A reality TV show that celebrates Nigeria’s rich street food culture and empowers local talent, The Street Foodz Naija, will kick off next month.
Organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the 5th edition promises to be a remarkable journey, with mouthwatering prizes to be won. This season, the ultimate winner of the show will smile home with a whopping N10 million. Aside the grand prize, 14 contestants will receive scholarships from the Hospitality Business School (HBS), SME toolkit, and other consolation prizes.
According to the co-founder, Street Foodz Naija, Femi Ogundoro, this year’s theme: ‘Love and Street Food’ is inspired by the idea that food is a universal language of love.
“Whether it’s the joy of sharing a beloved family recipe or the way street food vendors turn cooking into an art form, love is at the core of the culinary experience. This season, we aim to explore these themes in-depth, highlighting how Nigerian street food serves as a conduit for affection, tradition, and cultural pride,” he declared.
Ogundoro explained further that the heart of Street Foodz Naija lies in the diverse and inspiring stories of the contestants. To him, each participant brings a unique narrative to the table, often rooted in deep personal connections to street food.
“For instance, look at the success stories of Korede Spaghetti and Kinglab, both of whom have transformed their street food ventures into significant enterprises through their participation in past seasons.
“Korede Spaghetti began with a small roadside kiosk, and through hard work and innovation, he has scaled his business into a multimillion-naira operation. With an average plate price of N2,500 and daily sales exceeding 3,000 plates, Korede has become a testament to the transformative power of Street Foodz Naija. His journey highlights how dedication and passion can elevate a simple food stall into a thriving business.
“Kinglab, another remarkable success story, has taken Nigerian Jollof rice to a global audience. His participation in the show helped him refine his recipes and expand his reach, showcasing Nigerian cuisine on an international stage. Kinglab’s story exemplifies how the show’s platform can help contestants achieve global recognition and celebrate Nigeria’s culinary heritage.
“These stories are more than just success narratives; they represent the heart and soul of what Street Foodz Naija aims to achieve. By sharing their journeys, we hope to inspire this season’s contestants and viewers alike,” he stated.
On this edition of Street Foodz Naija, viewers can look forward to see exceptional culinary talent, heartwarming stories, intense competition, culinary inspiration, and cultural celebration. Also, the season will feature a diverse group of contestants, each with a distinct approach to street food. From traditional dishes to modern interpretations, the range of culinary skills and creativity will be on full display.
Meanwhile, the organizer has extended heartfelt gratitude to Golden Penny, FCMB, Tiger Beer, Calipso, Maltina, Hospitality Business School, and Prisms Healthcare for their commitment in fostering culinary excellence and supporting local talent.