One should not visit the ancient city without eating its famous staple foodArticle | By Yinka Ojo
If you have been to Oyo but have never experienced the sizzling delicacy of Amala and Gbegiri with assorted meat, then you have missed out on one of the things the great empire is famed for.
Oyo has a rich history which spans the time and ages before the influx of the colonial traders. The city is second to none in many things as its watchword, “aji se bi Oyo laari, Oyo kii se bi baba enikan” (one sees others imitate Oyo, but Oyo will never imitate anyone), aptly says. Arguably so, as no other city can boast of a robust Amala Industry like Oyo.
There are numerous canteens that serve the special delicacy which is a staple food in the ancient city. For visitors though, it may be fascinating to try Amala, which is made from Yam-flour, and Gbegiri, a special soup made with beans. Depending on your choice, mixing the Gbegiri with Ewedu (vegetable draw soup) provides a thickening sauce that enhances the sweet tasting sensation that only Oyo can provide.
If you have a liking for assorted meat, then you are in your land of dreams as virtually all the canteens provide you with variety; beef, chicken, goat meat, offal meat, all kinds of fish, bush meat (snake, porcupine) and lots more.
Food business is an economic mainstay of the Oyo people. The industry is enhanced by the city’s strategic location around the highway, and the location of several higher institutions–two colleges of education, a private university and the Federal School of Surveying–within its domain. These provide the canteens with teeming clients at every hour of the day.
The introduction of fast food outlets seem to be affecting canteens offering local foods in most cities, but it is a different story in Oyo as canteen owners do not see the outlets as a threat.
One of the canteen operators who spoke with Daily Times, Alhaja Oluwatobi, said: “They are not a threat to us; they do their thing and we do our own”.
“Although they are trying to introduce local dishes but it can never be the same,” Oluwatobi said with great confidence.
“People from all walks of life come here to eat; politicians, bankers…everybody.”
So, when next you visit the ancient city, pay homage to the Alaafin of Oyo and head to the next canteen/buka to savour the culinary delight of Oyo.
Yinka has taught at various levels of education. He has published a textbook on effective teaching practice and several academic papers in reputable journals. He is currently an education consultant. He loves writing, poetry, music and is presently working on a musical album billed to be released into the market soon.
