Sandy’s African Food Hub
169-171 Spencer Road, Derry, BT47 6AH
Phone: 028 7116 4424
Change can be tough. I usually stick to what I know. But sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Sandy’s African Food Hub.
Initially, I had never heard of this place, even though it’s been in Derry for a while. Recently, it moved to a more visible location on Spencer Road, where its colorful signage attracts attention.
A friend recommended I try the jollof rice and chicken. I made my reservation for a Friday night, but a storm kept me from dining in. No worries, I opted for a takeaway instead.
Since I know little about Nigerian cuisine, I reached out for advice. Sandy’s menu features many unfamiliar dishes: Moi Moi, Puff Puff, Suya—the names intrigued me, but I had no idea what to order. Thankfully, Sandy was there to help.
Sandy, who has lived in Derry for 13 years, owns the restaurant and works as a senior nursing assistant. When I visited in the afternoon, the restaurant was quiet, but its vibrant decor suggested a lively atmosphere.
After chatting with Sandy, I decided on the jollof rice and chicken, plus she suggested trying egusi soup with garri and plantain. This would give me a taste of Nigerian flavors without going too far out of my comfort zone.
When my family saw my food delivery, they were curious but skeptical about trying something unfamiliar. They opted for pizza, but to my surprise, they joined me in sampling my dishes.
First up was the egusi soup. It was more of a hearty stew filled with seeds, greens, and hot peppers. While it looked vibrant, the texture wasn’t for me. The garri, made from ground cassava, had little flavor and didn’t appeal to my taste buds either.
However, the jollof rice and chicken were a complete delight! The chicken was juicy, served over a bed of richly flavored rice. The portion could easily serve two. The plantain was another highlight—sweet but less so than a banana, and it paired nicely with the rice and chicken.
Even though the egusi and garri weren’t my favorites, I found the experience rewarding. Discovering new flavors is exciting, and I’m eager to return to Sandy’s for a second try.
Keep in mind, the full menu isn’t available on Just Eat. If you want the complete selection, visit the website (sandysafrican.com) and call Sandy for recommendations.
The Bill
- Jollof rice and chicken: £12.99
- Egusi soup and garri: £12.99
- Plantain: £3.50
- Nigerian Fanta: £3.00
- Total: £32.48
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