During the Sophomore-Class trip to the MFA, the African class took a visit to Roxbury, Massachusetts to try a local Nigerian restaurant called Suya Joint. Roxbury is home to a vibrant African American community, which Suya Joint (185 Dudley St, Boston, MA 02119) helps celebrate. A quick disclaimer: we did not have the traditional menu style dining, as it was a special event, and we were served buffet style—an unusual occurrence at Suya Joint.
Furthermore, Suya Joint offers an authentic taste of West African cuisine, introducing new flavors, spices, and cooking techniques. The owner, Cecelia Lizotte, stated on Suya Joint’s website that her main goal is to create a ‘joint’ for people to gather and eat together in the Boston area.
The atmosphere is buzzing with radiance as you step inside to bright orange walls and vibrant music—this unassuming gem is quickly rising in popularity, being featured by multiple glowing reports such as EATER, wanderlog, Travel Noire, Boston.com, Boston Magazine, etc.
The centerpiece of the meal for me was the jollof rice, which was a standout. It’s perfect balance of seasoning and spice gave it a satisfying kick and the rice itself was fluffy and aromatic. Paired with the marinated chicken, which was tender and flavorful, each bite was a buzzing sensation of savory and umami notes, thanks to the tomato and pepper sauce that smothered the chicken. Adding a spoonful of beans to the mix brought an extra layer of texture, as they were coated in a similar tomato and spice sauce. This combination is a meal plan that costs $24.
For those who preferred something less intense spice-wise, the puff puff ($10) and plantains ($8) offered a rich and comforting contrast. The puff puff was a dense deep-fried dough, while the plantains were caramelized to a golden perfection—sweet, soft, and perfectly cooked. These two dishes alone provide a satisfying balance, filling me up right away.
The quiet hush as everyone eagerly dug into their food was a tell of how enjoyable the experience was. Avery Loughborough ‘27 thought “[Suya Joint is] very colorful, and the people were all very happy to be there, and the food was especially very good.” I also found the meal so good that I took some extras home to share with my family—a true testament to how enjoyable the experience was.
If you are worried about how they handle dietary restrictions, the staff is very accommodating and on the menu, it will say if a dish is gluten-free, vegetarian, etc. Next time I plan on coming I will most definitely be trying the gluten-free Beef Suya ($19), a thinly sliced beef marinated in spices served with vegetables.
Our visit to Suya Joint was an unforgettable experience. The jollof rice and marinated chicken stole the show, but the puff puff and plantains rounded out the meal beautifully, offering a balance of sweet and savory. The experience was a perfect example of how food is a bridge between cultures, as Suya Joint created a space where I could understand more about the cultural identity of Western Africa. I left full, satisfied, and eager to introduce my family to the flavors of Africa. If you are in search of a restaurant that offers an authentic African dining experience, this one is a must to try.
hanna eljeaan