Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. Among its many treasures, the city is famed for its legendary Amala joints – vibrant spots where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the beloved Yoruba delicacy.

Amala, a dish made from yam or cassava flour, is often served with ewedu (a slimy green soup made from jute leaves), gbegiri (mashed bean soup), and assorted meats or fish. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience deeply rooted in tradition and hospitality.

A visit to Ibadan isn’t complete without exploring its legendary Amala joints. Words alone can’t capture the magic of these spots, but here are a few favourites worth checking out:

Popular Amala Joints in Ibadan

Bódìjà

• Ose Ọlọhun (a.k.a Amala Skye) After New Bodija International Market
• Bush, State Secretariat Ibadan
• Ola Mommy Ojurin, Bodija Ibadan
• Ultima Bodija
• Iya meta Farayola Bodija Ibadan
• Ajandigi Ojurin Akobo
• Archives – UI
• Amala Palace – Ashi
• Honey Foods – Asunle, Bodija Market, Ibadan
• Amala 247 Awolowo Road

Iwo Road

• Fanawole – World Oil, Iwo Road
• Amala Decency – Abayomi, Iwo Road
• Iya Ibeji – Iwo Road
• Iya Ibeji – Idí Kànga, Old Ife Road
• Iya Adija – Fagbamila Street Old Ife Road

Ring Road/Oluyole

• Iya Adija Ring road
• Iya Aliyah Oluyole
• Ultima Oluyole
• Ultima Palms Mall

Challenge/New Garage

• Opeyemi Bukateria (a.k.a Alhaja Opeyemi), New Garage
• Iyadunni – Challenge
• Amala & Co – Challenge

Gate

• Iya Ibadan – Yidi Agodi-Gate
• Iya Kuluwe – NTA, Agodi Gate

Along Ibadan-Iwo Road

• Iya Ibeji Idi kanga Agbala
• Yakoyo – Iyana Agbala
• Oluwaseun – Monatan

Adeoyo/Yemetu/Oríta Mefa

• Thuraya – Agip, Yemetu
• Prestige – UCH
• Safu Alamala – Adeoyo Yemetu

Lagos Ibadan Expressway

• Iya Alamala – Ire Akari Junction, Soka
• Iya Seki Eleran Igbe -Toll gate
• Alelagba – Olorunsogo
• Iya Dunni Alamala – Olomi
• Amala Dara – Seminbio, Muslim

What do you know About Amala in Ibadan?

Lagos-Ojoo Expressway

• Àmàlà Agbowo – Iyana Agbowo

Gbagi/Alakia/Airport

• Opeyemi Bukateria – Gbagi
• Adabaale Airport junction – Alakia
• Dash – Hope, Alakia

Mokola/Sango/Apete/Poly

• Mama Ope – Mokola
• Ina Straight – Mokola
• Bibire – Sango/Apete
• Blue House – WAEC, Ijokodo
• Alabede WAEC Junction – Apete
• Abula Restaurant – Poly Ibadan
• Iya Afin – POWA Shopping Complex, Sango
• Mama Nigeria – Awotan
• Foodieshub – Coca cola, Sango
• Joy Maggie – Adamasingba

Shooting Stars Jericho

• Iya Soji – Eleyele
• Abula Palace – Ologuneru

Akobo/Bashorun/General Gas

• Iya Ayomide – Basorun
• Better Life = Ajimutu along Akobo
• Better Life – General Gas
• Amala Palace – Ashi
• Abula Palace – BCOS, Bashorun
• Amala Palace and Delicacies – Akobo
• Alamala Restaurant – Akobo

Odo Oba/Oke Odo

• Iya Saheed – Odo Oba
• Iya Saki – Ilupeju

Odinjo

• Munukun – Ode’ge, Odinjo

Ogunpa

• Iya Dudu – Ogunpa

Molete/Idi Arere

• Iya Ila – Molete
• Omolayo – Idí Arere Junction
• Amala Suwe – Ìdí Arere

Apata

• Mama Soji

More Dining Options for All Tastes

Ibadan foods is not confined to local dishes or amala. It is also home to diverse restaurants offering a variety of international and local cuisines. Here are more dining options to try:

• Adis Hotels Restaurant – Known for Indian curries, African soups, and European-inspired dishes.
• Zen Restaurant – Specialises in Chinese noodles, Indian biryanis, and wood-fired pizzas.
• Ibachi – Offers Asian staples like vegetable fried rice, sushi, and crispy spring rolls.
• Whimpy’s – Serves shawarmas, Mediterranean kebabs, and desserts like baklava.
• Martha’s – Known for international dishes like steak, pasta, and vegetarian options.
• Cafe Chrysalis – A fusion menu blending African classics with international twists.
• Kokodome – Features Lebanese favourites like falafel, hummus, and Mediterranean salads.
• Paris Bakery Ibadan – Famous for French-style pastries and Asian rice bowls.
• Chicken Chaos Limited – Specialises in smoky barbecue chicken and suya.
• The Metropolis Restaurant & Grill – Offers fresh seafood platters, Chinese stir-fries, and grilled dishes like lobster and steak.