Foods I Didn't Like When I First Came to Lagos

I came to Lagos in 2003, at a very young age. In fact, I was still in my early teens. I was so naive because I had just come from the village, and it was my very first time stepping out of my village and experiencing life in a big city.

Everything and everyone seemed foreign to me. Lagos was an entirely different world, and adjusting to the new environment wasn't easy.

I used to hide whenever I saw unfamiliar faces. Most times, I preferred staying indoors because I didn't want people staring at me or trying to talk to me. The funny thing was that I didn't understand English properly at the time, so whenever someone spoke to me, I often felt uncomfortable because I didn't know how to respond.

Apart from adjusting to the city, there were also certain foods I couldn't understand how people enjoyed eating. Two of them stood out.

1. Cucumber

I absolutely hated the sight of cucumber!

I couldn't understand why human beings would willingly eat something that looked like a raw gourd and call it fruit. To me, it was simply strange.

I remember the first time my sister-in-law offered me some cucumber. Interestingly, the way she was munching on it made me think it must be something incredibly delicious. She seemed to be enjoying every bite, so I decided to give it a try.

But the moment I put a piece in my mouth, I spat it out immediately!

That was my first and last attempt at eating cucumber. At least, that was what I thought at the time.

Fast-forward to over twenty years later, and guess what? I have become a big fan of cucumber. I actually enjoy eating it now!

Sometimes, I wonder what exactly I found so offensive about it back then.

2. Egg Roll

Another food I didn't particularly like was egg roll.

For me, it was simply too big and tasteless. I couldn't understand what people found interesting about it.

I had a cousin who was particularly fond of buying snacks whenever he returned home from work. Most times, it was either watermelon or my much-disliked egg roll.

Whenever he bought some and I was given my portion, I had my own special way of eating it. I would carefully peel off the outer skin and give it to anyone interested, then gently eat the egg inside.

I wasn't interested in the outer part at all!

Looking back, I find that behaviour quite funny because egg roll has now become one of my favourite snacks.

Apparently, becoming a full-fledged Lagosian came with some changes in my taste buds!

Funny How Things Change

When I think about those early years in Lagos, I can't help but laugh at some of my experiences. Everything was new to me, from the environment and language to the food people enjoyed eating.

Today, there are things I once considered strange that I now enjoy without giving them a second thought.

It makes me realise that sometimes, our preferences are shaped by familiarity and exposure. What we dislike today might become something we genuinely enjoy tomorrow.

Growing up and experiencing different environments can change so many things about us, including our taste in food.

And honestly, I wouldn't mind knowing what other foods I might have rejected back then but would happily eat today.

What about you?

Have you ever disliked a particular food when you were younger, only to become a lover of that same food as an adult? I'd love to hear your experience!