Why Suya Is Route 1’s Hot New Dining Trend

A West African street food has become a popular new dining trend along the Route 1 corridor.

Several local eateries are now serving suya, a spicy peanut-marinated grilled meat that originated in Nigeria before taking off in countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Niger, and now the U.S.

Located at 3124 Queens Chapel Rd., near the Lidl, Spice Kitchen West African Grill helped kick off the trend after getting its start at a restaurant incubator in Brookland and miXt Food Hall in Brentwood.

Owner Olumide Shokubi, a first-generation Nigerian-American born and raised in Prince George’s County, told the Hyattsville Wire that he opened the restaurant to “demystify” African cuisine.

In early December, Spice Kitchen expanded to Baltimore as well.

Meantime, Project Suya, a family-owned eatery with locations in Bowie and Silver Spring, opened its third location, a food truck just down the street at 3200 Queens Chapel Rd. in late November. The eatery also sells its spice mix online.

A little farther down the road, you can also get suya at Kitchen Near You Lounge, a restaurant, bar and lounge at 5321 Ager Rd. serving African cuisine, and at Spectrum Lounge, a restaurant and lounge at 10601 Baltimore Ave. in Beltsville.

Beyond the Route 1 corridor, Suya’s popularity is surging due to a growing appetite for global flavors. Google searches for the spicy grilled meat have climbed steadily over the last ten years — especially in the DMV, where Prince George’s County serves as a center of the Nigerian community.

Note for people with allergies: Suya is marinated in peanuts.

Help the Wire grow in 2026!
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.