Oshogbo may be known for its art and culture, and it’s also home to a UNESCO World Heritage site (Osun Oshogbo), but a culinary city it is not.
During my short stay I found virtually no restaurants outside of the street stall/kitchen variety. Probably the best and safest among them is an establishment called “Finger Licking.” It is located opposite the Old Governor office, on the main road between Ibadan and Oshogbo as you enter the city. The spot is an unofficial stop for the countless minibuses that shuttle between the two cities along the notorious Ibadan-Oshogbo highway.
It opened a year ago and has proved popular with locals ever since. In fact, it is currently “the place” to be seen, partially due to its roadside location, and partly because it is the most modern outlet in Oshogbo.
The modern, two-story outdoor structure features an arched plastic roof supporting banks of surprisingly effective ceiling fans. Food is simple; crispy fried chicken, spicy jollof rice, plantain and ice-cold beer.
Staff are a gregarious bunch of local girls who found the arrival of an ‘Oyibo’ (white person) a hilarious distraction from work, and were delightfully entertaining from then on. By the time I was finished with my meal I almost regretted having to leave.
Finger Licking is certainly not worth a detour in its own right, but given the uncertain nature of bus departures in Nigeria, it’s a good spot to relax while you wait for your bus to fill with passengers; it’s much more pleasant to relax here than by the stifling heat of the road.
Expert Review
Oshogbo may be known for its art and culture, and it's also home to a UNESCO World Heritage site (Osun Oshogbo),...
Oshogbo may be known for its art and culture, and it’s also home to a UNESCO World Heritage site (Osun Oshogbo), but a culinary city it is not.
During my short stay I found virtually no restaurants outside of the street stall/kitchen variety. Probably the best and safest among them is an establishment called “Finger Licking.” It is located opposite the Old Governor office, on the main road between Ibadan and Oshogbo as you enter the city. The spot is an unofficial stop for the countless minibuses that shuttle between the two cities along the notorious Ibadan-Oshogbo highway.
It opened a year ago and has proved popular with locals ever since. In fact, it is currently “the place” to be seen, partially due to its roadside location, and partly because it is the most modern outlet in Oshogbo.
The modern, two-story outdoor structure features an arched plastic roof supporting banks of surprisingly effective ceiling fans. Food is simple; crispy fried chicken, spicy jollof rice, plantain and ice-cold beer.
Staff are a gregarious bunch of local girls who found the arrival of an ‘Oyibo’ (white person) a hilarious distraction from work, and were delightfully entertaining from then on. By the time I was finished with my meal I almost regretted having to leave.
Finger Licking is certainly not worth a detour in its own right, but given the uncertain nature of bus departures in Nigeria, it’s a good spot to relax while you wait for your bus to fill with passengers; it’s much more pleasant to relax here than by the stifling heat of the road.