Although take out can’t offer the same ambiance as eating in, there are positives like eating in the sunshine on your balcony or wearing your pajamas as you dig in! 

Eat with you soon, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)