Hello daily blog community, this is my first time here, please welcome me with love. 😊😊
Staying away from home comes with a lot, including being unable to eat the things we usually eat back home. In my case, I had not visited home (Calabar, in Cross River State Nigeria) for over 2 years and I had missed out on a lot including eating home meals like Bole and Fish.
Nigeria, especially the southern areas like Rivers States, and the Niger Delta, is the origin of the well-known street food bolé and fish. It is made with grilled fish paired with roasted plantains, or "bole" as they are called.
Here is some additional information about this meal:
Bolé, or roasted plantains, are bigger, starchier bananas that are barbecued over a burning flame or a charcoal grill till the outside is scorched and the inside becomes delicate and delicious. For easier handling, the plantains are frequently pinned on sticks and served hot right off the grill. Also, fresh fish is usually used in Bolé & Fish. While mackerel and tilapia are popular options, other kinds can also be used. Prior to the fish being perfectly grilled, it is marinated with a mixture of spices, which often consists of pepper, salt, garlic, and native ingredients.
It had been a while since I gave myself a treat of mouthwatering and flavour of grilled bole accompanied by carefully spiced fish, even though I have always had a strong love for local street dishes and cuisines. But that all changed when I walked into a food stand while taking a walk around the streets of Calabar.
I was immediately attracted by the display of grilled plantains and fish grilling on the grill. Enticed by the aroma all over the space and the loud banter of customers waiting for their orders, my taste buds moved with excitement, I walked to the front of the queue without hesitation because I was famished and hadn't eaten all day.
I was unable to prevent a feeling of a rush of thrill after I placed my order—a feeling that brought back all the times I had enjoyed food just like this. But this specific event was unique with a mix of nostalgia and a fresh understanding of life's basic joys.
I received my order, bit into a big portion of grilled fish, and tasted the first bite of smoky, roasted plantains. This meal is so delicious that if you ordered for a plate, you definitely would want to go for another, and another, until your bank account reads RED ( I am only joking, I was just empasising for you to understand how delicious the meal is). 🤣
However, it was the lively environment, the friendly conversation with other street food lovers, and the general feeling of togetherness that made the whole experience genuinely unforgettable rather than just the food. I experienced a deep sense of connection and belonging in that instant.
So let's toast to all the street food vendors that give their best every day to make our lives a little bit happier by working their magic. And here is to the easy yet great happiness that comes from sharing a wonderful meal with loved ones, no matter where life takes us.
Tell me, are you a street food lover? When last did you have one?