Canaan Restaurant

Canaan Restaurant is a solid choice if you're looking for genuine Nigerian cuisine in Camberwell without the tourist trap markups. The menu is straightforward—choose your starch (pounded yam, semovita, garri, or rice) and your protein (goat, beef, tripe, cow leg, or fish), then pick from a selection of rich stews. The pounded yam experience is particularly fun; you're even offered the chance to eat with your hands if you're feeling adventurous, complete with a bowl of water to wash up with.

The portions are generous and prices are very reasonable, with mains ranging from £6-10. We had the palm wine (non-alcoholic but interesting) and fruit juice jugs, which were great value. The atmosphere is unpretentious and friendly, with a projection screen playing music videos in the background. It's not fancy, but that's part of the charm—you come here for the food and the authentic experience, not the decor.

If you're new to Nigerian food, this is a great place to start. The staff are patient and happy to explain dishes. Vegetarians can get by with yam pottage or beans with plantain, though the menu isn't heavily vegetarian-focused. It's a neighborhood spot that feels like it's been serving the local community for years, and that kind of consistency is hard to beat.