# Suya

> Suya is a spiced, skewered grilled meat that originated among the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria, who call it tsire. Coated in yaji, a dry blend built on ground peanuts and chilli, it is grilled over charcoal and sold as street food nationwide. Suya spread from a regional Hausa specialty to a national favourite over the 20th century and remains one of Nigeria's most popular ready-to-eat foods.

**Category:** Food & Cuisine · **Updated:** 2026-07-23 00:55:07 · **Canonical:** https://nigeriastuff.org/a/suya

## Key facts
- **Hausa name:** Tsire
- **Common name:** Suya (from Hausa "soya," to fry/roast)
- **Spice blend:** Yaji (ground peanuts, chilli, ginger, garlic)
- **Origin community:** Hausa pastoralist tradition, Northern Nigeria
- **Related northern meats:** Kilishi, balangu, dambu
- **Typical meats:** Beef, ram, chicken, offal ("shaki", gizzard)
- **Serving style:** Wrapped in paper with sliced onion and tomato

## Sources
- Suya: Street Food Like No Other — Google Arts & Culture, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (https://artsandculture.google.com/story/suya-street-food-like-no-other-pan-atlantic-university/zQWB2eDBmf-GJw?hl=en)
- PT Health Watch: The hidden health risks in suya, how to enjoy it safely — Premium Times (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/892829-pt-health-watch-the-hidden-health-risks-in-suya-how-to-enjoy-it-safely.html)
- The Arewa Kitchen: Specialty Meats (or Suya Plus) — Kitchen Butterfly (https://www.kitchenbutterfly.com/2017/the-arewa-kitchen-specialty-meats-or-suya-plus/)
- Does "Suya" Mean "Kebab" in Hausa Language? — Medium (Mazhun Idris) (https://medium.com/@Mazhun/does-suya-mean-kebab-in-hausa-language-9b87718e8090)

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