Indulge in Suya Spot : Canada’s No.1 African BBQ

BY HRISHIKESH DAS GUPTA

Mike Marfo, owner of the Suya Spot, Scarborough location was a big fan of fast food since childhood. His mother observed his desire for processed foods and began to prepare all his favorite foods at home one day with the African flavors. The delicious cuisine gave him a feeling of well-being and well-directed him into homemade comfort foods. Since then, Mike was interested in introducing African flavors to the community. He started the Suya Spot, Scarborough location in 2016 with the help of his crew and the founder of Suya Spot, Taiwo Ajala. Commonly known as Canada’s number one African BBQ, Suya Spot’s first location was in North York and currently, it has four locations across Canada. Suya, a meat skewer, is marinated for 24 hours in a rub called Tankora. Then the meat is grilled over an open flame, chopped into thin strips and served with jollof rice and salad.

Initially, Mike found food lovers were not familiar with the authenticity of African cuisine. The community assumed the foods would all be deep fried, highly spiced and no nutritional value. Mike explained to all his team members about the history of African local dishes and their nutritional values. Therefore, all employees needed to explain to the customers that the foods are more flavorful than spicy. Suya Spot always marinates the dishes with seasonings and slowly cooks them, so the customers taste the difference of African BBQ. The motto of Suya Spot is to take customers to the streets of Africa where local vendors are selling suya with fried plantain and yam in their small food kiosk. The hard work and dedication of Mike and the team truly paid off during the 2020 pandemic. They saw the spirit of togetherness from the neighborhood. All loyal customers were ordering food from them online regularly and recommending their services to others. Mike also provided nutritious meals to frontline healthcare workers, social services staff, and Torontonians facing food insecurity.

“This restaurant is clearly one of the best restaurants in the region. Every time I come to this place I am incredibly satisfied. They keep their high standard service and the highest level of dishes they give. You definitely will enjoy this restaurant. Highly recommended.” William Lowry, customer of Suya Spot, Scarborough

Suya Spot believes in consistent quality and flavor and showcases new items on their menu so customers don’t get bored. The assorted meat suya with the fried yams and puff puff (deep-fried dough) has an amazing flavor. The pepper sauce is super spicy, but you will be obsessed with it. They also have the special Ghanaian Kenkey shake which is a popular gluten-free probiotic drink with fermented and steamed corn dumplings.

“I was a fan of Suya Spot meals and recently I reconnected with my best friend there. We both arrived to pick food and were surprised to learn we live in the same city but have not seen each other for ages. Thanks to Suya Spot for bringing us together. Now we named it as our reunion spot”  Unknown