This Afro food pop-up in Lisbon was more than a menu — it was a moment of culture, community, and Nigerian flavor coming alive in the city.
There are moments in business when you realize: this is bigger than food — this Afro food pop-up in Lisbon was one of those moments.
Our recent Afro food pop-up in Praça Beato, Lisbon, was one of those moments.
What started as a test run turned into a powerful celebration of Nigerian cuisine, culture, and community — and we sold out.
Yes. Completely sold out.
A Taste of Nigeria in Lisbon
The menu was carefully curated to introduce both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to authentic West African flavours:
- Jollof rice with peppered chicken & plantain
- Egusi soup with swallow
- Puff-Puff
- Nigerian meat pies
- Fishrolls
- Chinchin
- And other traditional favorites
From the moment the first plates were served, something special was happening.
Guests kept coming back to the table.
Word spread quickly across the venue.
People were lining up.
And then the comments started:
“This is the best jollof rice I’ve ever eaten in Lisbon.”
“Where have you been hiding?”
“You need a restaurant!”
As a Nigerian living in Portugal for over 17 years, hearing that meant everything. Jollof rice isn’t just rice — it’s identity, pride, culture, and history served on a plate.
And on that day, it spoke loudly.
Sold Out — Every Single Item
The jollof rice with peppered chicken? Sold out.
The egusi soup and swallow? Sold out.
The meat pies? Gone.
Chinchin? Finished.
Fishroll? Completely cleared.
There is no better validation than empty trays and smiling guests asking, “Do you have more?”
For a test-run Afro lounge concept, this was more than encouraging — it was confirmation that there is real demand for high-quality African food in Lisbon.
When the Embassy of Nigeria Took Notice
Among the attendees were members of the Embassy of Nigeria.
They tasted the jollof.
Asked questions.
Then went back for seconds.
Shortly after the event, I received an incredible message:
The Embassy wanted Simply Oby to prepare jollof rice and chinchin snacks for their annual diplomatic bazaar.
That moment was deeply emotional.
From a small pop-up test event… to representing Nigerian cuisine at a diplomatic level.
At the bazaar, people gravitated toward the Nigerian table — and one of the biggest attractions was Simply Oby’s jollof rice. Plates kept moving. Conversations kept flowing. Culture was being experienced through food.
Food has a way of bringing dignity, pride, and identity to the table.
Why This Pop-Up Meant So Much
This wasn’t just about selling food.
It was about:
- Showcasing Nigerian cuisine in Portugal
- Elevating African gastronomy in Lisbon
- Introducing authentic flavors to new audiences
- Proving there is demand for premium, well-presented West African food experiences
- Opening doors for Nigerian catering in Lisbon and beyond
For years, I’ve built Simply Oby around cakes, fusion recipes, and culinary storytelling. This event marked a powerful expansion — stepping boldly into full Nigerian gastronomy.
And Lisbon responded.
The Future: Taking Nigerian Cuisine to Cascais
Encouraged by this overwhelming success, I have now registered to have a stand at the Annual Cascais Fair to showcase Nigerian cuisine.
Cascais has been my home for many years. It is a beautiful, multicultural municipality that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture.
Simply Oby is ready to bring authentic Nigerian flavors to that stage — professionally presented, culturally rich, and community-centered.
We are not just selling food. We are offering:
- Cultural education through cuisine
- Premium, hygienic, beautifully presented African dishes
- A warm, welcoming food experience
- A bridge between Portugal and Nigeria
If selected, we are prepared to represent with excellence. Do sign up for our newsletter so that you can receive updates on our activities 🙂
We Are Going Higher
From: A test-run pop-up
To: Selling out every item
And: Being contacted by the Embassy of Nigeria
Then: Showcasing at a diplomatic bazaar
This is only the beginning.
Simply Oby is growing beyond cakes — into a full African culinary experience brand.
And if Lisbon has anything to say about it, the journey is just starting.
Cascais, we are ready.
Final Thoughts
To everyone who came, tasted, supported, and shared — thank you.
A big appreciation to the guests who said my jollof rice was the best they’ve eaten in Lisbon — you fueled something powerful.
And to the Embassy of Nigeria — thank you for the honour.
We are building something meaningful.
And we are going higher.
Looking for authentic Nigerian food in Lisbon (or catering in Portugal)?
If you’re looking for authentic Nigerian cuisine in Lisbon or catering for African events in Portugal, Simply Oby is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consult our FAQs below as a guide. You can chat with us for more details.
Do you offer Nigerian catering in Lisbon?
Yes. Simply Oby offers authentic Nigerian catering in Lisbon and the surrounding areas. We cater for private events, corporate gatherings, cultural festivals, embassy events, birthdays, and community celebrations.
Our menu includes favorites like Jollof Rice, Egusi Soup, Meatpies, Puff-Puff, Chinchin, Fishroll, and other traditional Nigerian dishes — prepared with premium ingredients and presented professionally.
What areas do you deliver to?
We provide catering and food pop-up services within Lisbon and across Portugal. Common service areas include Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Oeiras, and Sintra, plus nearby municipalities.
For larger events (diplomatic functions, festivals, fairs), we’re open to traveling within Portugal upon request.
How far in advance should I book Nigerian catering?
For small to medium events, we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. For large events, festivals, or diplomatic functions, we advise 3–4 weeks ahead to allow for planning, ingredient sourcing, and preparation.
Last-minute requests may be possible depending on availability.
Do you participate in food festivals and cultural fairs in Portugal?
Simply Oby has successfully participated in African food pop-ups and diplomatic events in Lisbon, including serving at a diplomatic bazaar connected to the Embassy of Nigeria. We are currently expanding into larger cultural festivals and municipal fairs and look forward to bringing authentic Nigerian cuisine to more public events across Lisbon and Cascais.
Have additional questions?
We’re here to help. Let’s talk.
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