Visiting restaurants and cafes was something I made a point of doing during my time in Bayelsa. I had a long list of restaurants I wanted to try, and Amala Gateway Restaurant was at the top.
This was not a recommendation because I already had it saved on my Google Map, but as I was mentioning other restaurants off the top of my head, my sister, who has lived here for over five years, mentioned Amala Gateway Restaurant, which assured me that it was a good choice.
In this post, I will discuss my visit to Amala Gateway and my thoughts on their food.
Where is Amala Gateway Located?
Amala Gateway is located at No. 85, Saptex Road, Yenizue-Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
This location is in town and should be easy to find. If you’re coming from Mbiama Yenagoa, simply ask the Keke drivers to drop you off at Saptex Road. Depending on your strength, you can trek down to the restaurant, but I’ll recommend you enter another Keke. At the time of writing, this costs N50.
Alternatively, if you are coming from Isaac Boro Express, you can also stop by Saptex Road and just walk down to the restaurant.
Amala Gateway Restaurant – What’s the Catch?
Amala Gateway, as the name implies, is one of the best places in Yenagoa to eat Yoruba food. The owner, a Yoruba woman, stated that her mission was to make everyone feel at home, no matter how far away they were from home.
There is also a variety of other foods on the menu, so there is something for everyone.
Apart from the food, which has been the talk of the town, Amala Gateway ticks off some ambiance boxes. I liked how the theme was a mix of retro and modern.
On the right side of the entrance is the picture section, and on the left end is a large wall mirror. If you want to take Instagram-worthy photos, you really have nothing to worry about because these sections of the restaurant will serve as a nice backdrop.
If you want some special treatment, you can stay in the VIP section above. This is where I stayed, and it saved me from that awkward feeling that comes with trying new food in public.
Let’s Talk About the Food Situation
After eating at Amala Gateway, I thought I’d ruined my first shot at Yoruba cuisine by ordering a food combo that didn’t seem to go together. I ordered Amala and Efo Riro. The restaurant offered Ewedu, insisting that it would go better. But I was skeptical about it. Besides, I had always wanted to try Efo Riro, so, I went for it.
The Efo Riro came with assorted meat, and I can’t really tell whether the soup was worth the hype because I have never liked vegetable soup that much, and Efo Riro happened to be one. I’m in a situationship with Swallow, and aside from Egusi soup, I will always evaluate my other options.
I’m not very adventurous when it comes to food. I’m usually comfortable with meals that I’m already familiar with. This was my first time trying a Yoruba meal, and I doubt I’d ever try Efo Riro again. This was also the same experience I had with Afang soup.
Verdict
I’ve heard so many good things and read so many positive reviews about the food at Amala Gateway Restaurant that I’m confident that anyone who enjoys Yoruba cuisine would be a better judge of the food I had.
I hope to return and try something new, and of course, a meal I am familiar with. And only then will I be able to join the conversation about the food at Amala Gateway Restaurant with my full chest.
I love Amala and Ewedu (without gbegiri), so I’m sure this is a place I would love to check out if I visit Bayelsa. Good on you for trying out new foods too! All part of a wholesome travel experience!
Left a comment earlier but not sure it went through. Trying again 🙂
It seems your initial comment didn’t come through, so sorry about that. And thanks for making a new one.?
I got this same opinion when I asked my friends which soup I should go for. Didn’t know what it was with the gbegiri, though. Haha. But I’m not entirely ruling it out until I have a taste.
Happy to hear that this is a place you’d love to check out whenever you visit Bayelsa. Can’t wait to hear all about your experience!?
[…] If you enjoy Yoruba meals, you should definitely stop by Amala Gateway to satisfy your taste buds. They serve Yoruba soups as well as other traditional Nigerian dishes such as Afang Soup and Fisherman’s Soup. I went to the restaurant and had Efo Riro for the very first time. You can read all about it in this post. […]