5 Places In Lagos Where You Can Eat Out On a 5k Budget.

I recently went to a restaurant, just wanting to give myself a treat and I ordered a delicious plate of rice, peppered turkey, some side salad and dodo and just as I was about to take my plate off the counter, I decided to ask for the price and they said 25k. 

I thought I didn’t hear well, so I asked again, this time the waiter shouted, “Twenty Five thousand naira!” Haaaa egbami! In my mind, I was like, just share it in five places and give me five thousand naira own? 

I didn’t know when I started asking for the price of each food item and I’m not even going to lie, my jaw was almost touching my collarbone. Since I didn’t want to disgrace my family members, I eventually settled for rice and meat. 

Fortunately, the food was giving, even though I parted with almost 10k. I couldn’t help remembering the good old days where a family of five would eat out on a-less-than-10k budget. 

However, the economic situation of the country makes that expectation currently unrealistic and as such, you must plan yourself well before going out to eat so you don’t end up washing plates in your banging outfit after a nice meal. 

Here are 5 places in Lagos where you can eat out on a 5k budget.

Chicken Republic

The fast food restaurant that truly cares for the masses. I personally believe that Chicken Republic deserves an award for being sensitive to the hard times and staying true to the ordeals of the common man. 

They literally adjust their menu to match the economic realities every time; from “Refuel spaghetti” to rice and stew with egg”. Those guys are simply the best when it comes to affordable meals! 

With less than 5k, you can confidently walk into any of their outlets with your bae and you’ll get something nice and tasty for both of you. Not only that, you’ll even get options to choose from and a serene environment to eat your meal. Let’s just give Chicken Republic their flowers, they’ve earned it. 

Mama Put (Local Restaurants)

Mama Put used to be the cheaper version of your favorite restaurants where you could get tasty local dishes for a fraction of the amount you’ll pay to get the same meal at a high-end restaurant. 

They used to be the smart choice for eating out on a budget but not anymore. Most of them have scaled up to start competing with these big restaurants and the only way to tell the difference nowadays is the ambience (Mama Put uses standing fans while the big restaurants have air conditioners and a generally more relaxing environment). 

With the way things are going economically, their prices aren’t as fantastic as they used to be but if you’re looking to eat out on a 5k budget, they’ve got you. All you need to do is watch out for mama puts with names that have Buka or Restaurant added to it. 

These guys are sure to provide you with cool music, cold water and at least fan, alongside good meals with all the necessary assorted under 5k. Good thing is every street has a mama put corner where meals are sold but not all mama put have the same standard. 

So stay clear of those ones with a big sign saying ‘no credit today come tomorrow,’ or else you might need to keep the other hand as a shield against flies while you eat your under 5k meal. Stay sharp guys!

Roadside Mallams (aka Meshai)

These guys have been saving lives since 1980 and till date, they’re yet to disappoint. Throwing down delicious meals from breakfast (fried bread and egg with tea) to dinner (noodles and fried eggs) and back to back for that matter. 

They are every student’s and even single people’s delight. Their meals are quite fast to make and taste very delicious. Their meals are a bit more expensive than before but under the mark of 5k, you’re sure to get a decent delicacy. 

These roadside mallams not only specialize in noodles but also other breakfast meals that would keep you coming back. 

Cafe One

Whether you’re a coffee lover or not, If a quick breakfast or snack is what you crave on a budget of 5k, then Cafe One is the spot to be in. 

With nice smelling coffee that bangs, refreshing milkshakes, smoothies and I daresay the best parfait, tasty snacks and pastry, creamy sandwiches and all sorts of yummy confections and any other thing you would want to take for breakfast at under 5k. 

It’s also the only place in Lagos where you’ll get more value for your money (actually, more than your money’s worth) because the environment isn’t just serene, it is picture-friendly (if you know what I mean) and you can get to meet with like minds and network! 

Did I mention that the staff are highly professional and would make you feel at home in no time? Cafe One is packed with all you need for a tasteful yet memorable breakfast or brunch and all within the 5k budget. Try Cafe One and thank me later. 

Traffic Jam 

As long as you live in Lagos, getting stuck in traffic is inevitable. While Lagos traffic is a completely different world with all sorts of dramatic displays, it is another great place to eat on a 5k budget. 

All you need to do is help yourself to any of the array of snacks and drinks on display by the hawkers in traffic. I hear there are a few options to choose from but sausage rolls (Gala) and fizzy drinks come highly recommended. Plus they’re not as expensive as what you’ll get in a standard restaurant.  

Since there’s really nothing you can do about the traffic situation, you might as well make yourself comfortable however you can while the traffic lasts. As long as you’re not a picky eater, you’ll be fine. 

We used to have a lot of budget-friendly restaurants but the harsh economic realities have either put them out of business or made their prices unrealistic for the average Nigerian. 

You can try any of these popular restaurants if the goal is to just be fed. When you get there, find out the cost of their food portions and order according to your budget. Whatever you do, don’t buy any meat/chicken/turkey. Just buy the food and when you get home, boil as many eggs as you want and add to it. You’re welcome!

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