La Mango

2 Adekunle Fajuyi Street, Ikeja GRA | Instagram | 0807 300 7281

It’s very interesting how shawarma, in theory, is such a simple idea, yet not at all easy to perfect. Grill spots keep popping up in Lagos every day, everyone thinking they can deliver the perfect shawarma, but very few actually do. 

One of those joints is La Mango. Although the standard seems to have fallen at the restaurant itself over the years, the adjoined shawarma spot is still standing strong. At 7pm on any day of the week, you’re lucky if you’re able to find a decent parking space. 

The man in charge of making this epicness is Moses. He’s been there for the last few years, serving up the literal best shawarma I’ve ever tasted. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Lekki joint charging N2,500 for some basic flatbread and vibes — no, no, this is the real deal. 

The options at La Mango are what you’d typically find — chicken, beef, a mix of both (with or without sausages, which is an entirely separate conversation for another post 🥴), with a side of fries, drinks and a handful of other things. 

It’s straight to the point and no-frills, but this ish is *GOOD*. The meat in their shawarma is the highlight for me — expertly seasoned and slaps every time. The vegetables are still crunchy, there are no unnecessary additions like sweet corn (???) and the house sauce is yum. (Actually, my husband isn’t a veggie person at all, so Moses cuts out all of that and makes a Big Boy meaty shawarma for him for a little extra cost.) At N1200 - N1500, I consider it fully worth it.

If you’re craving a side of fries, absolutely go for it. They’re nicely salty and flavourful, although I’d advise you to eat them ASAP because they get soggy quite quickly. 

The next best shawarma I’ve had to this one is Farmcity’s in Lekki — which I’d also recommend — but if you’re on the Mainland and looking for good shawarma, La Mango is king (y’know, or queen 👀).