Buka Spot Benin City is what you get when you imagine Mama Ebo Pepper Rice and Mama Twins Starch Depot came together to have a baby. In anticipation of this flexing, we fasted for three days to ensure our stomach was empteeeee, rolled up our sleeves, washed our hands and began to eat better swallow.
Was the preparation all worth it or did we leave there completely disappointed, read on to find out
Buka or Restaurant?
Located at 42B Oni Street, by Akpes Bar, GRA, Benin City, Buka Spot is one of a kind. This establishment did not have any parking lot so you’ll have to park your car on the streets while you are there. They do have an outdoor space and if you’re into that kind of thing, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Its interior was very dry but spacious. Buka Spot arranged their furniture like a classroom. While I’m not sure it was deliberate — they probably wanted to make good use of the space — it left much to be desired in terms of interior design. Also, they had very hard wooden furniture that became really uncomfortable. After a few minutes, the chairs were digging into our skin and we were ready to stand up and leave.
My advice to anyone thinking of visiting is to approach the place as a buka as that will really curb your expectations and reduce your disappointment. Also, bring some throw pillows.
Swallow
Buka Spot is a local food joint with a Yorùbá theme. It’s a good spot to try timeless Yorùbá classics like amala, gbegiri, ewedu, okro, vegetable, ofada rice, beans and plantain. It pleases me to say that the food at Buka Spot is finger-lickingly delicious.
The amala we ordered came almost immediately but the ofada rice took some time as they had to make it on the spot. Do not expect to be blown away by the presentation; it was just basic. Like I always say: good food doesn’t need to be good-looking.
Staff
The staff at Buka Spot was friendly and helpful. And whomever they have back in the kitchen deserves a raise because, as I’ve said, the food is top-notch.
Thoughts
The best thing about Buka spot is not just the tasty meals but how affordable the items on their menu are. We spent about 2,500 naira for a plate of Amala and 2,000 naira for the ofada rice. However, I wish they would put in more efforts with design and presentation, especially as they have the space for it.
Which would you pick, amala or ofada rice? Comment below.
Check out our review of Choplife Republic here.
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