What started as a craving for smoky jollof rice has turned into a thriving food business in the United Kingdom.
In 2019, Azeez Olayide and his business partner, driven by their love for Nigerian cuisine, left their jobs to launch “2 Nigerian Boys” at London’s Spitalfields Market.
The bold move was inspired by their desire to share authentic Nigerian flavours with a broader audience.
Their first day was nothing short of magical—they sold out in just 30 minutes, leaving them amazed and confident they were onto something big. “We looked at each other and said, ‘We need to quit our jobs and start selling Nigerian food,’” Olayide revealed.
The business has a unique lunchtime concept, running from 12 PM to 2 PM, and the food is cooked on-site to tantalize passers-by with its aroma.
Surprisingly, 90% of their customers are non-Africans who rave about the delicious dishes, especially the beef.
With growing popularity, they recently opened a branch in Bristol, responding to high demand.
Olayide credits their success to his mysterious partner, whom he calls a “magician” for creating unforgettable jollof rice that keeps customers coming back.
From cravings to culinary success, “2 Nigerian Boys” is proving that jollof rice has no borders.
