Ask anyone where to find good Amala in Abuja and they will immediately mention Iya Oyo. All your favorite food bloggers from Brian to See Abuja swear by this place and yes, it is incredible. I have visited Iya Oyo a couple of times especially when I doing my Youth Service and when I lived in Wuye briefly.
The popularity of Iya Oyo as one of the best spots for amala in Abuja is purely deserved. If you go there, be prepared to stand in long queues especially during rush hour.
Everything from the quality of service to the taste of their abula and amala to the traditional vibe and atmosphere makes it truly a remarkable place to go eat the Yoruba delicacy here in the Federal Capital.
But after considering all the options that you can find here in Abuja, Amala Central actually takes the crown and I will show you why.
Other Good Amala Spots in Abuja
Before I get into why Amala Central is my favorite, there are other good places where you can eat Amala in Abuja. These places may not be as popular as Iya Oyo but they are definitely worth visiting especially if you love good Yoruba food.
Iya Ekiti, Also Known as Mama T
| 📍Address: |
| No 54 Abidjan Street, inside Mama T Garden in Wuse Zone 3. |
This is one of those places you visit when you want good food without spending too much money. Their amala is soft and you can enjoy it with ewedu, gbegiri, stew and whatever meat you want.
They also serve pounded yam which a lot of people actually recommend. The environment is simple, calm and nothing too serious. You just go there, order your food and enjoy yourself.
Odun by Papiees
| 📍Address: |
| Plot 103 Ahmadu Bello Way, opposite Shashilga Court around the Jahi and Kado axis. |
The difference between Odun and some of the other places on this list is the atmosphere. It feels more like a proper restaurant but you still get that traditional Southwestern food experience.
The food is affordable and they have other Nigerian meals apart from amala. So if you are going with someone who does not want amala, they will still find something else to eat there.
Amala Garden in Utako
| 📍Address: |
| Behind Top Rank Hotel in Utako. If you are searching for it on Google Maps, search for Amala Joint. |
This place is more of a hidden spot and it has that regular local buka feeling. It is not fancy but the food is good and you will usually find people coming in and going out.
The meals are also affordable which makes it a good option if you are around Utako and want to eat amala without entering any expensive restaurant.
Why Amala Central is the Best Amala Spot in Abuja
Amala Central is located at 108A Independence Avenue in the Central Business District, beside Reiz Continental Hotel.
| 💡Quick Verdict |
| Amala Central is my favorite because of its proximity, parking spaces, fast services despite the long queues and affordability. |
What makes Amala Central my favorite is how everything comes together. The amala is soft, the ewedu has that nice draw and the gbegiri is not just there for decoration. Once they add the stew, you get that proper abula taste that makes you want to continue eating even when you are already full.
The meat is also soft and properly cooked. You do not have to fight with your goat meat or spend the whole time trying to cut it. The stew has enough flavor and it works very well with both the amala and the assorted meat.
Another thing I like about Amala Central is the environment. You still get the experience of eating proper local food but the place feels comfortable and organized. The service is also good and you do not always have to deal with the kind of long queue that you may meet at Iya Oyo during lunch hour.
The portions are good and the food tastes consistent. For me, that consistency is important because there is nothing more annoying than visiting a restaurant because of one good meal only to return and meet something completely different.
Is Amala Central Better Than Iya Oyo?
Iya Oyo is still a very good amala spot and I will never tell anyone not to visit it. The popularity is deserved and it remains one of the places you should experience if you live in Abuja.
But if I have to choose only one place based on the amala, the abula, the meat, the environment and the overall experience, I am choosing Amala Central.
Iya Oyo may be the most famous but Amala Central is the place I actually want to return to when I am craving good amala.
Have you eaten at Amala Central before or do you still think Iya Oyo has the best amala in Abuja?
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