Is EJ Fast Food Ughelli Worth the Hype?
By Tega Achojah
If you’ve ever driven along the Warri-Patani Road in Ughelli, chances are you’ve seen E.J Fast Food. It’s not one of those places you pass without noticing. The bold signage and constant buzz of people coming in and out make it clear that this spot is a favorite for many. As someone who loves good food and enjoys the occasional treat, I decided to stop by recently and give it a proper review. Here’s my honest take.
First Impressions
Let me start by saying this: E.J Fast Food knows how to position itself. The location on Warri-Patani Road is prime. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a quick bite or a local resident craving comfort food, it’s too convenient not to consider. The exterior is clean and inviting, but nothing too fancy. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard to impress you with aesthetics but focuses more on functionality.
When I walked in, I was greeted with that familiar Nigerian fast-food vibe—bright lights, a counter lined with staff in uniforms, and the faint aroma of fried chicken and freshly baked pizza. The place was moderately busy, which I took as a good sign. Nigerians love good food, and if people are coming, there must be a reason. But as they say, “na the food go talk.”
The Menu and Ordering Experience
The menu at E.J Fast Food is straightforward, which I appreciate. Sometimes, too many options can be overwhelming, and you end up spending more time deciding than eating. Here, they focus on what they do best: pizza, shawarma, fried rice, jollof rice, chicken, and other Nigerian staples. Their pizza, in particular, seems to be the star of the show.
I opted for their chicken pizza, a plate of jollof rice with grilled chicken, and a small portion of their peppered snail because, why not? Life is too short not to enjoy good snails. Ordering was relatively smooth, but I did notice that the staff seemed a little overwhelmed. It’s not that they were rude or unhelpful—far from it. But you could tell they were juggling a lot at once. Maybe it was just a busy day.
One thing worth mentioning: the prices are fair. Not cheap, but not outrageously expensive either. For the quality and quantity, I’d say it’s reasonable.
The Food
This is where it gets real because, let’s be honest, food is why you’re here.
The Pizza: I wasn’t expecting much, to be honest. In Nigeria, pizza can be hit or miss, depending on where you go. But E.J Fast Food surprised me. The chicken pizza was loaded with toppings—generous chunks of grilled chicken, onions, green peppers, and a good amount of cheese. The crust was soft but had just enough crunch, and the flavor? Solid. It’s not Domino’s or Debonairs, but for a local spot in Ughelli, it holds its own.
Jollof Rice and Chicken: Ah, jollof rice. The pride of Nigerian cuisine. E.J Fast Food’s version had that classic smoky flavor we call “party jollof.” It wasn’t too spicy, which I think makes it a safe choice for a variety of palates. The grilled chicken was well-seasoned, juicy, and had that slightly charred taste that makes it feel like home cooking.
Peppered Snail: This was the highlight for me. If you know snails, you know they’re tricky to get right. Overcooked snails are rubbery and tough; undercooked snails are just weird. But E.J Fast Food nailed it. The snails were tender, spicy, and coated in a rich pepper sauce that had me licking my fingers. This one gets a 10/10 from me.
The Ambience
Here’s the thing: don’t come to E.J Fast Food expecting a fine dining experience. This is a fast-food spot, plain and simple. The seating area is functional but nothing special. Plastic chairs, clean tables, and air conditioning that works well enough to keep you comfortable. It’s more of a “come, eat, and go” kind of place.
That said, the atmosphere is lively. You’ll see families, groups of friends, and even the occasional solo diner like me. There’s something communal about it, like everyone’s there for the same purpose—to enjoy good food without breaking the bank.
What Could Be Better?
No place is perfect, and E.J Fast Food is no exception.
Service Speed: While the staff was polite and hardworking, the wait time for food could use some improvement. I waited about 25 minutes for my order, which felt a bit long for a fast-food joint.
Noise Levels: Depending on when you visit, the place can get quite noisy. Between the chatter of customers and the background music, it’s not the most serene environment. But then again, this is Nigeria. Noise is part of the vibe.
Variety for Drinks: The drink options were pretty basic—sodas, bottled water, and a few juices. I was hoping for something more local, like zobo or kunu. Adding those to the menu could be a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
E.J Fast Food is not perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. What it offers is good, honest food at a reasonable price. It’s the kind of place you go to when you’re craving something familiar and satisfying. For me, the peppered snail alone is reason enough to return.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you’re in Ughelli or just passing through, it’s worth a stop. It’s not the fanciest spot, and it’s not trying to be. It’s just a good, reliable place to grab a bite, and sometimes, that’s all you need.
So, next time you’re in Ughelli, maybe you can give E.J Fast Food a try? Perhaps, just like me, you might just find your new favorite spot.
What about you? Have you been there before? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s talk about it!