Our origin story.

My family is from Gombe in the Northeast region of Nigeria. Northern Nigeria is the birth place of Suya or tsire, the most popular and loved street food made out of grilled meat slathered in Yaji spice blend, a mix of peppers, warm spices and peanuts.

In the past few decades living in America, I’ve always craved the flavors of suya and struggled to find an authentic suya restaurant that transported me back to the maisuyas (Hausa grill masters) home in Northern Nigeria.

This inspired me to start making suya and other authentic Northern Nigerians recipes such as ‘masa’ (fluffy rice pancakes) and ‘small chops’ (appetizers) and other staples such as Meatpies and sharing them with friends.

Shaana means food in my mother tongue, Tangale, and Shaana Suya - Chicago hopes to provide you with delicious flavors from my heritage!

Jen (founder/CEO)